Olympus Stylus XZ-2 - [Is a 9 year old digital CAMERA any GOOD?]

[@ForsgardPeter]

⭐️📷 DxO Labs Black Friday deal 50% OFF: tidd.ly/3kRYbFC (Affiliate link)

[@kurts_aviation]

my wife just purchased the Olympus Pen E-PL5 which is also 9 years old with the Panasonic 12-32mm Pancake lens and a Olympus VF-2 and she loves it, yes the menu system is not the best but the image quality and being light and portable compared to her EM1X is a great little put in her pocket camera.

[@sunnybizz4857]

Such a capable and pleasing camera to use. I sold mine to a friend who is still using it proudly as his one and only "professional" camera.

[@fgfuertes]

I'm still an owner of this little great camera. I confess that I don't use it very often, but still does great results in good light conditions. Greetings from Spain!

[@MichaelGerrard]

I still have my LX5 that is more than 11 years old. It is nostalgic to use it. Those compacts were great.

[@tsintkaro701]

In 2016 when I was considering to buy myself the first camera, I came across the XZ-2 on the internet and fascinated by its design... But no matter how hard I searched, there had been no XZ-2 left to buy in my country in the year of 2016. So finally I got an EPL-5 (the final batch I could find) and I am very happy with the size and performance. It started my journey of photography and brought me to the world of Olympus products.

[@GeraldGarcia]

I just got an Olympus XZ-1 from my dad 2 days ago as he wasn't using it anymore. I recommended it to him 11 years ago. I need to take more photos with it, at the same time manage my expectations as it is tech from another era. One things for sure: it is a beautiful, well built, and feature packed camera.

[@clintjohnson5914]

I've loved every tiny camera I have ever owned starting in the 70s with my original Olympus XA... Still have it somewhere. I've owned several Rollei 35s, and a Minolta CLE. Now in the digital era I have settled into having one of the Sony RX100s with me always.. .About a year and a half ago I did buy a EPL- 7 .. but like you say it's tough to use it without an EVF. Your pics with this Olympus just prove how great older cameras can be in the right hands... Cameras don't take pictures.. photographers do..

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thanks. Totally agree with the last sentence.

[@ruuddirks5565]

Older cameras are indeed quite capable of taking great images. Marketing slogans and features/quality-centered reviews often make us overlook gems like this one.

[@ForsgardPeter]

I agree.

[@markellsworth980]

I got two XZ-1 cameras, one for my daughter who expressed interest. On occasion I still use it, even though my current main camera is an E-M5.MkIII. I appreciated the very fast, very useful lens, and the solid ISO 400 offered by the CCD-type sensor. It lacks the tilt panel of the successor and the screen is not very bright. I took a couple thousand pictures with it. (At the time I was already very curious about FourThirds but held off on any investment until 2012 when the E-M5 with Sony Sensor changed everything for the better. The limited ISO of the 12 megapixel Panasonic sensor was very off-putting to me, largely based on experimentation with a loaner camera. The image noise and poor aperture of the kit lens on the E-PL1 rendered too many focus lock failures.) Anyway, I generally take the XZ-1 with me even now, in the bag, because there are many things it does well. I have since had a great ride with OM-D cameras, never a disappointment for many thousands of great images. I thought for a while I might like to get the LX-100 Mk II, but I kinda forgot about it after I got the 17mm f1.8 lens. It is a funny thing. When compact dimensions are the highest priority, it is a nice surprise that all of my subject matter is angle-of-view appropriate for 17mm. I have been tempted to grab the EZ kit lens one day, the 20mm f1.7 pancake another, but the 17mm has never let me down. Different Subject: in retrospect I wonder if the "Micro" moniker was a fatal mistake for Olympus, in an industry where "big" has been a core value for so long. They should never have intimated small anything, let alone micro, but should have left the emphasis on a midsize crop sensor large-enough to nail IS0 3200. Here is the insult. I catch my full frame and APSC friends shooting from their phones all the time, calling results "good-enough" and then bad-mouthing FourThirds which they have never tried. The FUD won, the campaign of fear, uncertainty, and doubt from Nikon, to mask their fear of a very credible and powerful system as competition for the masses, where the money is made. Nowadays, there is no reason to not lift OM-D cameras into the professionally useful and powerful category, particularly at the long end where it is a clear winner.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thank you for sharing. It is so that when having a certain lens one tends to see the world in that field of view.

