Fujifilm XQ2 vs Olympus XZ-1

The Fujifilm XQ2 and the Olympus XZ-1 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in January 2015 and January 2011. Both the XQ2 and the XZ-1 are fixed lens compact cameras that are based on a 2/3 (XQ2) and a 1/1.7-inch (XZ-1) sensor. The Fujifilm has a resolution of 12 megapixels, whereas the Olympus provides 10.1 MP.

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

Headline Specifications

Fujifilm XQ2		Olympus XZ-1
Fixed lens compact camera		Fixed lens compact camera
25-100mm f/1.8-4.9		28-112mm f/1.8-2.5
12 MP – Two Thirds sensor		10.1 MP – 1/1.7" sensor
1080/60p Video		720/30p Video
ISO 100-12,800		ISO 100-6,400
No viewfinder, LCD framing		Viewfinder optional
3.0" LCD – 920k dots		3.0" LCD – 614k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
12 shutter flaps per second		2 shutter flaps per second
Lens-based stabilization		In-body stabilization
240 shots per battery charge		320 shots per battery charge
100 x 59 x 33 mm, 206 g		111 x 65 x 42 mm, 275 g

Check XQ2 offers at
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Check XZ-1 offers at
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm XQ2 and the Olympus XZ-1? 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

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Fujifilm XQ2 and the Olympus XZ-1 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The XQ2 can be obtained in three different colors (black, silver, white), while the XZ-1 is available in two color-versions (black, white).

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Olympus XZ-1 is notably larger (22 percent) than the Fujifilm XQ2. Moreover, the XZ-1 is markedly heavier (33 percent) than the XQ2. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the XQ2 nor the XZ-1 are weather-sealed.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price	Street Price
1.		Fujifilm XQ2	100 mm	59 mm	33 mm	206 g	240	n	Jan 2015	EUR 379	ebay.com
2.		Olympus XZ-1	111 mm	65 mm	42 mm	275 g	320	n	Jan 2011	EUR 480	ebay.com
3.		Canon S120	100 mm	59 mm	29 mm	217 g	230	n	Aug 2013	EUR 499	ebay.com
4.		Fujifilm X-A3	117 mm	67 mm	40 mm	339 g	410	n	Aug 2016	EUR 449	ebay.com
5.		Fujifilm X-A10	117 mm	67 mm	40 mm	331 g	410	n	Dec 2016	EUR 449	ebay.com
6.		Fujifilm X30	119 mm	72 mm	60 mm	423 g	470	n	Aug 2014	EUR 549	ebay.com
7.		Fujifilm X70	113 mm	64 mm	44 mm	340 g	330	n	Jan 2016	EUR 699	ebay.com
8.		Fujifilm XQ1	100 mm	59 mm	33 mm	206 g	240	n	Oct 2013	EUR 399	ebay.com
9.		Olympus E-PL1	115 mm	72 mm	42 mm	334 g	290	n	Feb 2010	EUR 599	ebay.com
10.		Olympus E-PL3	110 mm	64 mm	37 mm	313 g	300	n	Jun 2011	EUR 549	ebay.com
11.		Olympus E-PM1	110 mm	64 mm	34 mm	265 g	330	n	Jun 2011	EUR 449	ebay.com
12.		Olympus XZ-2	113 mm	65 mm	48 mm	346 g	340	n	Sep 2012	EUR 599	ebay.com
13.		Panasonic LX5	110 mm	65 mm	43 mm	271 g	400	n	Jul 2010	EUR 529	ebay.com
14.		Sony HX80	102 mm	58 mm	36 mm	245 g	390	n	Mar 2016	EUR 449	ebay.com
15.		Sony HX90V	102 mm	58 mm	36 mm	245 g	360	n	Apr 2015	EUR 469	ebay.com
16.		Sony HX95	102 mm	58 mm	36 mm	242 g	370	n	Aug 2018	EUR 499	ebay.com
17.		Sony HX99	102 mm	58 mm	36 mm	242 g	370	n	Aug 2018	EUR 519	ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The XQ2 was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 20 percent) than the XZ-1, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. 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 imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its 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 XQ2 features a 2/3 sensor and the Olympus XZ-1 a 1/1.7-inch sensor. The sensor area in the XZ-1 is 21 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 3.9 and 4.4. Both cameras feature a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 4:3.

