Apparently there since the publication of my now fairly old review several software updates that have probably improved significantly especially the first in the dark somewhat weakening AF.
One reason this review is to revise for me just the new Oly Stylus One; just which places some time on the market located XZ-2 again in a currently very interesting light. The rather insignificant Tele advantage of Stylus One keeps namely the far more intense lens counter, and even if one of the top EVF still buys to it is still cheaper than the One, without anyway. Sensor and processor are identical mW.
In the meantime I have had several other high-profile cameras in your fingers (including Sony RX100M2, Oly XZ10, Fuji X10 / XF1 / XQ1, Nikon P330, Sony A57 and 58, NEX3 etc etc) and am now more than at that time convinced that the XZ -2 is still one of the absolutely most attractive compact cameras on the market. The lens is a class of its own and the rest absolutely professional tool that simply prepares only greatest joy when photographing and operated almost every niche. How well and lovingly designed and really worked it down to the smallest detail, one notices only if you look at competitors had to bother with completely incomprehensible deficiencies in that simply work at the Oly well with shameful matter of course.
The only camera that I like a lot of pleasure prepared for my Canon S100 with which to work similarly works fantastically flutschig, but unfortunately lacks the lightness of the Tele (for them but really fits into any jeans pocket).
For me XZ-2 hotter than ever, despite or precisely because of new "competition" as the RX100 etc.
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From here follows the old review of the past:
Here is my updated review of the XZ-2, but after I was able to collect a lot more to experience with her now. Is as it provided Amazon ;-) - Of course, my opinions are entirely subjective, unprofessional and patchy
I occupied myself with the XZ-2 is now a little more closely and you can compare in peace with Panasonic LX7 and Sony RX100, yet of course by no means explored all aspects completely (I do not have before, creating iso-series with unlit Keller pictures and brick wall pictures I've now put it behind me, I prefer to go and take pictures again).
And I come to the conclusion that the camera in spite of all existing outstanding qualities unfortunately is not yet fully developed; due to three serious deficiencies I return it with a heavy heart and wait a few are resolved by these problems. Until then, I take pictures with the LX7 me especially in everyday handling more and more excited, even if they can keep up in the pure BQ not quite. The Sony I already after a short time disappointed again packed and sent back, next XZ2 and LX7 it just annoys.
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Back to Oly XZ-2:
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For these problems, I prefer anyway from only one star, as all three are predictable and you can thus largely circumvent (as opposed, for example, for the Fuji X10 then WDS). For pure BQ the XZ-2 I would have otherwise also awarded 7 out of 5 stars.
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Problem 1:
Bright light sources (such as now grade the countless lights at the Christmas markets) are exaggerated bright and have at stopping down (even in the dark I sometimes like little depth of field) drumrum a nasty ray star (comes due to their construction of the iris, at maximum aperture a non-issue) so some images look as if a Photoshop newbie one of these silly Cross Filter drübergelegt, as seen on kitschy postcards. Kick dimmed constantly evident and is an absolute no-go. My old XZ-1 and other cameras have the same effect asterisks of course, but these represent not so extremely bright and thus not störts there also. Sample images I've adjusted under customer photos, a second camera makes it equally, and it is not due to any settings.
Problem 2:
In artificial light, especially in the increasingly frequent energy-saving lamps so so wrong, that the photos are often unusable White balance skin. Look like done with the pop art filters, and even a manual WB is not really good.
Problem 3:
The stabilizer operates unreliable; when one hangs up his hands, he turns through completely and blurred the images reproduced. Nowadays a kind of tripod detection should be no longer an issue, my LX7 has no prob. Must turn off every time is annoying.
Continues to apply my wholehearted enthusiasm for the rest of the camera and therefore I let the old text are largely unchanged.
The BQ is particular, of the above problems aside time just absolutely outstanding, certainly mainly a merit of superior Zuiko lens. LX7 and certainly RX100 can not there with. The visual impression is so vivid that you think about the objects to be able to run around on the screen; I do hard to describe it more accurately. In addition, 80% of all images succeed at this level without much trouble.