[@lgerigk]

Olympus should have teamed up with Capture One like Sony did for a decent rendition of its images. Especially older OM-D images are noisy in Lightroom, causing noise to be a major point of criticism from the beginning. Also, the first M5 was really sluggish, M1 is much better than the M5. Olympus didn’t make a good job in marketing the advantages of a compact system, whereas Sony did massive marketing campaigns to get into the market, despite the A7 Mk I was more a prototype than a usable camera.

[@Martin_Siegel]

This August/September I had my E-P3 with me on vacation as the only digital camera I took. I took some nice pics in Sicily. (I also brought a FED 5C, a Rheinmetall Weltax MF folder and a Rollei A110 pocket camera). Good light in Sicily made everything easier but I needed the VF-2 for the Olympus even with the 14-42 pancake lens.

[@vanderp1]

For now my old camera's are Fujifilm xf1 and Fujifilm x10. And I liked the street art of the owl. Thanks for your nice review and the information you give.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thanks for sharing!

[@gurrac380]

Still use my xz-1. Always in my work backpack.

[@weisserth]

I have been using the XZ-2 since it became available. I still frequently pick it up. The lens is amazing, it's actually MUCH better than any of the small kit lenses for Micro Four Thirds, so the XZ-2 can quite effectively compete with the smaller Pen cameras with a zoom. I have the histogram in the viewfinder/on screen to avoid clipping of highlights, I most often use center weighted or spot metering and I never set it higher than ISO 400. The camera also works quite well with flash as it has a leaf shutter and you can sync flash up to 1/2000s with no issues. Just think about this for a second: you get a sharp tele lens, that can even blur the background for such a small sensor AND you can flash sync at 1/2000s. There isn't that much out there to compare this with. This is actually the main reason I am keeping this camera. It also works with Olympus off-camera flashes in groups. For such a little pro-sumer pocket camera it comes with a lot of professional features.

[@EricGerards]

Just over three months ago I found a second hand Olympus Stylus 1 in near mint condition for just €50 (!). As long as you don't push the ISO too much, it's a great value for money camera (especially in my case). Although I am more than happy with my E-M1 mk2, this is a camera that you can always take with you and offers so much versatility in an ultra small package.

[@tonvanbruchem142]

For several year now I use a Stylus 1 camera for street photography. It fits perfectly in my pocket and is not very heavy. This camera combines a build in EVF with a LCD screen and has a large (28-300mm) bright constant (2.8) zoomlens with very high performance. Combine the RAW files with DxO noise reduction and you have prefect end results.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Stylus 1 and 1s are interesting cameras from Olympus. The focal length length range is huge. Never tested that one.

[@jeromemckenna7102]

I still use the Lumix dmc-lx5 (which is about 10 years old), though most of the time it is used for family photos by my wife. I wish the sensor was larger, but it is perfect for what we are doing with it.

[@berntlie6799]

I bought the Olympus XZ-1 when it came out (2011?). In my view, a *beautiful* camera. But the images were poor above ISO 400... at least in difficult light conditions.

[@ForsgardPeter]

I have not tested the XZ-1 and how it performs. Wit the help of DxO Labs software I can get good results with this one, even high ISO.

[@yaupie]

I also once had the XZ-1. I like the look and design. Although the sensor is small, at wide open aperture and longest focal length it is possible to take some good flower photos with beautiful bokeh. The max. usable ISO is 400. The sharpness and dynamic range is poorer than modern MFT cameras. I remember someone said XZ-1 used CCD while XZ-2 began to use CMOS sensors.

[@willemdewit3364]

Hi Peter, today i bought the Olympus XZ-2 for my wife. I have an OM-D E-M Mark III, but I think I will use the XZ-2 also as backup. Thanks Willem

[@pawelbrzozowski3899]

I like to shoot with my old Olympus Evolt E-5. It is quite chunky but in good light it produces very nice images. Sometimes I also take Sony A100 for a walk, with some minolta glass.

[@riggee4061]

Yes I like shot with the Olympus E-1 with the Olympus 35mm macro and 25mm lenses. I like the color rendering from the Kodak sensor that was installed In this gem of a camera. Happy photography to all

[@sebastianop.3052]

This is an interesting video, is nice to have a look at the old camera, and some have even now a good point. This camera do you think will be for you a one camera one lens how Matti said in a recent video?

[@ForsgardPeter]

Matti meant one camera and one prime lens. This has a zoom, but for me it is quite a good option.

[@DLD_Photography]

I shot with my E-5 up until a few months ago when it finely died. Then I bought the M1X.

[@ForsgardPeter]

That is a big upgrade. How does the X feel after E-5?

