Olympus Stylus XZ-2 Detailed Review

See all images of the Olympus Stylus XZ-2

Main

In additional Stylus XZ-2 was introduced by Olympus in September 2012. It belongs to the enthusiast Compacts category.

Olympus is well-known and shouldn’t require further introduction, please see our manufacturer’s page for more digital cameras by Olympus.

Brand Olympus
Category Compact
Date 09/2012
Sensor Properties

Also Stylus XZ-2 has a Compact CMOS sensor with size of 7 x 6 mm² (0.29″ x 0.22″).

The Stylus XZ-2’s image sensor has an effective resolution of around 12 megapixel. This resolution is far below average.

The Olympus supports taking images in RAW. RAW images are stored as they come from the sensor, without any in-camera processing or sharpening. Converting to JPEG or other formats takes place on the computer, using software like Adobe Lightroom or Olympus’s RAW converter. This involves one extra processing step but almost always results in superior image quality. Some filters, like converting to monochrome (black and white) will only yield decent results when used with RAW images.

Format Compact
Sensor area 7.44 x 5.58mm²
(0.29″ x 0.22″)
Type CMOS
Resolution (physical) 13.00 megapixel
Resolution (effective) 12.00 megapixel
Pixel size 3.50 µm²
Sensor cleaning
RAW support
Continuous 2 frames/second
Lens
Interchangeable
Focal length (min) 28mm
Focal length (max) 112mm
Aperture (max) 1.8
Aperture (min) 2.5
Viewfinder Properties

The Stylus XZ-2 does not come with a built-in viewfinder. The camera’s display is used to compose the photo. That can be cumbersome in broad daylight.

Shutter

The Stylus XZ-2’s shutter speed varies from 1/2000s to 60s.

The highest shutter speed of the Olympus is just 1/2000s. That’s no longer state of the art and may cause problems in challenging light conditions.

Max. shutter speed 1/2000s
Min. shutter speed 60s
Sensitivity Properties

The Stylus XZ-2’s sensitivity goes from 100 ISO und 12800 ISO, a very useful and practical range.

Automatic
Min. sensitivity 100 ISO
Max. sensitivity 12800 ISO
Exposure Modes

The Stylus XZ-2 supports all general exposure modes.

The Olympus allows spot exposure for the difficult occasion.

Multi
Center weight
Partial
Spot
Auto Focus Properties

The Stylus XZ-2’s auto focus processor uses 35 AF points (or sensors). A basic rule of thumb says that the more AF points you have, the better. More AF points mean a better chance to have a point at the location of interest in a scene, a big plus in challenging situations (e.g. with low contrast subjects).

Manual focus is also possible with the Olympus, a plus in tricky situations or for some creative freedom.

Type Contrast Detection
AF points 35
Manual focusing
Flash Specs

The Stylus XZ-2 has a built-in flash with a diapason of up to 9m (29 ft.). That range will fit for almost all occasion.

Built-in
Range 8.60m
(29 ft.)
Hot shoe
Display Specs

The Stylus XZ-2 display has a diagonal of 76.00mm (3.0 inches.) and a resolution 0.92 megapixel.

The camera display is intended for selfies or other occasion.

Display parameters:

Type LCD
Size 76.00mm (diagonal)
(3.0 in.)
Resolution 0.92 megapixel
Articulated
Touch screen
Video Specs

Stylus XZ-2 video supported the resolution with 1920 x 1080 pixel.

ACamera is not equipped with an external microphone.

Olympus Stylus XZ-2 Video parameters:

Max. resolution 1920 x 1080 pixel
…with frame rates 30 frames/second
External microphone
Connectivity & Wireless Specs

Built-in wireless connectivity is not available with the Olympus. You will need appropriate accessories to wirelessly transfer images between camera and smartphone.

Connect the Olympus to a monitor or TV set over HDMI.

The Olympus supports USB 2.0.

Connection parameters:

WiFi
Bluetooth
NFC
Remote (wired)
Remote (infrared)
Apps
HDMI (standard)
HDMI (mini)
HDMI (micro)
USB 2.0
USB 3.0
USB Micro
USB Mini
USB-C
Custom
Memory

The camera supports SD HC and SD XC cards.

Memory cards characteristics:

Slots 1
Memory cards SD
SDHC
SDXC
Battery

The Olympus Stylus XZ-2 has a LI-90B LiIon battery. The battery provides a shooting life of 340 shots. It`s enough for one day or more.

The battery can be charged over USB while in camera. Very useful, especially on vacation when most people bring a USB charger for their smartphone anyway.

The Stylus XZ-2’s battery battery parameters:

Type LI-90B LiIon
Removable
In-camera charging
Battery life 340 photos
Size

The Olympus Stylus XZ-2’s dimensions are 113 x 65 x 48mm³. (4.4″ x 2.6″ x 1.9″). This includes the lens. The camera’s weight is a reasonable 374 grams (12.1 oz.), lens included.

Here is front and top view of the Stylus XZ-2:

Dimensions Comparison

To put the size of the camera in context, here it is next to a typical ID card (c. 86mm x 55mm, about the size of a credit card).

The Stylus XZ-2 is not much bigger:

Camera stats and visual info © 2019 PalCamerasWest.com. All rights reserved.