Here's the rest of the previous review that explicitly excluded the above mentioned problems:
Over a year now I have been photographing excited as exasperated with the XZ-1, but I also know the great PENs and Sony NEX5N and various Sony DSLRs / SLTs a little, so can compare thoroughly.
To anticipate: Who despite their weaknesses and foibles klarkam 1001 with the XZ-1 and loved her anyway (or like me just for that), the XZ-2 can determine immediately if it is him the charge value. The XZ-2 is in nearly all, really all points an absolutely consistently further developed, improved, updated XZ-1. Everything the XZ-1 could and made her almost unrivaled, the 2er dominated still, everything the XZ-1 could not or only with nervenzehrendem push rotary valve Gemache, is now easily from the hand.
Where the XZ-1 as Wolf came along in sheep's clothing, the 2er is open now that they no longer want to be misunderstood as a noble Yuppiespielzeug for handbag, but (as the XZ-1 also) is addressed to experienced photographers who in their creativity want to slow down more in any form. (Which does not mean that they would not make an excellent job as a simple automatic clippers, but that would be really a pearl cast before swine)
For a comparison to LX-7 RX100 etc I set shortly. The XZ-2 Conceptually, is clearly closer to the Pana LX and large Oly PEN series as for example the Sony RX100, the BQ she can loosest with the big PENs record; my PL3 they can clearly behind him, which of course is also due to the lens. Who auftreibt a most 28-112er zoom f1.8-2.5 with his pen should like to correct my comparison ;-)
My first impression when unpacking was rather a small PEN PL3 to hold in your hand and no longer XZ; thereby deceiving that because the dimensions XZ are old-new almost identical, only the new folding monitor transmits back about 5mm thick on. Where has the XZ-1 fit well (the famous pocket), you get under the 2er.
The obvious biggest improvement (which must now still show) for XZ-1 is certainly the new, much more modern CMOS sensor, which replaces the outdated completely CCD, but that is superficial. Because after a few hours taking pictures with the XZ-2 one understands that it is rather the sum of many small and large improvements, enhancements and new features that makes a tasty with any other photo to switch more. Toy stick misleading charm of the XZ-1, it has unfortunately lost, but she gained even more real professionalism and makes from unpacking to realize that it is serious now.
At this point I would like to state that in my opinion, not only technicians, but especially to the specifications organizers have done an excellent job in marketing. Because the new improved consistently in almost all major criticisms of its predecessor without spending blatant values sake Proven, ie mainly at the expense of quality to change the lens. And criticisms there was enough - for the good side of the XZ-1 they took but stop in purchasing. This must be no longer provided the willingness to invest in the area of a simple SLR prime lens.
For this purpose, a general and clear message: If you could manage no good photos with the XZ-1, it will not create with the XZ-2. However, with no Andren camera. Reversed: Who can actually take pictures, comes with two to outstanding results, with the new just a little easier (and again: title!). Both are outstanding good cameras, if you can deal with them and is willing to be with their quirks to deal with the weaknesses circumnavigate. For unsuspecting automatic clippers I would recommend other cameras, and who holds an existence below ISO3200 for no longer worth living, must look about it elsewhere.
The following points I hold:
- What I can not thank you enough Olympus: The paramount objective remained unchanged in data and quality, and it is the main reason to buy this camera. Which system camera or SLR there is a 28-112mm f1.8-2.5 Zoom with, in this superior quality, with full full aperture capability, with built-in ND filter and notch-working stability, retracted the size and weight of an average Christmas cookie?
If there was this dream at all, and he came to 1,000 in the stores, the system camera fans would fight at the tills drum. With the XZ-2 I get this mistaken for a mere glass 550, and Olympus gives me a great camera to just because she's just degrees not removable. 25mm WW would clearly beautiful, but a little more tele also has advantages. Wers still needs to high quality converters can operate, and ultimately are those focal Extreme soon the last remaining reason for system cameras.
- The partial miserable service and inadequate configurability of the XZ-1 are passé, which was also bitterst necessary. The new can be configured to a degree to their hearts content, adjust program that you almost ever have to go eat something in between.