[@pawelbrzozowski3899]

E-5 died? :) I thought that these things are indestructible!

[@DLD_Photography]

@@ForsgardPeter - Changing from the E-5 to M1X was like changing from film to digital.

[@l00kmore]

I used to have a XZ-10 which was the XZ-1's little sister (even smaller sensor, somewhat less features) but I ended up selling it to a friend after using it day to day for a good while. Now I use the Lumix GF7 with a pancake lens for my day to day "pocketable" street camera. As for older digital cameras... I have a Canon S95 (small compact), a Sony Alpha 100 (Sony's first DSLR) and I'm awaiting delivery of a Pentax K20d (another very old DSLR).

[@taterandy3958]

oh yes I am a big fan of old mirror less cameras and vintage lens I have a Fujifilm XT1 and XE 2 Sony A6000 and last my Pen EPL 1 I just purchased for my birthday. There's something about the old technology that love experimenting with! Hopefully I can do a blog this spring/summer I never did one before but looking forward to the challenge! Just need a excuse to take pictures lol

[@arcadevampire]

I had the xz-1. A great everyday camera with great iq and decent bokeh. Was still using up till couple of years ago. At time didnt think xz-2 was worth upgrading to, especially with it's smaller sensor

[@houmankamali5617]

Last week I ordered a new XZ1 for $100 from a store in Canada. There was a DPReview episode recently where they go and buy the cheapest photo and video camera they find and XZ1 was one and I the photos with it looked great! I bought it from the same store they went to haha Can't wait for it to arrive!

[@ForsgardPeter]

It is surprisingly good camera.

[@malcolmwright6948]

Hi Peter I see you edited your photographs with dxo photolab. Does dxo photolab include dxo pureraw, viewpoint and filmpack or do they have to be bought separately?

[@ForsgardPeter]

Unfortunately you need to get PhotoLab 5, FilmPack and ViewPoint separately. DxO pure Raw is not needed if you have PhotoLab5. DxO Pure Raw is only noise reduction and lens corrections. PhotoLab5 is a full editing software.That is how I understand. There is a good deal right now. 50% off until 29th of November.

[@malcolmwright6948]

Thanks Peter

[@randall.chamberlain]

Hi Peter. Do you have any plans for a workshop in Helsinki next year? Thanks for all the inspiring content you put out there.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Not at the moment. Everything is always possible.

[@randall.chamberlain]

@@ForsgardPeter Thanks Peter. I'll keep my eyes open then. Cheers :)

[@edwardchai5398]

I have an E3 and use it with Oly 12-60mm f2.8-4. Good result in bright condition. I have em1 as well, but this chunky E3 has sentimental value.

[@AlpacoFilms]

Great! Now I’m headed to used camera market to find this wonderful little camera! And to get DXO! It’s sometimes expensive to watch your channel!!! Another fantastic video!

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thanks. Hope you do not buy everything I have videos about!

[@AlpacoFilms]

@@ForsgardPeter only when deals are to god to pass!

[@ForsgardPeter]

That is good to hear. I have to say that DxO PureRaw is worth investing. It is really good.

[@ronalddewar117]

Well, after watching your video I ordered one of these cameras off of eBay. I am still waiting for it to arrive but look forward to experimenting and having a tiny camera in my jacket pocket at all times.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@VictorReynolds]

I use the E-PL6 with the Panasonic Lumix G 14mm f/2.5. If I want to go vintage, I can use the Nikon Coolpix P310 from the early 2010s.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thanks for sharing. How is the E-PL6? Do you use it a lot?

[@VictorReynolds]

@@ForsgardPeter Glad to share. The E-PL6 is a good camera; I've had it for almost 6 years. Of course, it doesn't have a viewfinder, however that doesn't bother me. I don't use it as much as I used to due to changes in my work routine. However, I had it out this past weekend where it shined at night.

[@kimc5750]

I had this camera and really regret giving it to a family member. I still use the Stylus 1 and still love my old C8080! Good video!

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thanks.

[@milanleskanic900]

Lovely video, I am using also "vintage" digital camera, not on everyday basis, but from time to time I pick up Canon 5D (the first one from 2005) 12 megapixel of goodness. I even paired it with 70-210mm f4 Canon push/pull zoom from roughly same era. It produces lovely images, great colors for such an old camera. Also adapting vintage lenses from film SLRs nicely suits the images it can produce. It is heavy, no doubt about that, but on the other hand, the grip is great for my bigger hands. It's great to show people that even with older gear you can still produce great stuff, you don't need latest and greatest cameras with gazillion of features when you won't ever use them. I think it was called "fear of missing out" that drive many people for more and more advanced and "better" gear because they saw it all around the internet. Jimmy Cheng made video just yesterday with some nice points about upgrading your gear and how many people make living with old DSLRs in studios because they are good enough to make the job done and new camera will not make them more money.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Canon 5D is a legend. I never had it, but I know many friends that had it. Some still use it.

