My new P&S ?

When I open the two images above in PhotoME it shows the P70 to have used the central focus point but the CX1 is crossed through implying focus wasn't achieved.

Thats very interesting, as I was certain the camera registered focus confirmation.

I will check this out. Thanks for letting me know.

Just checked for focus confirmation. The CX1 doesn't record the AF point markers. I checked various focusing modes to be certain. The P70 does. I do have the latest firmware installed.

I did some more tests this morning and it appears the lens detoriates rapidly at the wide end, but even at mid to long it's still not that great. Even if I apply various sharpening algorithms, I cannot achieve a reasonable result apart from lots of artifacts! I'm pretty certain that it's not up to the mark.

In which case it looks to me like it has a front/back focussing issue; nothing you can do about that other than get it swapped for a good copy. At least you noticed before any return period was up!

My thoughts exactly, but I don't suspect BF or FF, that shouldn't occur with sensor based contrast detect AF, I believe it's just a poor lens. I've already informed them I'm going in on Monday/Tuesday (depends on my wretched cold) with my laptop, so will check out the next one before taking it away!

When I checked comparitive full size sample images from the CX1, GX200 & P70 on a couple of review sites, the CX1 was at least as good as the P70, but the GX200 was better, maybe I ought to get that instead?!

So - should I put the CX1 further down my list of possibles after your experience ?

I think the moral of the story is that *whatever* camera you choose there's always a possibility of it being faulty right out of the box. Hence if you get a chance to test it in the shop do so, if not (and it's not always possible especially if buying over the 'net) then give it a good workout when you receive it and return it asap if it's not right.

Not at all, I'm not! There is no nicer handling P&S than the CX1 by a mile.

It's just that I may be tempted by the GX200 as it has Raw, hotshoe, EVF (if wanted), full manual controls etc., etc!! - But it is 12mm wider and heavier, not to mention another £150!

No product is anywhere near 100% perfect, I've found more poor examples of lenses than good ones, including Pentax! I was just an "idiot" in not checking it in the shop before taking it home, the champagne finish demo unit was top notch.

I'm off to the shop shortly to sort out a good one! Luckily they have a few black ones in stock.

Just returned from the shop and all is now well, images from camera #2 are fine!

I didn't succomb to a GX200, though I must admit to having a slight wobble, but parting with an extra £150 gave me a bigger shudder!

Next task is to sell the Optio 70, at least mine has a cracking good lens, any takers? it's a very nice red one.

Glad to hear the replacement's working well

I've been tempted to trade my GR-D in for a GX200 on a couple of occasions (for the extra lens range flexibility) but then I look at the pictures the GR-D takes and its lovely svelte lines and I really don't want to part with it.