Reading mode: Light Dark

For Olympus P&S experts.

Go to last post
B

BobT

Forum Pro
Messages
13,217
Solutions
1
Reaction score
213
Location
MN, US
I am more than satisfied with my XZ-2, but for only ONE thing....the zoom range. My only OLY experience has been with the XZ-2 and the XZ-1 before it. Does Oly have a P&S that is at least a good as my XZ-2, but with a longer zoom range? The IQ is MOST important. So no compromise on the IQ. I'm not interested in any ILCs, just a single camera unit.

For me, the XZ-2 is great from it's 1X to 4X zoom. Quality throughout the range. Is there something at least as good or better, with a longer range?

You offer any suggestions and I'll do the research. Just point me in a direction....if any.

Thanks
 
If you are looking for a compact travel zoom, Oly has the SH-2. Check Henry Falkner's posts in this forum. Small 1/2.3 sensor, but IQ looks very good.

If a bit extra bulk isn't a problem, the Stylus 1s is a absolute joy to shoot. Considering the constant aperture f/2.8 lens, it's still compact and easy to carry. Less zoom range than than the SH-1 and the wide end is only 28mm.
 
Last edited:
Disregarding most features between the SH-1 and SH-2 AND XZ-2, and concentrating only on the end result of their IQs, do either of the 3 stand out to you as superior to the other 2?
 
BobT said:
Disregarding most features between the SH-1 and SH-2 AND XZ-2, and concentrating only on the end result of their IQs, do either of the 3 stand out to you as superior to the other 2?
Click to expand...
While the SH-2 is better than the SH-1, it will NOT be better than the XZ-2 for overall IQ. Like the XZ-2, the SH-2 has RAW, and that tells the story: There is some noise at 100 % screen magnification - and that is most likely why the SH-2 RAW LCD prompt suggests prints no bigger than A3 size (roughly 16x11 inch).

The SH-2 camera JPEGs DO have less pronounced sharpening haloes than those from the SH-1, and they DO have more detail as well. The SH-2 RAW camera originals, taken at the same time as the JPEGs, CAN be processed to give sharp edges without haloes, and more detail, but I use 'Neatimage' to kill noise in blue skies, and to add some sharpening.

Because I insist on having 24x zoom reach, I have always opted for the Olympus travel zooms, and the SH-2 DOES get over the bleating about 'no detail in landscapes' on the SZ-30 MR, SH-50 an SH-1.

But the very fact that I now have the benefit of RAW shows that I am playing at the very limit of what is possible right now with those small sensors.

I have not owned a Canon since my QL-17 35mm range finder camera (in the 1980s). But my feeling is that the 24x zoom G3X with its 1" sensor is your best bet for both reach and IQ, at a tolerable size and weight, although still at an early-adopter enthusiast price.

Henry
 
After XZ-1 , I got E-PM1. Great camera, bigger sensor, avaliable to change your focal area, usable higher ISO(up to 1600)...

However, it was so hard to use at lower shutter speed handheld. I know I can take 1 out of 2 good shots by XZ-1 1/3 seconds hand held ISO 400. But the same as applications was IMPOSSIBLE with PM1+40-150mm Tele or even Sigma 30mmF2.8!!!!

Nowadays I have GM1 and 35-100 compact zoom, which has built in is, and that little cam has also electronic shutter. Its also possible to take 2/5 succesfull shots. And when I boast the ISO 3200 (completely use full) they all good.

What I am trying to say is; when you left XZ-1/2 behind, there will always something lacking in your new cam! If you have a Nikon 4DS you have almost all, but been with an empty wallet and bulk to carry! If you own new 4K capable Panasonic FZ1000 actually its also very bulky, but might replace many stuff ...

Olympus has very nice p&s zoom cameras but then you miss F1.8 at 28mm (Stylus 1) or 1./1.7"sensor (Sh series).

Whatever you choose does not make you %100 satisfied as a p&s.

Welcome to mirrorless world :)

Beno
 
A major objective is in trying to avoid any Interchangeable Lens Cameras (ILC). I don't want the hassle of changing lenses or the obcession or temptation of acquiring MORE lenses. I want to be able to get good quality (up to) 16 X 20 prints, but mainly 8 X 10s. And that might be after some modest cropping. So the IQ has to be at least good enough to accomplish that. The XZ-2 can get those jobs done. Just wish it was a bit longer.
 
But that G3X has a killer price tag. Unless I were to rid myself of a lot of my other gear, there's no way I could afford it. Not sure I'm ready for a complete sell-out to achieve the one-camera solution yet.
 
If you want extra reach (28-300mm f/2.8 constant) and a slightly larger sensor, consider a reconditioned Stylus 1. They are sometimes available from GetOlympus directly for @$425.00. I got mine for $414. and it has been excellent in every way. Just a thought...
BobT said:
But that G3X has a killer price tag. Unless I were to rid myself of a lot of my other gear, there's no way I could afford it. Not sure I'm ready for a complete sell-out to achieve the one-camera solution yet.
Click to expand...
 