[@johncharlesgray4913]

Great review, and very relevant to where I am as a photographer right now. I have 3 Olympus cameras, ep-1, ep-3, and OMD em-1. They are all great cameras, but I find the one I love and use the most is the ep-3. I do have the vf-2 evf. I, too, think an evf is indispensable, especially in bright light. And I'm an old guy who has been into photography for 50 years or so, and until the last decade or so every camera had a viewfinder. So I have been watching reviews of more compact older digital cameras, primarily for the ease of carry (that is one reason I love the ep-3 with the Lumix 12-32mm or Zuiko 45mm f1.8). I am specifically interested in acquiring a Panasonic LX3 or LX5, or Olympus XZ-1 or XZ-2, so I appreciate your review. Those Panasonics have the fast Leica lens, and the Olympus lens is also fast. I'm a subscriber - keep up the great videos!

[@waynecox5138]

I received one from Japan today. Seems like a fun camera. Thanks for the video.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Enjoy it! As you said, it is a fun camera.

[@RobertVE3VPL]

I have an XZ-1 that I used a lot for time lapse because it will capture 16x9 aspect photos. It's so light that any cheap tripod is good enough to hold it. Too bad it doesn't have manual zoom though. As for old cameras, I still have a Fuji F40fd but I haven't used it in a while. Photos from the Fuji are always surprisingly good.

[@neilcousineau4956]

LOL. You bought an XA-2! Awesome. I bought mine 3 or 4 years ago. It’s my go too small pocket go everywhere camera. If I’m heading out for a short errand or with my wife (she likes the photos but hates photography) I always take my XZ-2. I use it mostly without the EVF but I have the EVF-3. And next week I’m buying a 2010 Olympus Stylus-1 it’s 28mm to 300mm. Wow. Love the graffiti. My fav = Filmed 24/7

[@ForsgardPeter]

I also liked the Filmed 24/7. Not sure if the filmed part was in the original one. But it makes the graffiti great.

[@KSmusic1994]

I love this review, Can I ask you about this XZ2 are RAW file recorded? I'm from thailand.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Yes you can record raw-files.

[@petepictures]

I shoot still with the Olympus E400, but would like to get the E3 or E30 as well . I also shoot some very old ones as well on film, not long ago I shot with my Kodak No 3A made in 1912

[@deathdoor]

I wanted this so much! And nice observation, if there's support to it, than all these old cameras can perform today noticeably better with current imagining processing software.

[@ForsgardPeter]

The new software gives life back to older cameras.

[@JensMHA]

Have been pondering getting one of those, I am primarily a Lumix shooter and love the LX7 and have a string of older Lumix M43 models which I like, but found and bought a Stylus 1S, which is very nice and renders beautifully. I have picked up somewhere that the Stylus1 shares internals with the XS-2, so am somewhat keen on giving that one a go. I use the Topaz suit to clean up the oldie files, and I get good results from that.

[@wongjefx980]

I got Panasonic GX1 and GF2 this year with EVF's and pancake lens. Got these to play with adapters for my Contax lens, and Olympus lenses. Trying to recapture the fun I had using Olympus XA, and Stylus Epic film cameras...but so far hard to be the easy carry of iphone.

[@teafauna3138]

Recently 'upgraded' till OMD EM5 for rough conditions fieldwork

[@LODGEYISBORED]

I have an EPL-5 that I use almost daily, I love that little dang thing.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Great!

[@jmtphotographymedia]

My favorite old cameras at the moment is the Panasonic LX7 (1/1.7 inch sensor) and Panasonic GX1 (M43).

[@martingreenberg870]

Have the LX7. It is in a plastic bag unused. I loved this camera. Fat lens. Nice zoom range. Small & lightweight. I am a sensor bigot. The 1/1.7” sensor is too small for me. Love M43 and APSC sensor size bodies and their respective lenses. Mask On Nurse Marty (Ret)

[@michaelaviloria8299]

I bought the xz-1 because i like the "film" look that it shows,, and after researching thoroughly in compact cameras ❤❤

[@nippelpippel]

Hi Peter, I also have this wonderful XZ-2 in my Olympus portfolio. Honestly, twice. Also twice the VF-4. One for me and one for my wife, who is also totally enthusiastic about this camera. I still have two old OM models 1 and 2 and some additional lenses; o). Nice video! And I'm happy that this camera is mentioned again! Greetings Marcus

[@ForsgardPeter]

Great to hear that you also have the XZ-2 in use. A great little camera.

