Olympus XZ-2 iHS Review

Main Features

12MP - 1/1.7" CMOS Sensor

ISO 100 - 12800

28-112 mm F1.8-2.5 Zoom Lens

Sensor-shift Image Stabilization

3" Tilting Screen

Unknown continuous shooting

Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video

346g. 113 x 65 x 48 mm

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Olympus XZ-2 iHS Overview

First introduced in December 2012 , Olympus XZ-2 iHS is a 12.0MP Small Sensor Compact camera with a 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm ) sized CMOS sensor.

Olympus XZ-2 iHS Review - Click for Table of Contents

Overview
Pros and Cons
Sensor and Photography Features
Physical Specs
LCD and Viewfinder
Connectivity, Storage and Battery
Video
Other Features
Lens
Photography Type Scores
Alternatives
Popular Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Detailed Specifications

Olympus XZ-2 iHS has an Overall Score of 61/100 and ranked #7 out of 629 in Compact cameras (Top 10 Compact), and ranked #278 out of 1211 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

Olympus XZ-2 iHS Type Scores

Imaging

Features

Value for Money

Portability

Overall Score

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Olympus XZ-2 iHS Compared to other Compact Cameras

Now let's get in to more details of our Olympus XZ-2 iHS review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

PROs

Image Stabilization

Articulating Screen

External Flash Shoe

Full HD Video

Touch Screen

Electronic (Optional) Optional Viewfinder

RAW Shooting

Face Detection Focusing

12.800 Max ISO

35 Focus Points

920k dots LCD Resolution

Long Battery Life (340 shots)

Manual Focusing

Manual Exposure

External Microphone Port

Fast 1.80 Lens at Wide

Fast 2.50 Lens at Tele

AE Bracketing

Built-in ND Filter

Report a correction

Buy Olympus XZ-2 iHS from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO

CONs

No Wireless Connection

Electronic (Optional) No External Viewfinder Option

Low Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP

Heavy Body: 346

No Environmental Sealing

Poor Low Light image quality

Report a correction

Olympus XZ-2 iHS Sensor and Photography Features

Olympus XZ-2 iHS has a 12.0MP 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm ) sized CMOS sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 3968 x 2976 pixels with aspect ratios of and 4:3. XZ-2 iHS has a native ISO range of 100 - 12800 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Olympus XZ-2 iHS is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 with its 21.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 or take a look at Highest resolution Compact cameras list.

Olympus XZ-2 iHS DxOMark Sensor Scores

DxOMark is a benchmark that scientifically assesses image quality of camera sensors. Olympus XZ-2 iHS sensor has been tested by DxO Mark and got an overall score of 49 for its image quality. You can find the details of their analysis of Olympus XZ-2 iHS here.

Let's look at how the size of the Olympus XZ-2 iHS's 1/1.7" sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

Olympus XZ-2 iHS Physical Specs

Olympus XZ-2 iHS weighs 346 g (0.76 lb / 12.20 oz) and has external dimensions of 113 x 65 x 48 mm (4.45 x 2.56 x 1.89″). Considering that the average weight of Compact type cameras is 188g, Olympus XZ-2 iHS is a significantly heavy camera for its class. With a thickness of 48mm, it is not small either, 19mm thicker than the average of its class.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

Olympus XZ-2 iHS

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

Olympus XZ-2 iHS

Min

Average

Max

Here is the front and top view image of Olympus XZ-2 iHS with the dimensions:

Now lets compare the weight and thickness of Olympus XZ-2 iHS with its main competitors:

Olympus XZ-2 iHS Size Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Weight	vs XZ-2 iHS	Thickness	vs XZ-2 iHS
Olympus XZ-1 Compare	275g	71g lighter	42mm	6mm thinner
Olympus XZ-10 Compare	221g	125g lighter	34mm	14mm thinner
Pentax MX-1 Compare	391g	45g heavier	51mm	3mm thicker
Panasonic LX100 Compare	393g	47g heavier	55mm	7mm thicker
Fujifilm X30 Compare	423g	77g heavier	60mm	12mm thicker
Panasonic LX7 Compare	298g	48g lighter	46mm	2mm thinner
Sony RX100 Compare	240g	106g lighter	36mm	12mm thinner
Fujifilm X10 Compare	350g	4g heavier	57mm	9mm thicker

Weather Sealing

Olympus XZ-2 iHS doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

Olympus XZ-2 iHS Lens

Olympus XZ-2 iHS features a 28-112 mm F1.8-2.5 4x zoom lens. Lens has a good wide angle capability starting at 28mm, and 112mm on the tele end means that the medium telephoto angle is also well covered, only lacking the reach for wildlife and sports.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

XZ-2 iHS

Widest - Ricoh WG-M1

Average

Telezoom

Compact Cameras

XZ-2 iHS

Longest - Canon SX520 HS

Average

Providing a max aperture of f1.80 at 28mm, this lens is remarkably fast on wide end. Even better, having an aperture of f2.50 on tele end, this lens is exceptionally fast through out its range.

Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

XZ-2 iHS

Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

XZ-2 iHS

Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV

Average

XZ-2 iHS is also equipped with Sensor-shift image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds. Olympus XZ-2 iHS's lens also has a Manual Focus Mode.

Olympus XZ-2 iHS LCD

Olympus XZ-2 iHS has a Tilting 3" LCD screen with a resolution of 920k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.

LCD is Touch screen type, so you can change the settings and set the focus point with your fingertips.

XZ-2 iHS doesn't have a built-in viewfinder but an optional external viewfinder is available. Lack of a viewfinder can be problematic especially under strong light where visibility of LCD screens goes down dramatically. If you need a Compact camera with a built-in viewfinder in a similar price range, consider Nikon Coolpix P7800 (Compare) or Fujifilm X30 (Compare).
If the price is not an issue, take a look at our Top Rated Cameras with Viewfinders.

Olympus XZ-2 iHS Connectivity, Storage and Battery

You can connect XZ-2 iHS to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

Battery

Olympus XZ-2 iHS is powered by battery which provides a shooting life of 340 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Compact type cameras is 255 shots, Olympus XZ-2 iHS has a good battery life for its class.

Battery Life Comparison in Small Sensor Compact Cameras

Olympus XZ-2 iHS

Min

Average

Max

Fujifilm X30 with its 470shots is the model with longest battery life among Small Sensor Compact cameras. Check the comparison of Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Fujifilm X30 or take a look at Longest Battery Life Compact cameras list.

Olympus XZ-2 iHS Features Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Max Video	Battery Life	Wi-fi	Bluetooth	NFC
Olympus XZ-1 Compare	1280 x 720	320shots	No	No	No
Olympus XZ-10 Compare	1920 x 1080	240shots	No	No	No
Pentax MX-1 Compare	1920 x 1080	290shots	No	No	No
Panasonic LX100 Compare	3840 x 2160	300shots	Yes	No	Yes
Fujifilm X30 Compare	1920 x 1080	470shots	Yes	No	No
Panasonic LX7 Compare	1920 x 1080	330shots	No	No	No
Sony RX100 Compare	1920 x 1080	330shots	No	No	Yes
Fujifilm X10 Compare	1920 x 1080	270shots	No	No	No

Olympus XZ-2 iHS Video Features

With Olympus XZ-2 iHS, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 30 fps and save in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. Full HD resolution of Olympus XZ-2 iHS will be adequate in most of the situations. But if you are after the highest resolution videos available, see our list of Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Video.

XZ-2 iHS has a built-in Stereo microphone and a Mono speaker. Olympus XZ-2 iHS also has a port for an external microphone so you can record high quality sound with the help of an external microphone.

Olympus XZ-2 iHS Other Features

Max Shutter speed

Olympus XZ-2 iHS can shoot continuously at max speed of Unknown and has max shutter speed of 1/2000 sec.

Flash

XZ-2 iHS has a built-in flash, and it also has a flash shoe to mount your external flashes too.

Focusing

Olympus XZ-2 iHS features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system. The AF system has 35 points to choose from.

Olympus XZ-2 iHS also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

What type of Photography is Olympus XZ-2 iHS Good for?

In this section, we review and score Olympus XZ-2 iHS in 5 different photography areas.

Olympus XZ-2 iHS for Portrait Photography

Olympus XZ-2 iHS has a score of 58 for Portrait Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Portrait Photography list.

Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Manual Focus Mode

Manual Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling

Read the details of how we scored Olympus XZ-2 iHS for Portrait Photography

Olympus XZ-2 iHS for Street Photography

Olympus XZ-2 iHS has a score of 89 for Street Photography which makes it an EXCELLENT candidate for this type of photography.

Manual Focus Mode
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Tilting LCD Screen
Image Stabilization

Fast Lens at Wide: f1.80
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
RAW shooting capability
Small Body
Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor

Read the details of how we scored Olympus XZ-2 iHS for Street Photography

Olympus XZ-2 iHS for Sports Photography

Olympus XZ-2 iHS has a score of 32 for Sports Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Sports We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Sports Photography list and consider these alternatives over theXZ-2 iHS.

