Olympus unveils XZ-2 flagship point-and-shoot
updated 10:44 am EDT, Mon September 17, 2012
Camera builds upon the XZ-1
Olympus has introduced a new flagship point-and-shoot, the XZ-2, that serves as a successor to the existing XZ-1. The new camera integrates the same f1.8-2.5 lens as its predecessor, but adds a new 12-megapixel 1/1.7-inch backside-illuminated CMOS sensor and the same image processor as the company's OM-D E-M5 Micro Four Thirds camera.
The integrated 24mm lens (28-112mm equivalent) provides 4x optical zoom, below its superzoom counterparts, though the glass is said to be geared for image quality and low-light performance. The camera is capable of shooting with ISO settings up to 12,800, with shutter speeds up to 1/2000 and burst shooting up to 5fps.
Other features taken from the E-M5 include a swiveling three-inch LCD, physical buttons and wheels, and the touchscreen-based Touch AF autofocus function. Users can also assign functions to the control ring around the lens, which can be operated manually with a smooth feel for focus or zoom control, or electronically with a click for feedback when adjusting exposure settings.
The XZ-2 is expected to ship in November for $600.
