Fujifilm X-H1 vs Olympus XZ-2

The Fujifilm X-H1 and the Olympus XZ-2 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in February 2018 and September 2012. The X-H1 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the XZ-2 is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on an APS-C (X-H1) and a 1/1.7-inch (XZ-2) sensor. The Fujifilm has a resolution of 24 megapixels, whereas the Olympus provides 11.8 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Fujifilm X-H1		Olympus XZ-2
Mirrorless system camera		Fixed lens compact camera
Fujifilm X mount lenses		28-112mm f/1.8-2.5
24 MP, APS-C Sensor		11.8 MP, 1/1.7" Sensor
4K/30p Video		1080/30p Video
ISO 200-12800 (100-51200)		ISO 100-12800
Electronic viewfinder (3690k dots)		Viewfinder optional
3.0" LCD, 1040k dots		3.0" LCD, 920k dots
Fully flexible touchscreen		Tilting touchscreen
14 shutter flaps per second		5 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilization		In-body stabilization
Weathersealed body		Not weather sealed
310 shots per battery charge		340 shots per battery charge
140 x 97 x 86 mm, 673 g		113 x 65 x 48 mm, 346 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm X-H1 and the Olympus XZ-2? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Fujifilm X-H1 and the Olympus XZ-2 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Olympus XZ-2 is considerably smaller (46 percent) than the Fujifilm X-H1. It is worth mentioning in this context that the X-H1 is splash and dust resistant, while the XZ-2 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the XZ-2 has a lens built in, whereas the X-H1 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the X-H1 and their specifications in the Fujinon X Lens Catalog.

The power pack in the X-H1 can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, just use the right or left arrows in the table to switch to the respective camera. Alternatively, you can also navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from the full list of cameras there.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Fujifilm X-H1»	5.5 in	3.8 in	3.4 in	23.7 oz	310	Y	Feb 2018	1,899			Fujifilm X-H1
	Olympus XZ-2«	4.4 in	2.6 in	1.9 in	12.2 oz	340	n	Sep 2012	599	-		Olympus XZ-2
	Canon 6D Mark II« »	5.7 in	4.4 in	3.0 in	27.0 oz	1200	Y	Jun 2017	1,999			Canon 6D Mark II
	Canon G16« »	4.3 in	3.0 in	1.6 in	12.6 oz	360	n	Aug 2013	549			Canon G16
	Fujifilm X-T3« »	5.2 in	3.7 in	2.3 in	19.0 oz	390	Y	Sep 2018	1,499			Fujifilm X-T3
	Fujifilm X-Pro2« »	5.6 in	3.3 in	1.8 in	17.5 oz	350	Y	Jan 2016	1,699			Fujifilm X-Pro2
	Fujifilm X-T2« »	5.2 in	3.6 in	1.9 in	17.9 oz	340	Y	Jul 2016	1,599	-		Fujifilm X-T2
	Nikon Z6« »	5.3 in	4.0 in	2.6 in	23.8 oz	310	Y	Aug 2018	1,999			Nikon Z6
	Olympus E-PL2« »	4.5 in	2.8 in	1.7 in	12.8 oz	280	n	Jan 2011	599	-		Olympus E-PL2
	Olympus E-PL3« »	4.3 in	2.5 in	1.5 in	11.0 oz	300	n	Jun 2011	599	-		Olympus E-PL3
	Olympus XZ-1« »	4.4 in	2.6 in	1.7 in	9.7 oz	320	n	Jan 2011	499	-		Olympus XZ-1
	Panasonic G9« »	5.4 in	3.8 in	3.6 in	23.2 oz	400	Y	Nov 2017	1,699			Panasonic G9
	Panasonic GH5« »	5.5 in	3.9 in	3.4 in	25.6 oz	410	Y	Jan 2017	1,999			Panasonic GH5
	Pentax KP« »	5.2 in	4.0 in	3.0 in	24.8 oz	390	Y	Jan 2017	1,099			Pentax KP
	Pentax MX-1« »	4.8 in	2.4 in	2.0 in	13.8 oz	290	n	Jan 2013	499	-		Pentax MX-1
	Sony A7 III« »	5.0 in	3.8 in	2.9 in	22.9 oz	610	Y	Feb 2018	1,999			Sony A7 III
	Sony A77« »	5.6 in	4.1 in	3.2 in	25.8 oz	470	Y	Aug 2011	1,399	-		Sony A77
Convert to Metric
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The XZ-2 was launched at a lower price than the X-H1, despite having a lens built in. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Fujifilm X-H1 features an APS-C sensor and the Olympus XZ-2 a 1/1.7-inch sensor. The sensor area in the XZ-2 is 88 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 4.4. The sensor in the X-H1 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the XZ-2 offers a 4:3 aspect.

In terms of underlying technology, both cameras are build around CMOS sensors.

