Olympus xz 2 zoom manual#

Still, at least most stuff is readily accessible without digging into the main menu.įocus is divided into single AF, Super Macro, continuous AF, tracking AF and manual focus.

For more detailed options the quick menu is a single press of the 'OK' button away but, as with previous Olympus models, the inclusion of the touchscreen still isn't compatible with hands-on menu use. The number of times the XZ-2 would be pulled from pocket and bag and show -0.3EV was, well, a lot.Īrranged around the d-pad are quick-access controls for autofocus point position, flash, drive mode and the aforementioned exposure compensation. The layout is intuitive enough, but the use of the rear rotational d-pad to adjust, primarily and by default, exposure compensation is common cause for accidental knocks. It doesn't quite conform to the norm - but everyone loves a rebel. Oh, and the cost implication is also rather heinous on top of the XZ-2's already sizeable £479 recommended retail price. Expansion is great, but it's a minor shame there's no VF-2 in white too. As well as a built-in pop-up flash, there's also a standard hotshoe coupled with an accessory port to the rear that's compatible with the VF-2 electronic viewfinder or flashguns, even wireless flash control is available. There are some standout features dotted around the XZ-2's body that make it well worth a look-in for any high-end compact fan. READ: Canon PowerShot S110 compact camera review Formidable Features It might look positively large sitting next to, say, a Canon S110, but then the Olympus has a few extra tricks up its sleeve. Size is an important factor to any buyer, but we think the XZ-2 is just about on the right side of small. It adds a meagre 6mm to the depth, so although the camera is slightly larger than its predecessor, on the whole it's fairly hard to tell. We like it a lot, Forrest Gump style.īut this Snow White, fair-skinned compact isn't as dwarfish as the classic XZ-1 was on account of its tilt-angle screen bracket. It's done away with the more brash 'F1.8' stamp that was on the front of the XZ-1, and opted for a cleaner, more subtle front-on finish. The latest model includes the brand logo on top of its pop-up flash as well as on the rear LCD. The XZ-1 didn't bear the name of it at all. But there is a small point to be made - the XZ-2 brings its Stylus branding to the fore.

It seems Olympus has an affection for writing implements: pens, styli - okay so we digress. Does it have all the makings of yet another classic compact? Stylish Stylus We've been playing with this high-end compact - the so-called sequel to the XZ-1, if you will - for over a week now.

Patience, it would seem, is all that was required, as Olympus handed Pocket-lint the brand new XZ-2 white model under hush-hush conditions ahead of its official announcement.

rear d-pad easily knocked which throws exposure compensation out by default.

plastic components to the built less luxury than an all-metal construction.

slightly larger than predecessor and on the chunky side.improved image quality despite slightly smaller sensor compared to predecessor.tilt-angle LCD screen versatile for shooting.hotshoe and accessory port expansion possibilities.f/1.8-2.5 maximum aperture is great for dramatic shots.No, go and buy two, y'know, just because you can. It's a lovely camera that does inspire that gut feeling of greatness about it. Our hearts give it top marks, but our wallet-tight heads disagree. Each is roughly the same price, while other high-end competitors, such as the Panasonic LX7, are notably cheaper yet, often, equally remarkable in many areas.Ĭombine all that and it's the cost that, er, costs the XZ-2's final score. 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.īut for that money it's the presence of Olympus's own E-PM2 'Pen Mini' and the likes of the larger-sensor Sony RX100 that will call into question this high-end compact's asking price. A wider-angle lens would be welcome, as would a smaller body and - here's the likely purchase clincher - a smaller price too.

Olympus xz 2 zoom