35 Focus Points
Manual Exposure Mode
Manual Focus Mode
External Flash Shoe
Image Stabilization

RAW shooting capability
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
Environmental Sealings
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
112 mm Tele Lens

Read the details of how we scored Olympus XZ-2 iHS for Sports Photography

Olympus XZ-2 iHS for Daily Photography

Olympus XZ-2 iHS has a score of 70 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Compact Cameras for Daily Photography list.

Compact Body
RAW shooting capability
4.0X Optical Zoom

346g
Body Thickness 48mm
Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor

Read the details of how we scored Olympus XZ-2 iHS for Daily Photography

Olympus XZ-2 iHS for Landscape Photography

Olympus XZ-2 iHS has a score of 34 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Compact Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theXZ-2 iHS.

Manual Exposure Mode
Manual Focus Mode
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
RAW shooting capability

Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor
No Environmental Sealings

Read the details of how we scored Olympus XZ-2 iHS for Landscape Photography

Olympus XZ-2 iHS Alternatives

In this section, we analyse how Olympus XZ-2 iHS compares with other Compact cameras within a similar price range. In the Bubble chart below, you can see Overall Score vs Price comparison of XZ-2 iHS and the top 10 contenders in the same range. Hover your mouse on the bubbles to see the details of the cameras.

Read a more detailed analysis of Olympus XZ-2 iHS alternatives.

Popular Comparisons of Olympus XZ-2 iHS

Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Olympus XZ-2 iHS amongst Camera Decision readers.

Olympus XZ-1

Compare

Olympus XZ-10

Compare

Pentax MX-1

Compare

Panasonic LX100

Compare

Fujifilm X30

Compare

Panasonic LX7

Compare

Sony RX100

Compare

Fujifilm X10

Compare

Olympus XZ-2 iHS Alternatives in Cameras

It would also be interesting to compare Olympus XZ-2 iHS with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Olympus XZ-2 iHS's price range.

Frequently Asked Questions about Olympus XZ-2 iHS

Does the Olympus XZ-2 iHS have Image Stabilization?
Does the Olympus XZ-2 iHS have RAW support?
Does the Olympus XZ-2 iHS have Weather Sealing?
Does the Olympus XZ-2 iHS have built-in GPS?
What is the Max ISO of Olympus XZ-2 iHS?
What is the Sensor Size of Olympus XZ-2 iHS?
is the Olympus XZ-2 iHS a Full Frame (FF) camera?
Does the Olympus XZ-2 iHS have Touch Screen?
Does the Olympus XZ-2 iHS have built-in Wireless?
What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Olympus XZ-2 iHS?

Olympus XZ-2 iHS Detailed Specifications

General
Brand	Olympus
Model	Olympus XZ-2 iHS
Announced	2012-12-18
Body Type	Compact
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens
Lens Focal Range	28-112 mm (4x)
Max Aperture	F1.8-2.5
Macro Focus Range	1cm
Screen
Screen Type	Tilting
Screen Size	3"
Screen Resolution	920k dots
Live View
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	Electronic (optional)
Viewfinder Resolution	no electronic viewfinder
Viewfinder Coverage	n/a
Viewfinder Magnification	n/a
Photography Features
Min Shutter Speed	60s
Max Mechanical Shutter Speed	1/2000s
Continuous Shooting	n/a
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Exposure Compensation	Yes
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	8.60 m (ISO 800)
Flash Modes	Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in, Wireless
External Flash
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Exposure Modes
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score	49
DxO Color Depth	20.4
DxO Dynamic Range	11.3
DxO Low Light ISO	216
	Report a correction

Sensor
Sensor Type	CMOS
Sensor Size	1/1.7"
Sensor Dimensions	7.44 x 5.58 mm
Sensor Area	41.52mm²
Sensor Resolution	12 megapixels
Max Image Resolution	3968 x 2976
Max Native ISO	12,800
Min Native ISO	100
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points	35
Number of Cross Focus Points	Unknown
Video Features
Video Resolutions	1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Max Video Resolution	1920 x 1080
Video Formats	MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	Eye-Fi Connected
HDMI
USB	USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Water Proof
Dust Proof
Shock Proof
Crush Proof
Freeze Proof
Weight	346g
Physical Dimensions	113 x 65 x 48mm
Battery Life	340 shots
Battery Type	Battery Pack
Battery Model	Li-90B
Other Features
Self Timer	Yes (2 or 12 sec)
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None
Storage Type	SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage Slots	1