With 12MP, the XQ2 offers a higher resolution than the XZ-1 (10.1MP), but the XQ2 nevertheless has marginally larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 2.20μm versus 2.13μm for the XZ-1) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the XQ2 is a much more recent model (by 4 years) than the XZ-1, 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 XQ2 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Fujifilm XQ2 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the XQ2 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 20 x 15 inches or 50.8 x 38.1 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 16 x 12 inches or 40.6 x 30.5 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 13.3 x 10 inches or 33.9 x 25.4 cm. The corresponding values for the Olympus XZ-1 are 18.3 x 13.8 inches or 46.5 x 35 cm for good quality, 14.7 x 11 inches or 37.2 x 28 cm for very good quality, and 12.2 x 9.2 inches or 31 x 23.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The XQ2 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Fujifilm XQ2 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Olympus XZ-1 are ISO 100 to ISO 6400 (no boost).

In terms of underlying technology, the XQ2 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the XZ-1 uses a CCD imager. The XQ2 uses Fujifilm's X-Trans layout of photosites, while the XZ-1 employs the more common Bayer array.

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Fujifilm XQ2	2/3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	20.5	11.2	-275	49
2.		Olympus XZ-1	1/1.7	10.1	3664	2752	720/30p	18.8	10.4	117	34
3.		Canon S120	1/1.7	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	21.3	11.9	246	56
4.		Fujifilm X-A3	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	23.8	13.1	1664	81
5.		Fujifilm X-A10	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/30p	23.9	13.2	1691	81
6.		Fujifilm X30	2/3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	20.4	11.2	-312	49
7.		Fujifilm X70	APS-C	16.0	4896	3264	1080/60p	23.7	13.0	1608	80
8.		Fujifilm XQ1	2/3	12.0	4000	3000	1080/60p	20.3	11.0	-390	47
9.		Olympus E-PL1	Four Thirds	12.2	4032	3024	720/30p	21.5	10.1	487	54
10.		Olympus E-PL3	Four Thirds	12.2	4032	3024	1080/60i	20.9	10.3	499	52
11.		Olympus E-PM1	Four Thirds	12.2	4032	3024	1080/60i	21.0	10.3	499	52
12.		Olympus XZ-2	1/1.7	11.8	3968	2976	1080/30p	20.4	11.3	216	49
13.		Panasonic LX5	1/1.7	10.0	3648	2736	720/60p	19.6	10.8	132	41
14.		Sony HX80	1/2.3	18.0	4896	3672	1080/60p	20.4	11.8	822	48
15.		Sony HX90V	1/2.3	18.0	4896	3672	1080/60p	20.2	11.6	738	47
16.		Sony HX95	1/2.3	18.0	4896	3672	4K/30p	20.6	12.1	1057	51
17.		Sony HX99	1/2.3	18.0	4896	3672	4K/30p	20.6	12.1	1058	51
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the XQ2 provides a higher video resolution than the XZ-1. It can shoot video footage at 1080/60p, while the Olympus is limited to 720/30p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The XQ2 and the XZ-1 are similar in the sense that neither of the two has a viewfinder. The images are, thus, framed using live view on the rear LCD. That said, the XZ-1 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 XQ2, the Olympus XZ-1, and comparable cameras.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Max Shutter Speed *	Max Shutter Flaps *	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Fujifilm XQ2	none	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/4000s	12.0/s	Y	Y
2.		Olympus XZ-1	optional	n	3.0 / 614	fixed	n	1/2000s	2.0/s	Y	Y
3.		Canon S120	none	n	3.0 / 922	fixed	Y	1/2000s	12.1/s	Y	Y
4.		Fujifilm X-A3	none	n	3.0 / 1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	6.0/s	Y	n
5.		Fujifilm X-A10	none	n	3.0 / 1040	tilting	n	1/4000s	6.0/s	Y	n
6.		Fujifilm X30	2360	n	3.0 / 920	tilting	n	1/4000s	12.0/s	Y	Y
7.		Fujifilm X70	optional	n	3.0 / 1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	8.0/s	Y	n
8.		Fujifilm XQ1	none	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/4000s	12.0/s	Y	Y
9.		Olympus E-PL1	optional	n	2.7 / 230	fixed	n	1/2000s	3.0/s	Y	Y
10.		Olympus E-PL3	optional	n	3.0 / 460	tilting	n	1/4000s	5.5/s	n	Y
11.		Olympus E-PM1	optional	n	3.0 / 460	fixed	n	1/4000s	5.5/s	n	Y
12.		Olympus XZ-2	optional	n	3.0 / 920	tilting	Y	1/2000s	5.0/s	Y	Y
13.		Panasonic LX5	optional	n	3.0 / 460	fixed	n	1/4000s	2.5/s	Y	Y
14.		Sony HX80	638	n	3.0 / 922	tilting	n	1/2000s	10.0/s	Y	Y
15.		Sony HX90V	638	n	3.0 / 921	tilting	n	1/2000s	10.0/s	Y	Y
16.		Sony HX95	638	n	3.0 / 922	tilting	n	1/2000s	10.0/s	Y	Y
17.		Sony HX99	638	n	3.0 / 922	tilting	Y	1/2000s	10.0/s	Y	Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

The Olympus XZ-1 has 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.

