Head-to-Head Comparison: FujiFilm JV100 vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS – Compact Cameras Under the Lens

In the compact camera market, discerning photographers often find themselves weighing choices between models that superficially resemble each other but differ significantly under the hood. Today, we perform an exhaustive comparison of two small sensor compacts: the FujiFilm FinePix JV100 (also known as FinePix JV105) announced in early 2010, and the Olympus XZ-2 iHS, launched nearly three years later in late 2012. Both cameras target enthusiasts seeking portability combined with respectable image quality, yet they represent distinct design philosophies and technological generations.

Drawing upon extensive hands-on testing protocols refined over thousands of camera evaluations, this comparison goes far beyond superficial specifications. We contextualize sensor technologies, autofocus capabilities, ergonomics, and output quality across a comprehensive range of photographic disciplines including portraiture, landscape, wildlife, sports, street, macro, night, video, and travel photography. Our goal is to provide photography enthusiasts and professionals with an authoritative, clear-eyed assessment to help decide which compact better aligns with their creative and workflow demands.

Form Factor and Ergonomics: Lightweight Convenience Versus Control Substance

At first glance, both cameras affirm their compact classification, but a closer inspection reveals divergent approaches to handling and portability:

• FujiFilm JV100: With physical dimensions of 93mm x 55mm x 21mm and a featherlight weight of just 126 grams, the JV100 is designed for absolute pocketability. Its slim profile and minimalistic controls cater to casual users or travelers prioritizing ultra-light gear. However, this translates into a lack of manual control options, and a fixed lens with limited aperture range.

• Olympus XZ-2 iHS: Measuring 113mm x 65mm x 48mm and weighing a substantial 346 grams, the XZ-2 occupies the upper end of the “compact” scale, bordering on a subcompact enthusiast model. The bulk accommodates an articulated 3-inch tilting touchscreen, sensor-shift image stabilization hardware, and enhanced manual control dials and buttons for comprehensive exposure and focus adjustments.

The disparity in size and weight is a compromise between portability and operability. The JV100 excels in convenience for casual shooting scenarios where minimal intrusion and quick access are paramount. Conversely, the XZ-2 targets users who demand tactile engagement, with more nuanced control over exposure and focus critical for disciplined photography.

Sensor Architecture and Image Quality Comparison

Understanding sensor size and technology is foundational to predicting image quality, especially in compact cameras where sensor dimensions are constrained.

FujiFilm JV100

• Sensor Type: 1/2.3" CCD sensor of 12MP resolution (4000 x 3000 pixels)
• Physical Sensor Area: Approximately 28.07 mm²
• ISO Range: Native 100–1600, ISO boost up to 3200 (software-dependent)
• Raw Support: None, all files are JPEG compressed
• Dynamic Range and Color Depth: Not rated by DxO; CCD sensors of this vintage tend to have limited dynamic range and modest color depth.

CCD sensors traditionally produce pleasing color rendition with low noise at base ISOs but suffer in high ISO performance and dynamic range. The JV100's sensor is let down by its lack of raw output, which restricts post-processing latitude - a critical limitation for professionals and advanced enthusiasts.

Olympus XZ-2 iHS

• Sensor Type: Larger 1/1.7" CMOS sensor, also 12MP resolution (3968 x 2976 pixels)
• Physical Sensor Area: 41.52 mm² (approximately 48% larger surface area than JV100’s sensor)
• ISO Range: Native 100–12800, no ISO boost reported, allowing genuine high ISO capability
• Raw Support: Available, enabling extensive tone mapping and correction
• DxO Mark Scores: Overall 49; Color Depth 20.4 bits; Dynamic Range 11.3 EV; Low Light ISO 216

The Olympus benefits from a more advanced BSI CMOS sensor design, enabling superior noise performance at elevated ISO settings, wider dynamic range, and finer color gradations. Raw file support significantly ups the workflow control for demanding image corrections.

Practical Implication for Photographers

Whereas the JV100 might suffice for straightforward snapshots in good lighting conditions, the Olympus XZ-2 excels where image quality control and flexibility are paramount - especially in challenging light or for creative post-processing. The sensor size difference alone represents a meaningful advantage for the XZ-2 in image quality potential.

Lens System and Optics: Aperture and Focal Range Considerations

Lens design profoundly impacts image quality, low light capability, and versatility.

FujiFilm JV100

• Lens Focal Length: 37–111mm equivalent (3x zoom)
• Aperture Range: f/3.2–4.3
• Macro Focus Distance: 10cm (modest close-up capability)
• Lens Mount: Fixed (non-interchangeable)

The JV100’s small zoom range and slower aperture limit shallow depth of field control and low-light capability. The 37mm wide end is only moderately wide, restricting wide-angle creative perspectives. Macro distance allows some flexibility but lacks stabilization or focus-assist features.

