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Olympus Stylus XZ-2 iHS Digital Camera Review

The XZ-2 is a solid upgrade to the beloved XZ-1, but it falls behind in terms of image quality.

Gallery
Sample Photos
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Usability

In many ways, the XZ-2 provides a Micro Four Thirds user experience in a fixed-lens body. The menu systems and touch interface are all but exactly alike, and the body shape is more like a PEN than ever. This similarity, of course, comes at a price: it means the camera lacks the immediate ease of use of some competing models, like the Canon G15 or Samsung EX2F. The menu system is deep and at times less than clear, some of the UI's best features are hidden by default, and the handling is a disappointment (though still good). However, advanced amateurs and pros using the XZ-2 as a backup body will certainly appreciate the degree of fine control the camera affords.

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Sections

  1. Introduction
  2. Product Tour
  3. Hardware
  4. Photo Gallery
  5. Image Quality
  6. Sharpness
  7. Color
  8. Noise Reduction
  9. Dynamic Range
  10. Low Light
  11. Distortion
  12. Video
  13. Usability
  14. Ease of Use
  15. Handling
  16. Controls
  17. Speed
  18. Features
  19. Extras
  20. Video Features
  21. Conclusion
Our editors review and recommend products to help you buy the stuff you need. If you make a purchase by clicking one of our links, we may earn a small share of the revenue. Our picks and opinions are independent from any business incentives.
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What's Your Take?

All Comments

On the back, the XZ-2 is nearly identical to the earlier XZ-1... the exception being the articulating touch-sensitive LCD.

There's not really much to see on the left-hand side.

This shot shows off the XZ-2's very decent dynamic range capabilities. The cloudless early morning sky is slightly blown out, but you can still make out the blue amongst the white. The house, tree, and car are actually exposed quite well in this challenging scene. * Shutter: 1/320 * Aperture: f/2.5 * ISO: 100 * Focal: 6mm

The XZ-2's bokeh isn't the prettiest out there, particularly at middle focal lengths, but it's pretty good for a compact camera. Sharpness (and focus accuracy) are also quite good at the center of the frame. * Shutter: 1/640 * Aperture: f/2.3 * ISO: 100 * Focal: 17.4mm

The bokeh is still a little "busy" at full telephoto, but the camera's slightly warm auto white balance actually suits this fall scene rather well, regardless of whether it's accurate or not. * Shutter: 1/500 * Aperture: f/2.5 * ISO: 100 * Focal: 24mm

Rich fall colors come through wonderfully in this shot, and the detail of the individual leaves is quite nice too. You can see some resolution falloff and chromatic aberration toward the corners of the frame, but nicely modulated contrast and color tones make a good general impression. * Shutter: 1/1600 * Aperture: f/1.8 * ISO: 100 * Focal: 6mm

The XZ-2's lens isn't the most flare-resistant on the market, as you can see from this shot—though admittedly this is about as difficult a shot as it'll face. Dynamic range here is good but could still be better. * Shutter: 1/800 * Aperture: f/7.1 * ISO: 100 * Focal: 6mm

Stopped down less, the lens actually shows better flare resistance, though the general makeup of this scene probably helped as well. Once again, the pleasant colors and slightly warm white balance provided by the XZ-2 help to render an evocative mood, and the solid dynamic range keeps the shadows from being lost to blackness. * Shutter: 1/500 * Aperture: f/3.5 * ISO: 100 * Focal: 6mm

Here you can see the degree of focus falloff that a wide-aperture lens provides. The female statue's face is just a few inches behind the male's, but it's clearly out of focus. The bokeh isn't the most attractive in the world, but this is still a good deal better than most compact cameras can do. * Shutter: 1/400 * Aperture: f/2.2 * ISO: 100 * Focal: 14.7mm

Fall foliage provides a good test of any camera's color rendition, and the XZ-2 does quite well with this composition. As ever, the warm automatic white balance helps. Sharpness is good across the frame. * Shutter: 1/500 * Aperture: f/3.5 * ISO: 100 * Focal: 20.7mm

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