Olympus XZ-2 Review – Is it a Quality Camera?

Welcome to Olympus XZ-2 Review – a powerhouse compact camera that combines portability with advanced features, making it a standout choice for photography enthusiasts. While its compact size may deceive, the XZ-2 packs a punch with its impressive image quality and versatility. Addition to its sleek design, the XZ-2 boasts a fast and bright f/1.8-2.5 lens, providing exceptional low-light performance and shallow depth of field for stunning portraits and artistic shots.

However, what truly sets the XZ-2 apart is its extensive customization options and manual controls, catering to both beginners and experienced photographers alike. As much as it excels in manual mode, the XZ-2 also offers convenient features like a touch-sensitive tilting LCD screen, making it easy to capture shots from various angles. After all, versatility is key, and the XZ-2 delivers with its built-in ND filter, allowing for long exposures even in bright conditions. Above all, the XZ-2 prioritizes image quality, thanks to its 12-megapixel sensor and TruePic VI image processor, producing sharp and vibrant images with minimal noise. Whether you’re a street photographer, a traveler, or a hobbyist looking for a compact camera with exceptional performance, the OM System XZ-2 is sure to impress.

Olympus XZ-2 Review

Olympus XZ-2 Review

Olympus XZ-2 Review

BrandOlympus
Model NameXZ 2
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution12 MP
Photo Sensor Size1/1.7-inch
Image StabilizationDigital
Max Shutter Speed30 seconds
Min Shutter Speed60~1/2000秒、バルブ撮影:最大16分
Form FactorCompact
Effective Still Resolution12 MP
Special FeatureWaterproof
Best Place To Buy Buy On Amazon
  • Design and Build Quality: The XZ-2 boasts a sleek and compact design, making it highly portable. Its build quality feels solid and durable, with a metal body that provides a premium feel.
  • Lens: One of the standout features of the XZ-2 is its fast and bright lens, offering an aperture range of f/1.8-2.5. This allows for excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field, ideal for capturing stunning portraits and artistic shots.
  • Image Quality: Despite its small size, the XZ-2 delivers impressive image quality. The 12-megapixel sensor paired with the TruePic VI image processor produces sharp, detailed images with vibrant colors and minimal noise.
  • Manual Controls: The XZ-2 offers extensive manual controls, catering to both beginners and experienced photographers. It features customizable dials and buttons, allowing users to adjust settings quickly and precisely.
  • LCD Screen: The XZ-2 comes with a touch-sensitive tilting LCD screen, making it easy to capture shots from various angles, including high and low angles. The screen is bright and clear, making it easy to compose and review images.
  • Built-in ND Filter: Another notable feature of the XZ-2 is its built-in ND filter, which allows for long exposures even in bright conditions. This is particularly useful for photographers who enjoy capturing motion blur or silky water effects.
  • Performance: The XZ-2 performs admirably in various shooting conditions. Its autofocus system is fast and accurate, ensuring sharp focus even in challenging situations.
  • Price Point: The best price which you can get the Olympus XZ-2 on Amazon

Olympus XZ-2 Pros and Cons

Olympus XZ-2 Review

Olympus XZ-2 Review

Pros:

  • Fast and Bright Lens: The XZ-2 features a fast f/1.8-2.5 lens, providing excellent low-light performance and shallow depth of field for creative photography.
  • Image Quality: With a 12-megapixel sensor and TruePic VI image processor, the XZ-2 produces sharp, detailed images with vibrant colors and minimal noise.
  • Manual Controls: Extensive manual controls, including customizable dials and buttons, cater to both beginners and experienced photographers, allowing for precise adjustments.
  • Tilting LCD Screen: The touch-sensitive tilting LCD screen makes it easy to capture shots from various angles, enhancing creativity in composition.
  • Built-in ND Filter: The built-in ND filter enables long exposures in bright conditions, useful for capturing motion blur or silky water effects.
  • Performance: Fast and accurate autofocus ensures sharp focus in various shooting situations, contributing to overall image quality.

Cons:

  • Lack of Built-in Wi-Fi: The XZ-2 does not have built-in Wi-Fi or NFC for wireless connectivity, limiting options for instant image sharing and remote control.
  • No 4K Video Recording: While capable of recording Full HD video, the XZ-2 lacks 4K video recording capability, which may be a downside for users seeking higher resolution video footage.
  • Limited Battery Life: The XZ-2’s battery life may be considered relatively short, especially with continuous use, requiring users to carry spare batteries for extended shooting sessions.
  • Price: Compared to some competitors, the XZ-2 may be perceived as relatively expensive, considering its feature set and specifications.

Who is Olympus XZ-2 Best For?

Olympus XZ-2 Review

Olympus XZ-2 Review

  • Enthusiasts: With its extensive manual controls and customizable settings, the XZ-2 appeals to photography enthusiasts who enjoy having creative control over their shots.
  • Travelers: Its compact design makes it an ideal companion for travelers who want to capture high-quality images without the bulk of a larger camera. The XZ-2’s versatility ensures it can handle a variety of shooting situations encountered during travel.
  • Creative Photographers: The fast and bright lens of the XZ-2 allows creative photographers to experiment with shallow depth of field and excel in low-light conditions, enabling them to capture artistic and unique images.
  • Street Photographers: Street photographers will appreciate the XZ-2’s discreet size and quick autofocus, allowing them to capture candid moments with ease while navigating urban environments.
  • Vloggers and Content Creators: While lacking 4K video recording, the XZ-2 still offers Full HD video capability, making it suitable for vloggers and content creators who prioritize portability and high-quality video recording.

Final Verdict – Is Olympus XZ-2 worth Purchasing?

Olympus XZ-2 Review

While the Olympus XZ-2 lacks certain features like built-in Wi-Fi and 4K video recording, its extensive manual controls, excellent image quality, and compact design make it worth purchasing. Addition to its fast lens and customizable settings, its portability makes it a versatile choice for enthusiasts and travelers. Above all, its performance and image quality justify its value, making it a solid investment for those seeking a compact camera with advanced capabilities.

Thank you for reading my Olympus XZ-2 Review, I hope it was helpful!

Brand Olympus
Model NameXZ 2
Maximum Webcam Image Resolution12 MP
Photo Sensor Size1/1.7-inch
Image StabilizationDigital
Max Shutter Speed30 seconds
Min Shutter Speed60~1/2000秒、バルブ撮影:最大16分
Form FactorCompact
Effective Still Resolution12 MP
Special FeatureWaterproof
Best Place To Buy Buy On Amazon

Leave a Comment