[@Tomservoca]

I’ve been using the XZ-2 for years. I use the EVF from my EP-2 (which I still use) Don’t push the ISO, be patient with the autofocus (lots of muttering under your breath) The push on/off button can be inadvertently pushed on when in a coat pocket so I’ve got extra batteries with me. This camera travels with me all the time, even if I’m taking my normal load of An EP-2 and Leica ME

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thanks for the tip!

[@jeffreymaugenest]

Whenever I get gas (gadget acquisition syndrome) I pick up this little gem and forget about all the temptations for ridiculous upgrades and fancy, useless gimmicks on offer these days. The photos from the zx2 are amazing. Thank you for video.

[@FelipANadal]

I got a second hand Lumix gx800 camera a couple of months ago to use as a carry everywhere camera. It is a little strange to use for a Olympus user, but its image quality is great and I can use my micro 4/3 lenses with it.

[@lichtloper]

Terrific clip, Peter, thank you. I'm going to try and find an XZ-2. (and hope OlyMDS will produce an XZ-3...)

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thank you.

[@UnknownUser-rb9pd]

I own and occasionally use an Olympus XZ-1. It is the ideal lens speed and focal length for a walk around camera though I may replace it with a Canon G5X mk 2 next year. I also have a really old Canon Ixus 70 which lives in the car glove box.

[@Rnder72]

Fun little vid. I picked up the XZ-1 this summer basically for the same reason. I have a GR II which I really like, but sometimes it is nice to have a zoom. The only down side now is that has a couple of large dust flecks which I need to take care of. As far as graffiti I liked the modified Warhol quote :-P . The other vintage camera that I truly love using is the E-1, I feel so happy every time I am out with that camera. Don't need expensive stuff to give joy.

[@ForsgardPeter]

The last sentence is so true.

[@corykphotography]

Whoa Peter this is an awesome little camera!

[@genestassov3845]

Hi Peter! Thanks alot for Oly cams popularization! Not sure that it is interesting to anyone ) but I have, use and love (if we talk about Olympus) three c-70, c-8080 and E-520 ) Kind regards from Moscow, Cheers

[@mateuszwnuk9136]

You can attach it to EM1 mk1 only and why would you? Sometimes the EVF dies and then you have a replacement without repairing, secondly the VF-4 is of a bit higher quality EVF than the one in original EM1, then it may be more comfortable not to touch the screen with your nose (I really like the placement on a pen camera as compared to the OM series) and finally - you can tilt the VF-4 up :)

[@samham3901]

Thanks for sharing 💖 .. what do you think of the Olympus C5050 and the Olympus E500 ??

[@ForsgardPeter]

Unfortunately In have never used those cameras so I cannot really say anything.

[@alanmoulsdale6172]

Great video. I use an Olympus EPL2. I got it dirt cheap & love it but the viewfinder attachment is too expensive for me. I can't justify the expense. I love the colours it produces though.

[@marekmkm744]

True about the ISO and program we have installed on laptop/computer. Not every one deals with noise the same way. DXO is great , no doubts about it, but there is a few others. I am happy with Darktable. I heard the Raw therapy is good too.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Both of those are quite good I have heard. Have not tested them for a long time.

[@adambreuse1875]

Thanks to you just bought one. Wasn't even aware it existed. I will pair it with my evf on my e-p5. The ev-4 is a killer. But how does the camera compares to the Pentax MX-1 with very similalr specs?

[@ForsgardPeter]

Great to hear. I have not tested the Pentax MX-1 so I cannot really say anything about it.

[@idenelf11]

I have a Nikon J1 and a Samsung NX 3000 I use every now and again. I also have a Nikon f2 for film but I haven't shot film in forever.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thanks for sharing. NX cameras are interesting. Still use your a lot?

[@idenelf11]

@@ForsgardPeter I bought it used to try it because I had heard great things about it. I use it every once in a while - I am still getting used to the menus as they are very different from my Olympus cameras. I like what I have seen from it so far.

[@TheMikeharris7]

I like the XZ-1 a little bit better. In fact I'm looking for a place to send mine to have the sensor cleaned.

[@mrnicelynicely1]

This looks like a great always-with-you camera.

