PR:

Main Features:

1. With the world's first hybrid control ring, users can enjoy the feel of dial controls around the lens and easily switch between functions
2. The STYLUS XZ-2 is equipped with Touch AF Shutter, a swivel LCD screen, and 11 Art Filters from the OLYMPUS PEN series. The removable grip allows users to choose between a sleek style and a sure-grip style
3. With an f1.8-2.5 large-diameter 4x optical i.ZUIKO DIGITAL lens that is bright from wide-angle to telephoto shots, iHS Technology which enables high-sensitivity, low noise, and high speed AF, this camera boasts the highest image quality of any OLYMPUS camera

The OLYMPUS STYLUS X series is Olympus’ flagship compact camera, being the first compact digital camera with a lens bearing the ZUIKO name. The ZUIKO lens was first included on the Semi Olympus, the first-ever Olympus camera in 1936. The ZUIKO lens has been used for the past 76 years, continuing its tradition as a high-performance lens.

In January 2011, the OLYMPUS XZ-1 was announced as the first model in the X series. As a large-diameter lens with a bright f1.8-2.5 from wide-angle end to telephoto, it has continued to garner praise as a lens that delivers high image quality for a digital camera.

With the combination of the newly developed 1/1.7 type back-illuminated CMOS sensor on the large-diameter lens, and the SLR image processing engine TruePic VI, the STYLUS XZ-2 achieves the highest image quality of any Olympus compact digital camera. The lens, which is bright even up to the telephoto end, delivers high-end performance in image quality and soft-focus bokeh effects even when shooting in dark conditions.

The back-illuminated CMOS sensor was newly developed to take advantage of the bright f2.5 setting at the telephoto end of the lens. The 1/1.7 type sensor is larger than the sensors of most compact digital cameras, providing an advantage in image quality. At the same time, a larger size sensor would make it difficult to design a bright, high-performance lens. Hence, the current size is the best possible match.

The operability was also designed with care and precision. The world's first hybrid control ring allows users to switch operating styles and functions to match their control preference. Users can assign function selection depending on their desired operating preferences. The “digital” operation provides a solid click on controls, whereas the “analogue” operation offers a smooth feeling on controls.

Basic operations and settings, starting with touch controls and Live Guide, as well as the refined UI are the same as those used on OLYMPUS PEN and OM-D E-M5 cameras.

In addition, as users can change the angle of the 3.0 type 920,000 dot rear monitor, keeping an eye on the subject from a low angle or high angle is a cinch.

Metal materials are used for the strong and sharp form of the top cover, plus the mode dial is cut from metal, giving the controls a solid feel.

For a sure grip, a removable grip is included as a standard feature. With an optimised control button layout, the STYLUS XZ-2 brings a comfortable feel to camera operations

Some measurements

http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/Publications/DxOMark-Reviews/Olympus-Stylus-XZ-2-iHS-promising-point-and-shoot-or-prospective-pro-level-camera

The Olympus XZ-2 improves upon the popular XZ-1 with several key upgrades, including a brand new 12-megapixel 1/1.7-inch backside-illuminated CMOS sensor. However, thankfully, the new model keeps the fast, bright f/1.8-2.5 i.ZUIKO zoom lens which made its predecessor stand out against other enthusiast compact cameras. The XZ-2's 4x zoom lens maintains a wide max aperture across its 28-112mm equivalent range, and when paired with the new sensor -- which replaces a 10-megapixel CCD -- helps deliver sharp, detailed images even in low-light shooting situations.

Overall, the Olympus XZ-2 is fun to use and lightning fast, with negligible shutter lag and almost-instant and accurate autofocus. It's packed with a ton of advanced photographic features and functionality, ranging from full PASM shooting control to RAW file capture to an excellent Macro mode. Its movie features are limited, but the compact does capture Full 1080p HD video at 30p.

http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/olympus-xz2/olympus-xz2A.HTM