The new Olympus XZ-1 features the brightest lens of any digital compact cameras. Is it truly the answer to photographers’ dream of a high performance compact? Read on to discover the real-life performance of the Olympus XZ-1! The 10 megapixel CCD can capture a maximum image size of 3648×2736 pixels, sufficient to make a 31×23cm print. Movies come in at second best with a resolution of 1280×720 pixels, operable via the dedicated red button at the rear. I found the stabiliser to be very effective, greatly helping to make smooth handheld shooting, even with the zoom in play.

Most control of the XZ-1's setting is conducted via the function menu, accessed by pressing the 'OK' button. This lists 12 of the most frequently changed settings, split over two pages. Most of the really key settings (ISO, White Balance, Picture Mode and Image Size/Quality) are on the first page. The menu returns to the last-used setting, so if you're trying to fine-tune flash output, you don't have to scroll up and down to find it.
The Olympus XZ-1 is powered by a proprietary lithium-ion battery, which can be charged in-camera via USB. You need to connect the USB cable either to a computer running Windows 7, Vista or XP; or to the supplied USB-AC adapter, which must, in turn, be plugged into a mains socket using a mains cable. So unless you want to charge the battery via a Windows computer, you will need two cables, an adapter, and the camera itself. Olympus does offer a conventional external charger as well, but only as an optional accessory. Olympus XZ-1 Price is around $500, just find the best deal for this compact digital camera

There will be some people who will reject the Olympus XZ-1 for not having an optical viewfinder but many will gladly forego the costs (both financial and in terms of size) that such an addition would bring. Unlike the Canon G12 or the less-impressive Nikon P7000, the Olympus XZ-1 is comparatively pocketable, and, in line with the axiom that 'the best camera is the one you have with you,' that's invaluable.