Great in depth review. You soon realize that many of the other review sites miss so much. Many have said that the menus on this are confusing. That's a lie, they just offer so much more customization. I've had an XZ-1 for over a year it its never failed to impress me. Far better than the x10 and such a lovely lens. Hoping the XZ-2 will be better. Now the price has dropped, I'm going to buy one (£319). I have a Pentax K5 as well, but I hardly ever use it because of the Olympus XZ.
I especially want to thank you for making such a detailed video in English. I am a spoiled American who can barely understand any other languages, but I did spend a year as an exchange student many years ago in Austria and Germany. I just wanted you to know that your English is very good and easy to understand. Herzlichen Dank, Ralf! I will consider this camera.
Thanks so much Ralf! Just bought the XZ 2 and found the manual a bit lacking. Your explanations have filled all the gaps and now looking forward to using. Will probably watch a few more times. Cheers Wrightoh
Excellent review Ralf. I've been looking for a 2nd/backup camera for my OM-D E-M1 but couldn't really justify an E-M5 / 10. The XZ-2 looks ideal,,,and the menu system is almost identical to the OM-D. Really impressed .. Thanks.
This is my first Olympus and bought it on the merit of your good review and a friend's suggestion.My question is HOW TO MERGE Panoramic shots. The online handbook says to see p.74. But when there, it tells you about connecting the camera to the computer; while connected, it doesn't mention how to stitch the shots. As a Canon user, Canon has a clear instruction on merging. I would be happy to utilize and maximize the Panorama program of this camera if you would be kind enough to walk me through. Thank you for your help.
Thank you for the detailed review of the camera. It is one of the most informative video reviews I have ever watched. It would have been even better if there was a bit more focus towards image quality. I checked the flickr page with samples. Usually high iso tests are best done in low light when it will be used because the longer exposure brings aditional noise and the test is more realistic. Otherwise a great review. I'm considering that camera as a replacement of my aging and bulky Nikon D60.
thanks for review - XZ-2 looks nice, same menu just about as the OMD-5 which I have and love. but this is a point and shoot, sensor larger than most point and shoot but still smaller than Sony RX100 - So how does it compare to the RX100 ?? in IQ etc. ? a bit larger but still small - so LX7 and Fuji X20 Nikon P7700, Pentax MX-1 competitors - Does it need a lens cap? Love Olympus's menu system and they have tons of functions. One more function button would be nice. How is camera in low light?
Thank you for this. Any pointers for a FullHD video compact camera? I'm debating between Olympus XZ-2 and Canon S110. If my budget rises, also the S120 and G16. Which one is the best or are there any others I should look into?
hello, do you know how to switch from automatic exposure, for videos, to manual exposure? Because the videos in automatic exposure come out badly, if there are light changes. Thank you very much
Hi there, I was thinking of getting either this or the Canon G15 and am leaning towards this due to Canon's own build issues with the lens error. Regarding the XZ2 touch screen are we tied to using it or can one get around the menu structure without it? Personally I hate touch screens on cameras so just wanted to mmake sure I am not locked in.
I am looking for a smaller camera than my Nikon D50. I would like decent video/audio recording, articulated screen (eyeglasses + viewfinders = smudgy glasses for me) & good performance in low light, so image stabilization is an important feature. It would be nice to have an articulated screen with more positions than this camera. Some physical problems make capturing many shots impossible, i.e., toddler great-nephews. Also, it seems the menu is so complicated for my little brain.
Please have a look at my Flickr-Account. There you find pictures to all cameras, so you can compare the different IQ. Yes, the XZ-2 needs a Lens-Cap, it comes with the camera. You have two Fn-Buttons, one on the backside, one at the MF/AF-Lever. I think it's enough. Like all other Compactcameras (LX7 / X20 / P7700 ... ) the XZ-2 ist not a Low-Light-Profi and doesn't reach the Low-Light-Quality of an OM-D. But: It's still a very good camera.
$200 range with a coupon you get from signing up for emails with Olympus. I just picked one up. Great value for this price. Thank you for the review. I bought refurb direct from Oly, and you can't tell any difference from new.
Does anyone know if the video quality of this camera is up to par when compared to similar digital cameras like the rx100 mark 2? If not what other digital camera can you recommend that produces great videos and good pictures on a budget
Thank you! 11 years later this video was still super helpful. 😊 I just bought this camera used and this really helped me edit the settings to suit me.
Great in depth review. You soon realize that many of the other review sites miss so much.
Many have said that the menus on this are confusing. That's a lie, they just offer so much more customization.
I've had an XZ-1 for over a year it its never failed to impress me. Far better than the x10 and such a lovely lens. Hoping the XZ-2 will be better. Now the price has dropped, I'm going to buy one (£319). I have a Pentax K5 as well, but I hardly ever use it because of the Olympus XZ.
I especially want to thank you for making such a detailed video in English. I am a spoiled American who can barely understand any other languages, but I did spend a year as an exchange student many years ago in Austria and Germany. I just wanted you to know that your English is very good and easy to understand. Herzlichen Dank, Ralf! I will consider this camera.
this is like watching a camera review by Christoph Waltz. I love it.