[@ForsgardPeter]

It is.

[@ron.photographyseries]

I just got this camera and used it for more than 3 weeks. I have to say, it's pretty impressive! It takes way better photos than my S23 Ultra, Pixel 6a and my wife's 15 Pro Max. Sometimes I prefer the image coming out of this camera over my main shooter Canon RP with 24-105mm kit lens. The purpose of this comment is not to "Hype the price" but to share my experiences. It is compact, looks great and photography centered because you can easily tweak the settings for your photo. For me, the only drawback in this camera is the 12mp. Other than that I have nothing to complain about. Olympus Stylus XZ-2: 9.5/10 10/6/24 PS: Just made a youtube channel just to make a comment😂

[@brianlaunchbury4491]

I don't use dxo but I'm amazed how modern software (topaz) cleans up my old Pentax k-3/7 images.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Topaz DeNoise AI is another great noise reduction software. I personally like DxO, but the difference between these two softwares are not big. It is more about personal taste.

[@MarcioK]

My dream is to have the Olympus Stylus 1 - the "E-M10" version of the XZ-2. But the prices are insane.

[@ForsgardPeter]

It is a great camera. Never tested one. I check the prices from eBay and yes quite a lot. Would also like to have one, but with those prices no thanks.

[@MarcioK]

@@ForsgardPeter yep, very high prices. Maybe will try your way (XZ-2 + EVF), since is somwhat equivalent. My everywhere little cam is the LX100, 1st version, very underrated little thing - a small and good 1.7-2.8 zoom lens much cheaper than the equivalent other m43 zooms that comes with a camera with EVF for free. :)

[@ridealongwithrandy]

And I still use my E-500, I really like the Kodak CCD for the colors.

[@julesgardet659]

Wow … love your pics/colors.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thank you so much!

[@xmeda]

Sure it is good. Besides several Pentax DSLRs and many lenses I have XZ-1 for about 6 years, Stylus1s for about 3 years and I've added XZ-2 few months ago as it fits between them. RAW is very acceptable, lens is very bright, stabiliser works.. if only the same user interface as in Stylus1s was used or available as firmware update. So now I have two very portable options. If light is good or I want to take pics of distant objects like planes, birds etc.. I take Stylus1s. If I need low-light capability or small camera, then XZ-2 goes with me. I took over 5000 pics with XZ-2 so far. It also has advantage over Stylus1s thanks to the ability to charge battery in camera from USB. So for travelling you only need cable + powerbank and you can take thousands of pictures. Other nice thing is, that you can buy cheap filter adaptor and then attach for example +5D magnifier to get extremely interesting close-up macros with pocket camera or obviously various filters like polarizer or ND. By the way these cameras do have ND filter setting build-in. Stylus1s has obvious advantage in "28-300"/2.8 lens, build-in EVF, better AF, WIFI transfer/control. But needs charger and is larger, heavier and lens starts with F2.8 which is nowhere near as bright as F1.8. Many dumbasses will try to tell, that mobile phone camera is better. But show me smartphone with 28-112/1.8-2.5 zoom, with build-in flash and more importantly flash hot shoe for external flash, which can significantly improve shots in low light when you point it up and use ceiling in room to disperse light. And of course thread for tripod at the bottom for long exposures and low light shooting. Not to mention superior ergonomics, full manual controls including manual focus and shutter cable release if needed etc. Photos developed from RAW easily outperform 99% of smartphones and you can buy this camera for about $150 easily, while smartphone capable of similar output with its main "camera" will be in $800+ range and still lacking features mentioned above. And you don't need any DxO SW, even classic Lightroom does the job well.

[@ForsgardPeter]

It is better than a smart phone. Yes the built-in ND is great. Did not use it that much, but on a really sunny day it might come handy. I have also looked for a Stylus 1s, but the prices are quite high. Now that I have the XZ-2 I might skip the Stylus 1s.

[@xmeda]

@@ForsgardPeter Stylus1 has some nice tricks to offer. For example 120/240 fps video, AF is faster, more accurate and you can select much smaller AF "points". Tracking is also more capable than on XZ-2. It has EVF and although not as good as cameras have today, it is still very usable. especially in bright light. And it has WiFi full control via APP. :) I was lucky to buy mine for about $150 (but in Czech rep.) and it was like new + complete box and two batteries. Great camera for birds, planes etc, but still easily fits in large pocket. When I want to get similar reach and exposure levels, I have to carry Pentax K3 + Sig 17-50/2.8 + Sig 70-200/2.8HSM. Of course the image output is different level, but it requires shoulder bag and has about 3kg, and even If I switch to smaller lenses, it is still about 2kg for K3 + Sig17-70/2.8-4 + DA55-200/4-5.6 while that Oly can be with me even on a bike.