And a small note, TCON-17x can not be the best solution for this extra reach.

When they released that, there was not Stylus 1 on market. It works best at Tele most lenght, where XZ-1/2 gets down to F2.5 (I bet with additional Tele it gets around 2.8!) which is not impressive compare to Stylus 1 or 1s.

190mm F2.8 VS 300mm F2.8! It is obvious. And if you think (as I do) Stylus 1 is unnecessarily bulky compare to its sensor size, the go for its Casio cousin! Which also can accommodate CLA-13 + TCON-17 (to bring you further than 500mm!) and enable to attach 55mm filters.

Beno

PS. Oh man... Life is hard when deciding on cameras :)
 
Thanks, Ben. And I do agree with you.

Bob
 
XZ-2 lens is sharp across the frame with very good optical correction, Stylus 1 despite having slower lens can't keep up at shorter focal range. I guess there won't be any XZ-2 succesor, but rather direct competitor to Panasonic's LX100.
 
That's the sort of answer I was looking for.

THANKS to you and the others for responding.

Bob
 
theblock said:
... I guess there won't be any XZ-2 succesor, but rather direct competitor to Panasonic's LX100.
Click to expand...
Just your "guess" or have you seen any articles with this info?

Except for the Stylus 1, seems like Oly has not investing in the advance/enthusiast digital compact cameras.

IMHO the XZ-1/XZ-2 were the closet successors to the C-5050; which I would consider one of the best advance/enthusiast digital compacts I've owned.

I still have the C-8080 mainly for nostalgia of the "Oly Colors" -- at ISO 50 produces great images.





 

Attachments

  • 1284238.jpg
    1284238.jpg
    1.5 MB · Views: 0
I'd find a PM2 kit with the 2 kit lenses. Much better value. I believe all OEMs overprice these compact cameras. My XZ-10 is one of the finest cameras I ever owned at less than $200 (don't remember the actual price) from Olympus Refurb. Not at original retail price. Stylus 1 should be well under $400.
 
Understandable, although I feel the XZ-1, XZ-10 and XZ-2 were 3 of the best of their type of camera ever offered, even acknowledging that all these cameras are built off of common platform units and sub-assemblies. Olympus produced 3 compact, agile, quality image makers.
 
theblock said:
Jon_T said:
theblock said:
... I guess there won't be any XZ-2 succesor, but rather direct competitor to Panasonic's LX100.
Click to expand...
Just your "guess" or have you seen any articles with this info?
Click to expand...
http://www.43rumors.com/ft4-olympus-quits-the-xz-line/

There's no point in releasing next 1/1.7" camera in growing market of 1" and bigger sensors.
Click to expand...
For those who want a pocket or pocketable enthusiasts quality digicam the 1/1.7" provide overall better smaller size over 1" sensor digicams, and can provide good IQ.

The LX100 a fine camera, but its not what I would consider "pocketable" and for myself the 24-75mm is far too limited at the tele focal length. (Ditto for the Sony RX100 III/IV 24-70mm)

Back in 2012 when I was looking an enthusiasts digicam I had initially reduced my choices to the XZ-2, LX-7 and the G15. End up getting the G15 as it provided all the items "I" wanted in a pocketable enthusiasts digicam to use in lieu carrying DSLR or Bridge/Superzoom:
  • Lens with fast max apertures, and good general purpose zoom range. (28-140mm f/1.8-2.8)
  • Good manual controls for most common adjustments. (front & rear dials)
  • Hot Shoe.
  • Built-in viewfinder for times in bright daylight makes using the LCD difficult.
As to true pocket size cameras, have not seen any 1/2.3" sensor camera that can match the IQ of a good quality 1/1.7" sensor pocket size digcam; e.g., S110 (24-120mm):

View Original option below
View Original option below

As always, to each his/her own personal preferences. ;-)
 
Last edited:
Jon_T said:
For those who want a pocket or pocketable enthusiasts quality digicam the 1/1.7" provide overall better smaller size over 1" sensor digicams, and can provide good IQ.

The LX100 a fine camera, but its not what I would consider "pocketable" and for myself the 24-75mm is far too limited at the tele focal length. (Ditto for the Sony RX100 III/IV 24-70mm)
Click to expand...
Canon G7 X has 1" sensor, good IQ, bright zoom over 4x and is noticeably smaller than XZ-2, so it can be done. Olympus just isn't that good in miniaturization like Canon, Sony and Panasonic.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Keyboard shortcuts

f
Forum
m
My threads
Mobile site
About
Editorial content
Cameras & Lenses
Community
All content, design, and layout are Copyright © 1998–2025 Digital Photography Review All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or part in any form or medium without specific written permission is prohibited.
When you use DPReview links to buy products, the site may earn a commission.
©GPS Media - Guides, Products, Services.
Back
Top