- There are now two freely programmable user memory positions available with the wheel, and you can really program completely free, supi. There are also two soft keys, which helps in everyday life enormously.
- Noise reduction can finally, finally, finally be phased out or equal to all disabled. Owners of other precious Compact can only laugh at this for granted, XZ-1 owners come tears of happiness.
- Jpegs are now usable even above ISO400. The catastrophic JPEG engine together with the non-deactivatable noise reduction was one of the biggest weaknesses of the XZ-1, which always remained incomprehensible even; just because you use a semi-professional compact camera, you do not want to spend his life in front of the PC with RAW Gemache. With the new no longer an issue. And it can now also be compressed Superfine. Whether from RAW images developed out even better, I can not say it's to be expected. In the XZ-1 here worlds intervened, the ingenious lens stayed with the camera jpegs to 80% unused one often had the feeling.
- In particular, it is in everything around faster, especially in responding to Menu and other key inputs, the access and setting possibilities have been greatly improved, modern features such as HDR were added.
- The freely programmable rotating bezel with integrated, freely programmable function button front is a blessing, switching between open and finely rasterized turning depending on the application shows the attention to detail in the development. Even the small thumb scroll wheel was not forgotten to optimize, at last it can sometimes fix operate without always inadvertently trigger one of the four directional pad functions, which extremely annoyed at the XZ1. Sony NEX-owners can only smile about something, there is the first model led the way to perfect as it should be.
- The idiotic Macro activate the XZ-1 no longer needs you, now goes automatically to the Super Macro mode can be set to one of the F keys or filed under the now two stores (went so far of course, but then the only place was just for occupied)
- You must not decide before recording whether with ART-filter (which I often + like to use) would or normal scan, the camera saves both, even entire filter rows from the same image from, and you can later choose to rest. Went earlier only going through RAW and subsequent development, which a lot of memory and especially speed cost and therefore did not come into question for all occasions.
- The various flash modes with all connection options have been preserved, same is true for all conceivable AF shift denunciations and -fukntionen and exposure measurements can be linked to weißderhimmelwas.
- Who missed a viewfinder despite the very good folding displays, can still buy one of the world's best external electronic viewfinder and fit, of course, for money properly.
- The new BSI CMOS sensor is certainly the most important change to the XZ-2 to its predecessor; he makes it though still not at a high iso-monster like the NEX5 or RX100, but now also ISO1600 go very well used, with only a slight drop - the images are better than with my (not so) old Sony SLT A33 , Even 3200 are for emergencies or frowned upon, but (also by me) often retained motifs such as "Grandpa with grandson in front of Christmas by candlelight" suitable, similar in many standard print to 13x18 in any case. The bright even in telephoto lens makes the Iso-disadvantage eg opposite the RX100 easy up for it, for example if lightning loose interior portraits prefer especially since you also quite achieved my light intensity as Superisogemache, useful free parking effects.
- The already in the 1st Fleet autofocus has become even faster and finally reasonably suitable for dimly lit living room lighting, but especially here still far from an SLR. How well can the RX100, I will compare. Who likes focussieren manually eg therefore, can do so through the large rotating ring, it works wonderfully and beautifully soft, and quickly activated via the small lever on the front is resolved wonderfully friendly practice. Interfere only in shutter mode, that then between Aperture and focusing only has to switch to the small lever, but viell I still overlooked a configuration option. The optional expandable Lupe helps good, unfortunately the ingenious Peaking function of Sony missing, that would be the super-icing.
- The unchanged often maligned as cheap dropping lid remained - THANK YOU! a better solution does not exist, especially not this ominous automatic lid of some so like (if you please, to each his own). Unlike this or the usual lamellar dust blades absolutely dustproof, unlike the Fummel lids a la Pana LX 3/5/7 on power even throwing off (ok, ans previously should tying you already think ...), and protects the famous pocket the lens itself in front of house keys, which of course no one ever since times forgotten in it enough, if he has pocketed the camera. While not fancy, but for me the optimum.