[@valdiskrebs566]

Nice monochromes! Many early digital cameras(GF-1, XE1, E-PL2) are great at Black & White SOOC.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Thanks.

[@Ed-bj5eq]

That XZ and the Stylus 1 were in my wish list in the day but compared that XZ with my Nokia Luimia and I didn't buy it because the 5x zoom of the Nokia was enough and IQ was not that different to justify buying the camera. Good call since years later I bought the OMD EM10 + EZ 14-42 which is about the same size and has much better IQ and stabilizer, plus view finder and can add new lenses. I think that M43 format is still the best compromise between compact and IQ for traveling. We can maybe argue point and shoot cam market is gone ?

[@ForsgardPeter]

Yes point and shoot market has been gone a few years.

[@rezatravilla2893]

I still use "the older brother" XZ1 for daily use. In fact this is my first Olympus camera

[@ForsgardPeter]

Nice. XZ-1 is also one of those gems.

[@muratsahan8697]

I still carry my ZX-1 with me and I love the pictures and that it is fun to shoot with. And i love the the art filters, especially the "B&W grainy" bt I have been looking for a used ZX-2 because of the tilt screen and that you can customize the control ring - you can NOT do that on the ZX-1.

[@ForsgardPeter]

XZ-2 has a few handy features over the XZ-1. I really like the control ring. Hope you find one with a reasonable price.

[@jadur]

I use Olympus stylus 1, Panasonic gm1 and Pentax k-r 35mm f2.4

[@absurdfool]

the gem actually is the xz-1 with a ccd sensor

[@Bigfarmer8]

My oldest camera is an Rolleicord of 1938. In Olympus terms I use both the OM-10 and the OM-D E-M10 MKII a lot ( the latter is newest caemra I have). In relation to this video I use a Canon PowerShot S200 with also a 1/1.7" sensor. I have shot quite some nice photos with that little camera. Recently I had a Canon PowerShot G7 X on loan and I was disappointed because it was hardly any better than my S200. Yes, the 1" sensor on the G7 X is better but the lens is not as good as on the much cheaper S200 and that really surprised me. Like the Stylus XZ-2 the PowerShot S200 is great for street photography as it is tiny.

[@ForsgardPeter]

XZ-2 is great for street photography. The only downside is that it is a bit slow. If the style is a decisive moment type street then it might be not the best choice.

[@jjp_nl]

Interesting little camera right there. I remember getting the XZ-10 back in the day. It strikes me as a stripped down version of the XZ-2, from roughly the same 2012/2013 period. Retaining some of the features, while dropping some other to make it really small. In all honesty (since I wasn't really into photography at the time) I never really came to grips with the XZ-10 when I first got it. I remember I found the menu system a bit overwhelming at the time, and I never really got past that, and stuck with a Canon IXUS something-or-other point and shoot. I still have the complete and (as far as I can tell) working ZX-10 laying around though, so I'll charge the battery and take it out for spin. Having worked with OM-D camera's the past two years, I feel a lot more comfortable working with Olympus camera's then back in the day.

[@ForsgardPeter]

XZ-10 is a bit different from this one, but most likely quite capable camera too.

[@xmeda]

XZ-10 has significantly smaller sensor with much more noise. Just a low-end compact camera :) But LOOKS similar to XZ-1

[@mikaeljenu6038]

Great camera. Too bad mine broke down a few years ago. Nice second camera for macro shoots as well, with the greater depth of view.

[@ForsgardPeter]

Sorry to hear that, what happened?

[@mikaeljenu6038]

@@ForsgardPeter The power zoom failed, and after that, the camera wouldn't start. However, I fiddled with the camera yesterday evening and got it working! I'll have to clean the battery contacts and see if I can find a repair service, just in case.

[@tonysoprano3138]

What should I pick this or XZ-10?

[@ForsgardPeter]

That is a hard question. I have not tested the XZ-10.

[@tonysoprano3138]

​@@ForsgardPeter thanks sir, and what would you say in comparsion Fuji X-E1 vs Oly XZ-2 which one would be way to go please?

[@ForsgardPeter]

I have not tested X-E1 either. Cannot really say about that anything for sure. Sorry that I cannot help.

[@yassassinfo]

Stylus 1 & 1s has an impressive lens: 28-300mm F2.8

[@ForsgardPeter]

Yes that is quite amazing lens.