Both the XQ2 and the XZ-1 have zoom lenses built in. The XQ2 has a 25-100mm f/1.8-4.9 optic and the XZ-1 offers a 28-112mm f/1.8-2.5 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the Fujifilm provides a wider angle of view at the short end than the Olympus, but less tele-photo reach at the long end. Both cameras offer the same maximum aperture.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the XQ2 and the XZ-1 write their files to SDXC cards. The XQ2 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the XZ-1 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 XQ2 and Olympus XZ-1 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Mic / Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Fujifilm XQ2	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
2.		Olympus XZ-1	Y	mono / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
3.		Canon S120	-	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
4.		Fujifilm X-A3	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
5.		Fujifilm X-A10	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
6.		Fujifilm X30	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
7.		Fujifilm X70	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
8.		Fujifilm XQ1	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
9.		Olympus E-PL1	Y	stereo / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
10.		Olympus E-PL3	Y	stereo / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
11.		Olympus E-PM1	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
12.		Olympus XZ-2	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
13.		Panasonic LX5	Y	mono / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
14.		Sony HX80	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
15.		Sony HX90V	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
16.		Sony HX95	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y
17.		Sony HX99	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y

It is notable that the XQ2 offers wifi support, while the XZ-1 does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

Both the XQ2 and the XZ-1 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The XZ-1 was replaced by the Olympus XZ-2, while the XQ2 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the XQ2 and XZ-1 can be found, respectively, in the Fujifilm XQ2 Manual (free pdf) or the online Olympus XZ-1 Manual.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Fujifilm XQ2 and the Olympus XZ-1? Which camera is better? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Reasons to prefer the Fujifilm XQ2:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (12 vs 10.1MP) with a 9% 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 (1080/60p vs 720/30p).
• Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (920k vs 614k dots).
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (12 vs 2 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Wider view: Has a wider-angle lens that facilitates landscape or interior shots.
• More compact: Is smaller (100x59mm vs 111x65mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter (by 69g or 25 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced segment (20 percent cheaper at launch).
• More modern: Reflects 4 years of technical progress since the XZ-1 launch.

Arguments in favor of the Olympus XZ-1:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• More framing options: Can be equipped with a hotshoe-mounted accessory-viewfinder.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• More tele-reach: Has a longer tele-lens for perspective compression and subject magnification.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (320 versus 240) out of a single battery charge.
• Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
• More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in January 2011).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the XQ2 is the clear winner of the match-up (18 : 7 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro 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 XQ2 and the Olympus XZ-1 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the XQ2 and the XZ-1 in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). 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.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DCW   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price	Street Price
1.		Fujifilm XQ2	..	..	..	..	4/5	4/5	Jan 2015	EUR 379	ebay.com
2.		Olympus XZ-1	4/5	..	..	74/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2011	EUR 480	ebay.com
3.		Canon S120	..	+ +	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2013	EUR 499	ebay.com
4.		Fujifilm X-A3	..	..	..	74/100	4.5/5	4/5	Aug 2016	EUR 449	ebay.com
5.		Fujifilm X-A10	..	..	..	..	4/5	4/5	Dec 2016	EUR 449	ebay.com
6.		Fujifilm X30	4/5	..	..	76/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2014	EUR 549	ebay.com
7.		Fujifilm X70	4.5/5	..	..	76/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2016	EUR 699	ebay.com
8.		Fujifilm XQ1	..	..	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2013	EUR 399	ebay.com
9.		Olympus E-PL1	..	86/100	..	69/100	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2010	EUR 599	ebay.com
10.		Olympus E-PL3	3/5	+ +	..	72/100	4.5/5	4/5	Jun 2011	EUR 549	ebay.com
11.		Olympus E-PM1	..	86/100	..	71/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2011	EUR 449	ebay.com
12.		Olympus XZ-2	4/5	+	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2012	EUR 599	ebay.com
13.		Panasonic LX5	4/5	+	..	73/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2010	EUR 529	ebay.com
14.		Sony HX80	..	..	..	..	..	..	Mar 2016	EUR 449	ebay.com
15.		Sony HX90V	4/5	+ +	..	..	4/5	4.5/5	Apr 2015	EUR 469	ebay.com
16.		Sony HX95	..	..	..	..	..	..	Aug 2018	EUR 499	ebay.com
17.		Sony HX99	..	..	..	..	4/5	4.5/5	Aug 2018	EUR 519	ebay.com
Note: (+ +) 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. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Other camera comparisons

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