Olympus XZ-2 iHS

• Lens Focal Length: 28–112mm equivalent (4x zoom)
• Aperture Range: Very bright f/1.8–2.5
• Macro Focus Distance: 1cm (close to true macro performance)
• Lens Mount: Fixed but de facto with premium optics

The XZ-2 lens outperforms with a wider starting focal length for landscapes and interiors, combined with a notably faster aperture enabling both artistic bokeh effects and superior low-light exposures without high ISO penalties. Close focusing distance of 1cm significantly benefits macro photography.

Furthermore, the XZ-2 includes sensor-shift image stabilization, enhancing handheld sharpness across the zoom range, whereas the JV100 offers no image stabilization, increasing the risk of motion blur in dimmer environments.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking Capability

Autofocus capabilities profoundly dictate usability across portrait, wildlife, sports, and street disciplines.

The JV100’s autofocus is limited to contrast detection without face or tracking functionality, restricting its utility for action or portraiture requiring reliable subject acquisition. The lack of manual focus eliminates precision control.

In contrast, the XZ-2 offers a sophisticated autofocus system featuring 35 AF points for selective focus, face detection for portraits, and tracking mode aiding wildlife and sports shots. Manual focus adds fine control, critical for macro or deliberate artistic shooting.

Exposure and Shooting Modes: Control and Flexibility

Flexibility in exposure control is essential for creative and professional-level photography.

FujiFilm JV100

• Exposure Modes: Fully automatic
• Manual Exposure: None (no shutter/aperture priority or manual modes)
• Shutter Speed Range: 8 to 1/2000 seconds
• ISO Adjustment: Limited to native ISO with no exposure compensation
• Bracketing: None

The JV100 is strictly aimed at users desiring point-and-shoot simplicity, which confines exposure creativity drastically.

Olympus XZ-2 iHS

• Exposure Modes: Aperture priority, Shutter priority, full Manual, Program
• Exposure Compensation: Yes (± multiple stops)
• Bracketed Exposures: AE and WB bracketing available
• Shutter Speed Range: 60 to 1/2000 seconds (reasonable breadth)
• ISO Settings: Wide range up to 12800

The XZ-2’s extensive exposure mode support enables photographers to adapt quickly to diverse scenarios, balancing depth of field control, motion capture, and exposure precision. Bracketing adds safety nets for HDR workflows and white balance experiments.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Robust construction extends camera longevity and expands shooting conditions.

Neither camera features environmental sealing, making both unsuitable for harsh weather or dusty environments without extra precautions. The heavier Olympus’s metal build conveys more confidence for rigorous travel and casual professional use, while the FujiFilm’s plastic shell emphasizes portability.

Viewfinder and LCD Monitoring

Effective framing and image review depend on screen and viewfinder quality.

FujiFilm JV100

• Rear Screen: Fixed 2.7-inch display, 230k dots resolution, non-touch
• Viewfinder: None

The JV100’s small, low-resolution LCD restricts preview clarity and image examination, especially outdoors. The absence of a viewfinder forces reliance on screen visibility, which can be challenging under bright conditions.

Olympus XZ-2 iHS

• Rear Screen: Large 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 920k dots resolution
• Viewfinder: Optional external electronic VF (not included by default)

The XZ-2 greatly improves usability through a high-res, articulating display supporting touch focus and intuitive navigation. Although electronic viewfinder availability requires optional purchase, the camera’s LCD is adequate for precise composition and menu interaction.

Video Capability: Resolution, Format, and Stabilization

With hybrid imaging devices dominating, video performance is a critical comparison point.

The XZ-2’s superior Full HD recording with H.264 compression delivers better quality video files compatible with contemporary editing workflows. The sensor-shift stabilization and microphone input enhance handheld footage stability and audio options.

The JV100’s limited HD resolution and Motion JPEG format indicate an entry-level feature set for casual video capture only.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

Operational logistics impact extended shooting sessions and on-the-go workflows.

The XZ-2’s longer battery life and support for modern SDXC cards enable robust shooting capacity and storage flexibility, suitable for protracted sessions and professional workflows. Eye-Fi compatibility allows semi-wireless image transfer, though no built-in WiFi or Bluetooth limits real-time connectivity options.

Practical Performance Across Photography Genres

To add depth to the feature analysis, we break down camera suitability according to primary photography genres and use cases:

Portrait Photography

• FujiFilm JV100: Lacks face detection and manual aperture control; produces flatter skin tones due to limited dynamic range and sensor quality. Shallow depth of field effects rarely achievable because of slower lens aperture.
• Olympus XZ-2 iHS: Face detection autofocus, fast aperture lens producing smooth bokeh, and raw support for skin tone editing give the Olympus a clear advantage for portraits.

