Images Fine, but Poor Design

ChiJeff5 wrote:

I am not going to do a long review. I am sure that has been done by much better reviewers. I just want to add a few thoughts and observations.

1. Why is the LCD review screen the furthest from the back? For instance, when you lay the camera on its back (so it does not tip over) it rests flat and flush on the LCD. Its going to get scratched way too quickly. I am not a fan of having to buy accessories like screen protectors when a small design tweak could have prevented it. Maybe the screen could have had a very slightly protruding bezel? Maybe a knob somewhere on back could have stuck out a couple mm more? For example, the Nikon P310's thumb rest protrudes a little thereby taking the load off the screen when the camera is on its back.

When I shot with a Dslr - I would never consider laying body with screen face down. So, it seems natural to me to never lay my XZ-2 face down on it's screen.

2. The lever on the front is right where my fingers go when I try to one hand hold the camera. I had to set the "Fn2" button to nothing because I kept accidentally touching it when I tried to hold the camera. I wish I could have the same options for Fn1 as are available on Fn2.

It's taken me awhile to get used to it - but I like the lever location. I've assigned manual focus to it and having it next to the lens ring is intuitive.

3. Another cord?! Why not just a standard USB? I hate cords. At least cell phones (except Apple) are using the same cord. Again back to my old P310 that I am missing more each day, it used the same cord (micro or mini, not sure) as my phone and my wife's phone and our android tablet. Travel was easy. Now I have to remember another darn cord. Some people say "Just buy the charger." Again, I dont want to buy an accessory as a work around for a decision made by a company to use a non standard cord.

I agree with you on this. I wish all manufacturers would get together and produce the same accessories for things like chargers, batteries, cords, power adapters, memory sticks, etc. - in a world of dwindling resources (such as rare earth elements) ending up tucked away in drawers, closets and ultimately in landfills.

The rest of my gripes may just be preferences. For example, I think the menu system lacks intuitive organization.

I'll keep the camera in hopes of getting used to its ergonomics. The image quality is the same (except maybe for the pixel peepers) as the other cameras in its class so it really boils down to software user interface and exterior design. In both cases I am not satisfied at the moment with the XZ-2. Kinda wish I would have gone with the Pentax MX-1 or Panasonic LX-7 or Nikon P7700. Here's hoping the XZ-2 grows on me. If it does, next interchangeable lens camera is going to be a PEN. If I cant get used to this XZ-2 I'll be looking at Panasonic.

As far as "intuitive" menus - I agree with another poster here, that it tends to be what you are used to. I've been shooting with Olympus for over 10 years, so I zip thru the XZ-2 fairly painlessly.

The only thing that slows me down is the increase in options. But, I'm not complaining about that. I love that I can configure my custom modes 1 and 2; so many variables; sometimes I forget to take advantage of them, but that's not the camera's fault.

I really like the "Live Control" - it allows me to quickly scroll thru many of the settings and make quick adjustments (I consider Live Control very intuitive).

The XZ-2 lens is sharp.
Some folks prefer the XZ-1 sensor for colors, but overall I'm very happy with with this camera and results.

My first time out with XZ-2. I'm still learning how to get the most out of this camera, but I really like it - not regrets.  (this image - as displayed here- seems a bit fuzzy; please click on image for a sharper view, thanks)