Olympus STYLUS XZ-2 Pro Reviews

The Olympus Stylus XZ-2 iHS is proof that even if digital camera technology keeps moving forward, a good design and excellent lens still hold up over time. However, that doesn't mean you shouldn't look for a good deal, especially in a crowded market.

Overall, the Olympus XZ-2 is fun to use and lightning fast, with negligible shutter lag and almost-instant and accurate autofocus. It's packed with a ton of advanced photographic features and functionality, ranging from full PASM shooting control to RAW file capture to an excellent Macro mode. Its movie features are limited, but the compact does capture Full 1080p HD video at 30p. Our only major disappointment with the XZ-2 is that image quality (and print quality) falls off as ISO rises, with noticeable detail loss at ISO 800 and above, and significant noise and smudging at ISO 3200 and up. It's also pricier than many other enthusiast-level compact cameras, and even just as expensive as some entry-level DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. Still, the Olympus XZ-2 should please many serious photographers looking for a compact, everyday backup for their bulkier interchangeable-lens systems -- especially those who demand a bright lens, fast-and-easy operation and a full set of enthusiast features.

The Stylus XZ-2 provides a great balance between advanced control, capable handling, and ease of use that few of its competitors have achieved with equal success. In part, this is due to the way that they've cleverly limited the influence of the touch-screen, confining it to a couple of key roles in advanced modes - focus and shooting - and using it to help novices get make the most of the camera's capabilities in Intelligent Auto mode. Olympus clearly thinks enthusiasts hate touch screens, or are at least sceptical, and novices love them. If they're right about that, the XZ-2 is a win-win as far as the touch-screen is concerned. Its fast f1.8-2.5 zoom lens may no longer be the brightest on a compact, having lost that title to the Lumix LX-7, but it's still up there among the best. It needs to be, given the new CMOS sensor's lacklustre results at higher ISO sensitivities - one of the most disappointing aspects of the XZ-2's performance. Other areas that have improved over its predecessor, but nonetheless could be further enhanced are continuous shooting and video recording. But let's not overlook the positives, which include impressively quick and accurate AF, a versatile flip-up screen, multi-mode lens ring control, built-in ND filter, built-in flash with wireless control, and an accessory port comaptible with EVF and external mic accessories. Most of all though, the XZ-2 is about the handling experience rather than the specifications; it's equally well suited to experienced enthusiasts looking to match the control and handling experience of a 'serious' camera as it is to improving novices not yet ready for a system camera or DSLR, either way we're happy to give it a Cameralabs Recommended Award.

Perhaps the biggest threat to the Olympus XZ-2 is not its main premium compact rivals - the Sony Cyber-shot RX100, Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7, Canon PowerShot G1X and Samsung EX2F, for example - but the new breed of compact system cameras, including Olympus' own E-PL5 that we recently reviewed. With the size and the price of the XZ-2 both increasing for 2013, those two boundaries are no longer quite so clear cut. Still, so much choice is definitely a good thing, and the new Olympus XZ-2 makes a great case for a place on your shopping shortlist...

We're big fans of high-end compact cameras, and the XZ-2 really does excel at what it does. We like the style, the images, the available wide aperture settings and that awesome dual-function lens ring. In fact there's not much we don't like. A wider-angle lens would be welcome, as would a smaller body and - here's the likely purchase clincher - a smaller price too. That's the XZ-2's biggest barrier really - it'll cost £479 upon launch, although we're hopeful that will drop to the £420 mark that the XZ-2 black is currently hovering around at.

The Olympus XZ-2 is an impressive upgrade over the original Olympus XZ-1, with addition grip, controls, and features as well as improved menus and image processing borrowed from the latest Olympus PEN cameras. The camera has grown in size, but makes up for this with additional controls and a tilting touch screen, a rarity on serious compact cameras. The addition of the latest Art Filters and effects also borrowed from the Olympus PEN cameras is a welcome addition and the dual function control ring surrounding the lens is a clever feature. The Olympus XZ-2 price is quite high, but value for money is quite good, as the camera has a number of features and expansion options beyond what is available on other serious compacts, and delivers very good to excellent image quality making the XZ-2 worth some very serious consideration, and comes highly recommended.

The Olympus XZ-2 has a bright lens and captures sharp photos, but it's too expensive and photos start to show some noise as you notch up the ISO.

This device presents a collection of abilities that make it a camera worth picking up if you’re a photo enthusiast who wants to get into the big leagues without paying monster amounts of cash for high-quality photo gear. At £479.99 / $599.99 and available in any color just so long as its black, this is just the little beast you’re going to want to toss in your backpack or purse. The touchscreen interface is simple and there when you want it, but you’ve got all the physical buttons and controls you could possibly want or need if you’re not all about the touch. The user interface is simple the understand, adjustments are simple, and the output is great in the end – and best of all, it’s an major name-brand camera so you know they’ll stick with it as far as accessories go – latch on!

All cameras that share a genre with the Stylus XZ-2 are a tough sell. They bridge the gap between stupid-simple point and shoots and MFT or DSLR devices – although they usually come with a hefty price tag. The XZ-2 is most assuredly a niche device, though camera buyers are becoming smarter and more able use them. Eschewing entry-level point-and-shoots for something you know you can’t do with your smartphone isn’t a bad choice. The XZ-2 will certainly please with its performance, as well as challenge users to dive in deeper and learn how to really put it through its paces. It’s undeniably a fun, versatile camera.