After XZ-1 XZ 2 and the "final" Compact?

A brief history of my Stylus 1: about two years ago, Olympus came with his first high-intensity "precious compacts" XZ-1, in addition to brilliant technical data (1.8-2.5 / 28-112mm, "large" sensor 1 / 1.7 inch, diverse manual controls) brought a particular advantage adaptable EVFs, the VF-2 PEN series with it. For me it was like with buying decision, since I prefer to look through the viewfinder and a VF-2 anyway had home. And what can I say, the XZ-1 has accompanied me until today loyal, guarantees still for high image quality (but only at base ISO) and was able to still temporarily at the appearance of the paper clearly superior XZ-2 at a distance hold. Reason then was the relatively high price of the XZ-2 (over 500), but that could not deliver much better results except the unneeded by me touch and flip LCD and an undisputed better ISO performance. So it was then, keep XZ-1 XZ-2 sold again.

Now, with the Stylus 1 finally appeared to me the worthy successor to my old XZ-1 found: OM-D-finder (which is my second camera ;-)), fast aperture 10x zoom, image quality should probably be at least equal XZ-2 level , After initial enthusiasm and joy of me has gone over in the flesh Olympus-operation the first doubts came ... Somehow the effect of the images was not similarly impressive as XZ-1 and then at XZ-2. So I made an XZ-2 concerned and then with the 3 "sisters" row-wise comparison shots with the same attitude and the same focal length in the circle. Ie a maximum of 112mm at the long end. That XZ-2 and stylus 1 while in noise performance are almost on par, the drop in the XZ-1, at the latest ISO 400. BUT BOTH XZS the stylus 1 in point imaging performance of Stlus 1 was to be expected, as in 100% view as would be clearly superior, I had not expected! Somehow I had hoped with this camera on the miracle that has long no longer expected in the system cameras and DSLRs segment. Now, the stylus 1 has certainly a great lens, in the most even further reaching super-zoom bridge cameras (RX10 times excepted), it ensures the best compromise of picture quality, the zoom range, dimensions, intensity and facilities. I would as highly successful merger of Fuji X-S1 oversized (viewfinder, similar sensor quality, image development) and Panasonic's FZ200 (luminous intensity, quality of the optics) with dimensions of a "precious compacts" classify.

Only one thing is unfortunately (for me) is not: A "noble Compact" by the impact of a XZ-2, LX-7, both of which can be retrofitted with EVF. The zoom lens but calls up his tribute in a slightly lower resolution of detail, the "depth" or plasticity of the images does not quite approach the aforementioned compact, a Fuji X20 plays again for themselves in a higher league.

My conclusion, after much deliberation, what I really want or need (more detail and clarity, super telephoto would be nice, if in doubt, however dispensable) and also because I had the VF-2 for the XZ series already, the purchase of a used XZ-2 (230) and returning the stylus 1 for dealers.

In summary the following observations from my perspective: Who wants to use the extended zoom range, looking even really compact camera (the SONY RX10 plays size- and weight and price terms already in the Systemkamera- and DSLR-League) plus an excellent EVF appreciates, will surely get the best available overall package with the Stylus 1. In the best sense it's price worth whom this is still too expensive, the Panasonic FZ200 should ansehehen that deeper still offers a price range a pretty good EVF and even more zoom range with a continuous light intensity 2.8. Only, really they are no longer compact then.

Who but a replacement or even an increase of the current compacts from shock X20, XZ-2 or LX-7 hopes, needs to know that they can afford because of their less detailed imaging lens NOT. My decision would, however, without the VF-2 contained already in possession probably have been different because the viewfinder of the Stylus 1 tops the already quite old VF-2 in all respects and the additional purchase of a VF-2 offers excellent value for money of would XZ-2 is tilted in favor of the stylus 1.

Long review, brief conclusion: At the Stylus 1 medium I'll probably come hardly over, but not now, at this price, and certainly not as a replacement of my more intense and sharper XZ-2.