With 24MP, the X-H1 offers a higher resolution than the XZ-2 (11.8MP), but the X-H1 nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.92μm versus 1.91μm for the XZ-2) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the X-H1 is a much more recent model (by 5 years and 4 months) than the XZ-2, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the X-H1 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Fujifilm X-H1 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the X-H1 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30 x 20 inch or 76.2 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24 x 16 inch or 61 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20 x 13.3 inch or 50.8 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Olympus XZ-2 are 19.8 x 14.9 inch or 50.4 x 37.8 cm for good quality, 15.9 x 11.9 inch or 40.3 x 30.2 cm for very good quality, and 13.2 x 9.9 inch or 33.6 x 25.2 cm for excellent quality prints.

The X-H1 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Fujifilm X-H1 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 100-51200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Olympus XZ-2 are ISO 100 to ISO 12800 (no boost).

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the X-H1 provides a higher video resolution than the XZ-2. It can shoot video footage at 4K/30p, while the Olympus is limited to 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the X-H1 has an electronic viewfinder (3690k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the XZ-2 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the XZ-2 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the VF-2. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Fujifilm X-H1, the Olympus XZ-2, and comparable cameras.

One feature that is present on the X-H1, but is missing on the XZ-2 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the X-H1 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Fujifilm X-H1 and the Olympus XZ-2 both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the X-H1 and the XZ-2 write their files to SDXC cards. The X-H1 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the XZ-2 only has one slot. The X-H1 supports UHS-II cards (on both slots), while the XZ-2 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Fujifilm X-H1 and Olympus XZ-2 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

It is notable that the X-H1 has a microphone port, which is missing on the XZ-2. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Fujifilm X-H1 (unlike the XZ-2) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The X-H1 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Fujifilm. In contrast, the XZ-2 has been discontinued (but it can be found pre-owned on eBay). There has not been a direct replacement model for the XZ-2 from Olympus. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Fujifilm and Olympus websites.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Fujifilm X-H1 better than the Olympus XZ-2 or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Arguments in favor of the Fujifilm X-H1:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (24 vs 11.8MP) with a 45% higher linear resolution.
• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Better image quality: Features a larger and more technologically advanced imaging sensor.
• Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/30p).
• Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
• Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
• Easier framing: Has an electronic viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
• Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 920k dots).
• More flexible LCD: Has a full-flex screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (14 vs 5 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• More flexible: Accepts interchangeable lenses, so that lens characteristics can be altered.
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
• Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 2.0).
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
• Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
• Faster buffer clearing: Supports Ultra High Speed (UHS-II) SDXC cards on both slots.
• More modern: Reflects 5 years and 4 months of technical progress since the XZ-2 launch.

Advantages of the Olympus XZ-2:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Ready to shoot: Has an integrated lens, whereas the X-H1 necessitates an extra lens.
• More compact: Is smaller (113x65mm vs 140x97mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight even though it has a lens built in (unlike the X-H1).
• Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
• More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
• More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in September 2012).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the X-H1 is the clear winner of the match-up (24 : 7 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Fujifilm X-H1 and the Olympus XZ-2 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best Travel-Zoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the X-H1 or the XZ-2. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Fujifilm X-H1»	+	86/100	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Feb 2018	1,899			Fujifilm X-H1
	Olympus XZ-2«	+	-	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	599	-		Olympus XZ-2
	Canon 6D Mark II« »	+	80/100	4.5/5	4/5	4/5	Jun 2017	1,999			Canon 6D Mark II
	Canon G16« »	+	-	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2013	549			Canon G16
	Fujifilm X-T3« »	+ +	88/100	5/5	5/5	5/5	Sep 2018	1,499			Fujifilm X-T3
	Fujifilm X-Pro2« »	+	83/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2016	1,699			Fujifilm X-Pro2
	Fujifilm X-T2« »	+ +	86/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Jul 2016	1,599	-		Fujifilm X-T2
	Nikon Z6« »	-	-	4.5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Aug 2018	1,999			Nikon Z6
	Olympus E-PL2« »	83/100	71/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2011	599	-		Olympus E-PL2
	Olympus E-PL3« »	+ +	72/100	4.5/5	-	4/5	Jun 2011	599	-		Olympus E-PL3
	Olympus XZ-1« »	-	74/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2011	499	-		Olympus XZ-1
	Panasonic G9« »	+ +	85/100	5/5	5/5	5/5	Nov 2017	1,699			Panasonic G9
	Panasonic GH5« »	+ +	85/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Jan 2017	1,999			Panasonic GH5
	Pentax KP« »	-	82/100	5/5	-	4.5/5	Jan 2017	1,099			Pentax KP
	Pentax MX-1« »	-	74/100	4/5	3.5/5	4/5	Jan 2013	499	-		Pentax MX-1
	Sony A7 III« »	+ +	89/100	5/5	5/5	5/5	Feb 2018	1,999			Sony A7 III
	Sony A77« »	91/100	81/100	-	4.5/5	5/5	Aug 2011	1,399	-		Sony A77
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (-) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

Specifications: Fujifilm X-H1 vs Olympus XZ-2

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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