- The built-in ND filter is a bargain. For a camera with such a powerful lens that is not a gimmick, but an indispensable extra. Fuji and Sony refrain inexplicably it. Apparently only Oly and meanwhile Panasonic figured that one time would like to indemnify with fully open aperture even in bright sunlight. (In any case, one has increasingly lately the impression that the whole world photographed only black holes in unlit coal cellars with 100.000 Iso because brauchts clearly no ND filter)
- The resolution was limited to a healthy level. That this indeed nowadays is no excuse when it comes to freedom from noise, Sony proves the superior noise-free 20-MP-RX100, but if mans not so great as that may then prefer that. Moreover, I am happy if I have to act not monsters files in RAW.
- The video quality (now in HD and FullHD) is far better and ever finally really useful, the AF works great, and now I get movies as they make my hy (though a Nokia N8) or our quarry Knipse Sony TX5 for years. But I do not that important, but nice to have. That the image processor is overwhelmed with the use of ART-filter in the films and the images begin stumbling, can achieve even nice nostalgic effects with the software filter, provides a bissle like the hand-rolled Chaplinfilme from the 20s :-)
- Finally a folding monitor. I will not here discuss its usefulness - I need and use the folding monitor constantly, and I had to look through the viewfinder already hated with analogue systems because it limits the creativity of the body's own ability to spraining and climbing and you occasionally but then times without total body -Schlammanzug is traveling and wants to still capture an action scene from the ants perspective. Rejoices also at concerts many a man behind, if he does not have to rejoice with the overhead films on my brightly lit screen. To each his own, I mean. The swivel range is ok, 180 ° -Überkopfschwenken for self-portraits I do not need because I do not find myself so beautiful that I had to constantly take pictures. That Klappi course something all bulky and housing does not make absolutely elegant - a shame, but the tribute I pay gladly.
- The screen resolution is greatly improved, as well as the brightness. At the superior quality of Sony monitors, the display comes still not approach, but it is now ok like this. I do not watch TV so yes.
- And it is now a touchscreen. Wers dislike him simply switched off (for which one must not even in the menu), but you learn to appreciate him quickly, he responded very well and fail and triggering what to sharp by tapping goes immediately into flesh and blood. But you have to at a maximum aperture of 1.8 already precisely targets when the eyes should be sharp and not nose.
Now a little bleating:
- The white balance is sometimes, especially in energy-saving light, powerful next because you have to help out manually, otherwise you get pictures of the Pop Art filter. Very annoying.
- Why can not a camera just once, I mean INSTANTLY retract the lens when I press OFF to hinterherzuflitzen my suddenly towards the main street running away little ones? And clean the sensor storing it can care for any minutes in my pocket, so I'm running behind with retracting the lens. (How shall I write, 'I understand well, so we sold a lot of camera repairs)
- Why does it take to delete a single picture to 5sec up? But with different memory cards also tasted not so important.
- The battery life is ridiculous, a replacement battery inevitable. The store in the camera should also be, at best, a practical option for the holidays, not for lack of charging cradle unavoidable duty.
These were the main points I; the XZ-2 is good, definitely, except for ... well wait and see. Going after a week with her back to the good old XZ-1 back, nerves whose only really familiar shortcomings (A RX100 want on but immediately cast on the wall). On the other hand one notices nevertheless quickly that the XZ1 a great sympathetic small camera remained still, with all the quirks. And here the transition is indeed achievable in the context :-) that this fabulously good little XZ-1 now from approximately 250 new out there that is actually the biggest competition for XZ2 if you do not need their benefits necessarily.
All in all a really consistent and skillfully in almost all previous criticisms advanced XZ-1, it seems to me as if Olympus (certainly not only) read my thoughts-wish and completely handed over to the R & D department.
Now I very much hope that these problems will be resolved quickly, I will literally keep an eye on; perhaps find what it is indeed already more experience at the moment.
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PS: of course it is perfectly legitimate, devaluate a review, if it has not fallen one; then would be a comment with a hint of what was missing in it, but not just a matter of decency, but also with other readers quite helpful, because then the author can make improvements. To a stalker who followed me since my negative Sony RX100-review, I'll probably never going; not bad, but other readers like this great forum might like to continue meaningful life into rather than just anonymous unload their personal problems.
