Viewfinder, LCD, Live View and Video
Measuring 3in from corner to corner, the LCD screen of the Olympus XZ-1 is a good size, with a 610,000-dot resolution. Although not as a highly specified as a DSLR screen, it is quite impressive for a compact camera.
One thing that will appeal to many photographers is the option to use an EVF with the XZ-1. The Olympus VF-2 slides on to the camera’s hotshoe and plugs neatly into the accessory port, which sits just below. This is the same EVF that can be used in the Pen range of cameras and has a 1.44-million-dot equivalent resolution.
I found it a nice addition to the camera and used it on numerous occasions. However, while it isn’t bad it could be improved, and the newer EVF models featured with the likes of Panasonic’s G-series cameras are better. Costing £219, it is an expensive accessory but it is great if you already own it for an Olympus micro four thirds model.
Those who record video on their travels will be pleased to see that HD video capture is possible with the XZ-1. The camera records at 1280×720-pixel resolution at 30fps, with a maximum recording time of
7mins. Sound is recorded in mono, but the accessory port of the XZ-1 allows the Olympus SEMA-1 stereo microphone and adapter (£99.99) to be used.
Olympus XZ-1 Viewfinder, LCD, Live View and Video: Score – 8/10