Landscape Photography

• FujiFilm JV100: Small sensor and limited control yield restricted dynamic range and resolution capacity - adequate for snapshots but falls short for serious landscapes.
• Olympus XZ-2 iHS: Larger sensor area and wider lens support better dynamic range; tilting screen allows shooting from creative angles typical in landscapes.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• FujiFilm JV100: Fixed single AF point, no tracking, and slow AF speed render the JV100 unsuitable for capturing fast-moving subjects.
• Olympus XZ-2 iHS: Enhanced AF system with tracking, decent burst rate, and lens speed improves performance, though still constrained by small sensor limits compared to DSLRs/mirrorless.

Street Photography

• FujiFilm JV100: Minimal size and weight support concealed, unobtrusive photography but at cost of image flexibility and control.
• Olympus XZ-2 iHS: Bulkier but better image quality and manual controls aid creative street shooters who prioritize output quality.

Macro Photography

• FujiFilm JV100: 10cm minimum focus limit restricts macro capabilities; no focus assist.
• Olympus XZ-2 iHS: Focuses as close as 1cm with manual focus option, plus stabilization facilitates sharp macro capture.

Night and Astro Photography

• FujiFilm JV100: Limited ISO ceiling and lack of raw restrict low light use; no stabilization compounds issue.
• Olympus XZ-2 iHS: High native ISO and raw output expand creative night capabilities; IS system assists handheld stability.

Video Capability

• FujiFilm JV100: Basic 720p video, no stabilization, and limited codec reduce video quality and editing flexibility.
• Olympus XZ-2 iHS: Full HD video with IS and external mic jack facilitates more professional video projects.

Travel Photography

• FujiFilm JV100: Ultralight, pocketable, and simple, but image quality and manual control constrain diverse travel photography.
• Olympus XZ-2 iHS: Bulkier but versatile with superior optics, exposure options, and stabilization, making it a more reliable travel companion.

Professional Uses and Workflow

• FujiFilm JV100: Limited by absence of raw, manual modes, and modest sensor - mostly disqualifies the camera for professional applications.
• Olympus XZ-2 iHS: Raw support, ample exposure control, and image stabilization make it viable for certain professional workflows, especially as a secondary or travel camera.

Image Gallery and Sample Comparisons

Visual evaluation remains integral to camera assessment. A direct side-by-side gallery highlights differences in sharpness, color rendition, noise, and depth of field.

FujiFilm JV100 front FujiFilm JV100 screen back Olympus XZ 2 iHS front Olympus XZ 2 iHS screen back

Overall Performance Summary and Value Proposition

The Olympus XZ-2 iHS consistently outperforms the FujiFilm JV100 in core photographic competencies including image quality, autofocus, lens speed, shooting flexibility, and video capabilities. Its construction and ergonomic design provide a strong foundation for a wider range of photographic genres and more challenging shooting conditions.

The FujiFilm JV100 offers extremely lightweight and simple operation at a budget price (~$99 new historically), which appeals to casual users or novices requiring nothing more than an easy snapshot camera. However, it suffers from technological obsolescence, lacking key features today’s enthusiasts expect.

Price-to-performance analysis clearly favors the Olympus XZ-2 despite its higher (~$450) cost; it delivers significantly more value for serious photographers who demand quality and control in a compact form factor.

Final Recommendations: Which Compact Should You Choose?

• For Beginners or Ultra-Light Travelers:
  The FujiFilm JV100 fulfills minimalistic needs - simple, pocketable, and affordable for those prioritizing spontaneity and convenience over creative control.

• For Enthusiasts and Semi-Professional Users:
  The Olympus XZ-2 iHS is the superior compact choice, offering advanced autofocus, manual exposure, superior optics, stabilization, and raw support essential for demanding conditions across landscapes, portraits, macro, and video.

• Not Recommended for:
  Professionals requiring DSLR or mirrorless-grade performance (due to sensor size constraints) or advanced fast-action photographers needing high frame rates and phase-detection AF.

Closing Thoughts

This detailed comparison of the FujiFilm JV100 and Olympus XZ-2 iHS illustrates the evolution compact cameras underwent within two years, highlighting how advancements in sensor technology, optics, autofocus systems, and ergonomic design have reshaped user expectations and capabilities.

For photographic enthusiasts researching compact options today, the Olympus XZ-2 remains a benchmark for premium small sensor compacts, providing a balanced fusion of image quality and portability. Conversely, the FujiFilm JV100, while historically notable for affordability and convenience, no longer meets the needs of users seeking technical control and quality output.

Selecting a camera requires alignment between intended photographic use, ergonomic preferences, and image quality priorities. We trust this analysis empowers informed, practical decisions founded on hands-on expertise and thorough technical understanding.