Thanks so much Ralf! Just bought the XZ 2 and found the manual a bit lacking. Your explanations have filled all the gaps and now looking forward to using. Will probably watch a few more times. Cheers Wrightoh
Thank you for an excellent review - it is the most thorough and comprehensive! Much appreciate the time and effort you put into producing this.
Terrific review! Ralf knows the camera so thoroughly I feel I won't need to read the manual when it arrives...just go view this video for reference!
I would prefer the XZ2. Turnable Touchscreen, external Flash, better Picture-Quality.
Thank you so much for this, I just bought this camera based on your review. Your video reviews are fantastic, keep them coming!
Excellent review Ralf. I've been looking for a 2nd/backup camera for my OM-D E-M1 but couldn't really justify an E-M5 / 10. The XZ-2 looks ideal,,,and the menu system is almost identical to the OM-D. Really impressed .. Thanks.
This is how review should look like :) Thanks Ralf, keep on going :)
This was a great review. It was easy to understand and very helpful. Also your English is sublime.
This is my first Olympus and bought it on the merit of your good review and a friend's suggestion.My question is HOW TO MERGE Panoramic shots. The online handbook says to see p.74. But when there, it tells you about connecting the camera to the computer; while connected, it doesn't mention how to stitch the shots. As a Canon user, Canon has a clear instruction on merging. I would be happy to utilize and maximize the Panorama program of this camera if you would be kind enough to walk me through. Thank you for your help.
Thanks, Ralph! That was really interesting and told me a lot about my new camera. Well done:-)
Thank you for the detailed review of the camera. It is one of the most informative video reviews I have ever watched. It would have been even better if there was a bit more focus towards image quality. I checked the flickr page with samples. Usually high iso tests are best done in low light when it will be used because the longer exposure brings aditional noise and the test is more realistic. Otherwise a great review. I'm considering that camera as a replacement of my aging and bulky Nikon D60.
Thanks, the video review convinced me :)
Perfect travel camera for when I don't want to lug the SLR around.
nice in depht review
now I'm confuse to choose between zx2 or pentax q since
thanks for review - XZ-2 looks nice, same menu just about as the OMD-5 which I have and love.
but this is a point and shoot, sensor larger than most point and shoot but still smaller than Sony RX100 - So how does it compare to the RX100 ?? in IQ etc. ? a bit larger but still small - so LX7 and Fuji X20 Nikon P7700, Pentax MX-1 competitors - Does it need a lens cap? Love Olympus's menu system and they have tons of functions. One more function button would be nice. How is camera in low light?
The best review yet. Most Complete ! TY
So very detailed video, thanks
I like your accent!
Great presentation, Ralfs!!
Thank you for this. Any pointers for a FullHD video compact camera? I'm debating between Olympus XZ-2 and Canon S110. If my budget rises, also the S120 and G16. Which one is the best or are there any others I should look into?
What is better olympus xz2 or xz10
hello, do you know how to switch from automatic exposure, for videos, to manual exposure? Because the videos in automatic exposure come out badly, if there are light changes. Thank you very much
Hi there,
I was thinking of getting either this or the Canon G15 and am leaning towards this due to Canon's own build issues with the lens error. Regarding the XZ2 touch screen are we tied to using it or can one get around the menu structure without it? Personally I hate touch screens on cameras so just wanted to mmake sure I am not locked in.
Can a viewfinder be used on this camera?
I am looking for a smaller camera than my Nikon D50. I would like decent video/audio recording, articulated screen (eyeglasses + viewfinders = smudgy glasses for me) & good performance in low light, so image stabilization is an important feature. It would be nice to have an articulated screen with more positions than this camera. Some physical problems make capturing many shots impossible, i.e., toddler great-nephews. Also, it seems the menu is so complicated for my little brain.
Please have a look at my Flickr-Account. There you find pictures to all cameras, so you can compare the different IQ. Yes, the XZ-2 needs a Lens-Cap, it comes with the camera. You have two Fn-Buttons, one on the backside, one at the MF/AF-Lever. I think it's enough. Like all other Compactcameras (LX7 / X20 / P7700 ... ) the XZ-2 ist not a Low-Light-Profi and doesn't reach the Low-Light-Quality of an OM-D. But: It's still a very good camera.
thank you for a VERY informative review
I read that for the XZ-2 you can't manually focus when in super macro mode, is this true? Thanks.
Great review. Vielan Danke.
$200 range with a coupon you get from signing up for emails with Olympus. I just picked one up. Great value for this price. Thank you for the review. I bought refurb direct from Oly, and you can't tell any difference from new.
fullhd 60 fps?
thx ralf, great review!
Thanks ralf
nice review!
thank you
Does anyone know if the video quality of this camera is up to par when compared to similar digital cameras like the rx100 mark 2?
If not what other digital camera can you recommend that produces great videos and good pictures on a budget
Best to go on DP Review as they have tested most compact cameras for stills and video.
cool :D
Of course XZ-2 is much better. XZ-10 sensor is smaller.