August 1, 2012

Olympus XZ-1, You are Next!

Last Saturday, Mommy and I went to SM to buy the portable sewing machine for her and additional shoe rack. While waiting for the shoe rack, I got a chance to view some of the cameras displayed. I made focus on the bridge cameras (link between compact and DSLR cameras). One that really caught my interest is the new X-series by Olympus, the XZ-1. Furthermore, it comes with a free 8GB memory card, a carrying bag and a tripod. Not bad for a price of only 18+++. Furthermore, according to the salesman, you can already use this one if you are thinking to have photography lessons since it has already with some of the DSLR’s features.
I told Mommy that I like this one and she promised me that we are going to have this after we paid our netbook. The price might be cheaper by that time.
Here are some pics of this camera and some of its overview and features. You may visit Olympus' site  for other information about this camera and their other products.
Olympus XZ-1 (Photo Source)
Overview:
FAST, SUPER BRIGHT F1.8 IZUIKO 4X WIDE LENS - The iZuiko f1.8-2.5 6.0-24mm (28-112mm equivalent angle of view in 35mm cameras) digital lens is a newly-developed 4x compact version of the legendary, high-quality ZUIKO Digital lenses featured with Olympus DSLRs. With a maximum aperture of f1.8 at wide-angle and f2.5 at telephoto, this lens assures fast shutter speeds for sharp low-light images. This aperture range also allows photographers to take portraits that highlight the subject by defocusing the background, a capability not possible in most compact cameras. The lens is specifically designed for clear, high-quality photographic performance with minimal ghosting or flare.
HIGH SENSITIVITY CCD - Compared to existing 1/2.33-inch, 14-megapixel CCDs, the light-reception area of each pixel of the 1/1.63-inch, 10-megapixel CCD featured in the XZ-1 has been doubled. Superb, low-noise images can be shot even in dimly lit situations such as night scenes and indoor shots.
NEW, 3.0-INCH OLED MONITOR - Whether composing still images or HD videos, photographers will appreciate the XZ-1’s sharp 3.0-inch OLED monitor to frame and show off still images and High Definition (HD) movies in detailed 720p. The LCD displays 610,000 dots in vivid color, reproduces colors and shades more accurately with deeper black tones, and consumes less power. The monitor also provides a wide viewing angle ensuring that images can be composed from even the most obscure angles.
ADVANCED MANUAL CONTROLS - The XZ-1 offers advanced manual controls that experienced photographers expect from larger digital SLR cameras. But, with the XZ-1, advanced features are easy to use. A control ring around the front of the lens and the wheel controller on the back provide immediate access to the most important manual settings like ISO, aperture and shutter speed to make it easy to adjust the camera on the move.

FEATURES: 
10 MEGAPIXEL – The 10 million pixels in the high-resolution CCD create superior image quality. Create poster-sized prints without losing a single detail.
LARGE, HIGH-SENSITIVITY CCD – Providing the best image quality ever in a compact Olympus camera, the large 1/1.63-inch CCD enables greater dynamic range and smoother gradations from highlights to shadows.
4X IZUIKO ZOOM LENS – Based on the standards of Olympus DSLR lenses, the wide aperture of the iZuiko f1.8-2.5 allows a rich and vibrant range of photographic expression. It allows faster shutter speeds in low light – and it allows for a shallower depth of field than most compact point-and-shoot cameras.
HD MOVIE 720P – A simple, one-touch button allows you to record movies with amazing clarity in high-definition, right from your camera.
ACCESSORY PORT – The XZ-1 includes a port for accessories including the SEMA-1 Microphone adapter set and the VF-2 live-finder, a detachable electronic viewfinder. The viewfinder easily slides onto the camera's accessory port and hot shoe to provide 1.15x magnification for a 100% field of view. The VF-2 rotates up 90 degrees which is useful when shooting subjects from challenging angles. The external accessory port also allows for connection with the SEMA-1 external microphone adapter set for enhanced audio capture.
IN-CAMERA ART FILTERS – MOVIE AND STILL IMAGES - With six in-camera Art Filters (Pop Art, Soft Focus, Grainy Film, Pin Hole, Diorama and Dramatic Tone) you can explore your artistic side while taking both still shots and HD video. The Art Filters can be applied as you shoot, no additional software required.
DUAL IMAGE STABILIZATION – Dual Image Stabilization combines Sensor-Shift Image Stabilization with high ISO sensitivity and fast shutter speeds to capture crisp, clear images in any situation.
NEW EASY-TO USE-LIVE GUIDE CONTROL – Seeing the results before you shoot can change the way you take a picture. Want more vivid or muted color in your shot? Want warmer or cooler hues? Want a brighter or darker subject, or a sharper or softer background? Or maybe you want to capture the fast-moving action of your subject with a little artistic blur, or perhaps freeze the action? Simply set the camera to iAuto, press OK to engage Live Guide, then press the up and down arrows on the back of the E-PL1 to easily slide through numerous photographic effects. Make adjustments and watch the LCD as the effects are made live -- before the image is captured! Live Guide also features a Tips section on how to compose a shot or shoot kids, pets, flowers and more.
IN-CAMERA PANORAMA  - Captures three images and stitches them together to create one amazing panoramic picture by simply pressing the shutter button and slowly panning across a panoramic scene.
AF LIVE VIEW WITH AF TRACKING – AF Live View works as seamlessly as a point-and-shoot to display subjects, in focus, on the LCD the instant the shutter is pressed half way. AF Tracking locks your subject into focus right on the LCD, and constantly adjusts focus and brightness whether you or your subject is moving. With this mode, a simple push of the AF button and shutter release enables you to keep fast-moving and unpredictable subjects in focus.
ADVANCED FACE DETECTION – Face Detection automatically focuses on your subjects' faces and optimizes exposure for sharp, brilliant portrait pictures.
TRUEPIC V IMAGE PROCESSOR – In addition to more detail, the image sensor, combined with the next-generation TruePic V Image Processor, delivers excellent dynamic range, accurate color fidelity and reduced noise, all the way up to 3200 ISO.
UNDERWATER HOUSING – Th  XZ-1’s compact design makes it the perfect companion for all of your dive trips. The PT-050 underwater case has been customized for the XZ-1 and is waterproof to a depth of 40 meters (approximately 130 feet). With its durable, high-quality polycarbonate construction, this Olympus housing protects the camera from water while also cushioning it from knocks and bumps on land.
I am really excited to have this one since our 5-year old Canon IXUS digicam is already giving some signs that it needs to be replaced. ;-)

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