[@gamingwithstand6886]

A lot of people are not happy with DXO. They ran a sale last week and sent out emails and now surger sale a week later with even cheaper prices. You feel like you got scammed.

[@ForsgardPeter]

That is quite common nowadays that software companies do that. Unfortunately.

[@mickey3273]

Soo funny, i just took this camera as my girlfriend is not using at all for the last few years, and i have to admit, it wow STUNNING!!!! For photography and video, i was recording at night, sound perfect, video quality also 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽 nice, my main camera is Canon 6D

[@TheSchnauzie]

I used a Nikon Coolpix P300.

[@eddiegee2940]

No, you’re not going to like this camera as priority after 8 months of use, you going to reach the recent Olympus OM-1 for better low light and high iso capability and the image stacking dynamic range 90 megapixel option. Along with better phase detection. This ZX2 is only good for stills and simple motion street photography.

[@ForsgardPeter]

I have used it most in the streets and for that this little camera is quite nice.

[@eddiegee2940]

@@ForsgardPeter Thank you for responding, please do not get confused, this is a good compact easy to carry around camera that can do lots of things but as years go by technology has improved simply for consumer wants and needs and that is better performance in high iso and low light as well as auto focus system. This camera is good back up or primary for casual shooting imo.

[@ForsgardPeter]

The whole point is not the technology itself. This camera makes me photograph differently. Also, many features are aimed at street photographers. It has made me shoot more and in a different way. Now again I am able to photograph people candid and I do not have to hide. I can be out in the open. This camera is very good main camera for street photography. If I was not photographing for clients this camera would be the only thing I need.

[@eddiegee2940]

@@ForsgardPeter We can agree is good street camera.

[@yttean98]

You are not following Robin Wong footsteps showing off OLD/Obsolete Olympus cameras.

[@ForsgardPeter]

What do you mean? I have tested and tried older cameras on my channeI before. Like this video from 2019: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJzIgqyBecmnoKs. I do not think this camera is obsolete as you saw in the video.

[@yttean98]

@@ForsgardPeter He tried on EPM1 first then you followed with XZ-2. If you think you are first to use other Olympus before he did then I am wrong, forget about it.

[@papa.alfredo]

I had already written a question to you but sadly, you almost do not answer to your subscribers, that is why I erased it and unsubscribed! But thanks for the time!

[@ForsgardPeter]

Sorry to see you go. I do answer to all questions, but of course it is possible that some might go unnoticed.

[@papa.alfredo]

@@ForsgardPeter I can understand but, in the page I wrote my last post if you see, many of them write and ask and there are no reacctions from your part, it is a pity because you are good in what you do! Thanks for the time and your videos!

[@ForsgardPeter]

@papa.alfredo Do you mean the Facebook group? If you mean that then I have to say that unfortunately I do not really use Facebook anymore. I know it is not the best practise from me. The place to get answers is here on KZbin.

[@papa.alfredo]

@@ForsgardPeter I meant KZbin, no Facebook. As you know, I wrote that first message, then when I tried to read below to all messages, I only noticed very few answers from you, so, I thought, I was going to waste my time in asking you something about the camera! That is why I feld a sort of upset but, I will return to you, you are a nice person and loved always your videos, many greetings, Alfredo

[@ForsgardPeter]

@papa.alfredo Please tell me what video was this. I will check out if there is some problem with the comments.

[@marcc482]

LOL… I love this camera … also the Pentax MX-1 (which I also have and uses the same sensor and zoom lens as this one), and the Panasonic LX5 and LX7 (also have an LX7) are great older cameras as well !!! Personally, I feel foto editing should only be for professional use: products in magazines, etc… but not for Photographers displaying their “work” or personal users … those should only be the user and the camera !!! 🤷🏻

[@ForsgardPeter]

I think editing is a part of the whole process. Depending on the genre how much editing is ok. Some say that cropping in street photography is not ok. I think the opposite. Removing distracting elemnt is ok if it is not a document. It the context of art it is totally fine.

[@marcc482]

@ …. Cool, I understand … but I and other people that I know that are photographers and / or into photography disagree … but it is all subjective … as are people’s choices of cameras and settings, etc… that is why we are all different !!! (IMO, there is way too much editing going on nowadays which also means that the camera and equipment anyone uses is actually really not all that important compared to in the past) 🤷🏻 But this is nothing against you … I really do enjoy your videos … greetings to you !!!

[@ForsgardPeter]

I totally understand your point. We have different opinions about this and it is totally ok.