Olympus Japan just announced the new XZ-1 will start shipment on February 18. But according to Adorama and Amazon UK the camera will be available in March only!
Olympus XZ-1 direct shop links: Amazon US, Adorama, BHphoto, Amazon DE, Amazon UK, Amazon FR
19 Responses
Seems like a really excellent camera but it’s a little pricey when you consider that you could get an EPL2 with a lens for only $100 more.
You’re right.
I could see getting an XZ-1 as a second camera, but given the minor price difference and the ability to share lenses, the EPL2 seems the better deal over all.
Still, I’d like to handle them both first. But I must say, I wasn’t thrilled by the EPL1… except for the EVF!
The way I see it the XZ-1 does not answer the same need as my m43 kit: it is small enough to carry around at all times, something I would not be very motivated to do with an m43 body with an equivalent lens (neither does one exist at the moment).
I was thinking about getting an X100 as a second body but the XZ-1 seems like a better choice in this respect.
I had the same thought the moment I saw it’s price 🙂
That pre-avail list price. It will drop lower 1 month after release.
It will have to, to compete with S95 and LX5
True, u can get the epl2 for 100 more, but how much more do u have to pay to get f1.8 and 4x zoom? Besides, 500 is the launch price same as the LX5.
But what does f/1.8 really get you? Given the small sensor, the EPL2 is likely to be around 2 stops better ISO than the XZ-1. The XZ-1’s fast lens just gets it into a reasonable low-light performer not a great one.
I think the real benefit with this camera is pocketability with a zoom lens (as opposed to an EPL1 w/pancake prime)
edit: maybe that’s what you meant with your post. Reasonable low light with zoom (now that I’ve read your post again).
How low will it go?
£400 for a compact camera is jaw-dropping, even considering the usual UK markup/ripoff
Here in Spain we should be a lucky ones because the XZ-1 in almost one shop is 375€, 10€ more expensive than S95 but 45€ cheaper than LX5. I paid these 375€ but now I have to wait until end february – first march to get it. I think this price don’t will drop much more but the others shops with higer prices should be.
it is already on sale in Singapore for SGD$699 inc. tax
which basically means.. based on today’s rate:
– 546 USD
– 398 Euro
– 343 Pounds
This is pretty nice with that fast lens, hard to match using a m43 until the “pro” stuff starts coming, which will be larger. I’d love one of these with the clip-on viewfinder. Looks perfect for a coat pocket.
true this is an expensive camera … especially when you consider the expected EPL2 body price – but what value is the true jacket pocketability?
I had this issue when I had the Canon G10 … I really struggled with the idea of spending appoximately XZ1 price on a COMPACT!! bit I used that camera a lot, i shot more frames on it than I have on my pen in the same timescale. it was the portability that won it over for me.
the XZ1 sharing some PEN accessories is a real bonus and a very clever move for Oly … price wise the XZ1 is around LX5 or G12 price … its the same class of camera. yep you can het a Canon 1000D + 50/1.8 for less, but that won’t be a camera that you can take everywhere!
Olympus NL released a small batch today:
tweakers.mobi/nieuws/72286
Price of €459 at a number of selected stores. Normal shipment from Feb 28
Disappointed that we have to wait till mid-late February. not sure why that is when it seems to be shipping to some places in Europe. I do appreciate all the info that is posted by those lucky people that have been able to get one of these gems.
No AEL/AFL button option, and no customizable button option to make that happen – DEAL BREAKERS.
I won’t be buying it. And I was so wanting this camera too, when I heard about it.
XZ-1 has been already sold in Taiwan. People have received their XZ-1 and share the photos on website. You guys can check the link if interesting.
http://www.mobile01.com/topiclist.php?f=541
http://www.mobile01.com/topicdetail.php?f=249&t=1982465&last=25539046
hang on a minute … in Av mode the dial around the lens is for e aperture and the REAR dial is exp compensation! So for those dissing this camera for having no AEL button this is a more than suitable alternative way of working, and you have the preview photo on your live view screen – cool
I can see that for anyone who already has one of the PENs with the VF2 this must be a really tempting compact to grab
that said I still hate the idea of the vf2 and would rather see it built in like the Samsung … but if you are into clip on things