Olympus SP-100 vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS: A Hands-On Comparative Review for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing between two Olympus cameras - the SP-100 bridge superzoom and the XZ-2 iHS compact - is not a straightforward proposition. Both models bring distinct capabilities to the table, targeting overlapping yet different photographic niches. Over many months of rigorous hands-on testing across multiple disciplines, I have evaluated these cameras in fine detail. This article will break down their core differences and real-world performances to help you determine which Olympus best suits your current and future photography ambitions.

Form Factor and Handling: Size Matters - or Does It?

At first hold, the Olympus SP-100 feels like a robust bridge camera, with SLR-like ergonomics lending it a commanding presence. Its dimensions - 122 x 91 x 133 mm and weight of around 594 grams - give it a substantial grip, making it comfortable for extended shooting, especially with long focal lengths. The built-in EVF with 920-pixel resolution further adds to handling ease. However, the body is somewhat bulky for casual travel or street photography.

By contrast, the XZ-2 iHS is compact and pocketable at 113 x 65 x 48 mm and 346 grams, yet remains solidly built with a premium feel. Its smaller footprint - typical of high-end compacts - accommodates a tilting 3-inch touchscreen LCD with a crisp 920k-dot resolution, improving compositional flexibility. However, it lacks a built-in EVF; the optional external electronic viewfinder might add to the bulk and cost.

Ergonomically, the SP-100’s dedicated control dials for shutter speed and exposure combined with a well-placed handgrip benefit photographers who prioritize manual control and long telephoto shooting. The XZ-2 iHS favors a more minimalist, streamlined experience but compensates with its tilting screen and touchscreen responsiveness for quick settings adjustments - ideal for street photographers who prize agility.

Sensor and Image Quality: Balancing Size and Performance

These cameras adopt markedly different sensor philosophies. The SP-100 rocks a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with a 16-megapixel count, while the XZ-2 iHS features a larger 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor with 12 megapixels.

Sensor size profoundly impacts dynamic range, noise performance, and overall image fidelity. The XZ-2’s significantly larger 41.52 mm² sensor area (vs. SP-100’s 28.07 mm²) offers better light gathering capability, translating into superior color depth, improved tonal gradation, and enhanced high ISO usability. Indeed, DXOMark rates the XZ-2 with a respectable overall score of 49, including deeper color depth (20.4 bits) and impressive dynamic range (11.3 EV). The SP-100, lacking formal DXOMark testing, historically matches typical 1/2.3-inch sensor performance - acceptable for good daylight shots but noticeably noisier in dimmer environments.

The maximum ISO on the SP-100 stretches to 6400 natively and 12,800 boosted, but noise becomes problematic beyond ISO 1600. The XZ-2’s max native ISO is 12,800, but ISO 800-1600 balances noise and detail well thanks to sensor size and superior image processing.

Pixel peepers and landscape shooters will appreciate the extra dynamic room to recover shadows and highlights on the XZ-2 - the sensor supports RAW capture for versatile post-processing, while the SP-100 only delivers JPEGs, limiting digital development options.

While the SP-100 offers a resolution advantage with a 4608 x 3456 pixel count, the difference in print or web display size is marginal for most users unless cropping aggressively. In practical terms, XZ-2’s image quality is notably cleaner and richer.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Telephoto versus Compact Versatility

When it comes to lens reach, the SP-100 is a beast. Its 24-1200mm equivalent zoom (50x) is a photographic Swiss army knife, opening doors to wildlife, sports, and distant landscapes without changing lenses. The maximum aperture ranges from f/2.9 to f/6.5, quite respectable for a superzoom, although sharpness and contrast start to drop at maximum telephoto and wide aperture extremes. Still, this zoom range beats most competitors in the bridge camera class.

Conversely, the XZ-2 iHS features a 28-112mm equivalent range (4x zoom) with a fast f/1.8-2.5 aperture, delivering excellent low-light capability and shallow depth-of-field effects for portraits and street photography. The bright lens outshines the SP-100’s in the crucial wide and short telephoto focal lengths, giving images a distinctive “pop” and creamy bokeh.

Macro photographers from both camps get close - with focusing down to 1 cm. However, the XZ-2’s wider aperture aids subject isolation at close distances, and combined with sensor-shift image stabilization, it maintains detail and reduces blur effectively.

Neither camera can replace dedicated prime lenses, obviously, but their two extremes - incredible reach on the SP-100 vs wide aperture optics on the XZ-2 - underline fundamental design choices. The SP-100 fits far-flung wildlife chasers; the XZ-2 suits creatives exploring aperture-controlled effects and quick street shots.

Autofocus and Performance: Speed, Precision, and Tracking

Autofocus (AF) is a critical differentiator, especially across fast-moving subjects.

The SP-100 employs contrast-detection AF with face detection and continuous autofocus modes, plus tracking to an extent. Its AF system, while versatile, suffers in low-contrast or fast action situations - typical of smaller sensor bridge cameras - often hunting before locking. Nevertheless, with 7 fps continuous shooting, it can capture burst sequences effectively when the subject cooperates.

The XZ-2 iHS leverages a 35-point contrast-detection AF system without phase detection, which trades off some speed but maintains excellent precision in favorable lighting. AF tracking is competent for casual moving subjects but may lag with erratic motion. The continuous shooting rate is unspecified but generally slower than the SP-100 due to sensor processing and buffer limits.

In wildlife and sports scenarios, SP-100’s extended zoom with faster burst rates slightly edges the XZ-2, but image quality drops at long zoom are visually noticeable. The XZ-2 excels for portraits, street, and macro where quick, precise focus on static or slow-moving subjects is paramount.

Built Quality and Weather Resistance: Durability Under Pressure

Neither camera incorporates environmental sealing, weatherproofing, or ruggedized construction. The SP-100 and XZ-2 are best housed in protective cases when shooting outdoors in rain or dusty conditions.

The SP-100’s larger, more robust body gives confidence for rough handling, but as always, caution is prudent. The XZ-2’s smaller body feels less durable but benefits from Olympus’s reputation for build integrity in compacts.

User Interface: Control Layout, Screens, and Viewfinders

Olympus crafted these cameras’ user experiences with differing priorities.

The SP-100’s fixed 3-inch TFT LCD with 460k-dot resolution is functional but underwhelming by today’s standards, lacking touch support. The presence of a 920-dot electronic viewfinder is a big plus for composing in bright sunlight or long zoom situations.

In contrast, the XZ-2’s 3-inch 920k-dot tilting touchscreen provides a modern interface - quicker menu navigation, touch focus selection, and framing flexibility at unusual angles. Missing a built-in EVF might be a downside for some, but the optional accessory compensates partially.

Both cameras offer extensive manual controls and exposure modes such as aperture priority, shutter priority, manual exposure, and custom white balance, satisfying enthusiasts needing creative freedom.

Video Features: From 720p to Full HD

Video has become a staple feature, even in advanced compacts and bridge cameras.

The SP-100 captures Full HD 1080p video at 60p and 30p frame rates in H.264 encoding, a nice touch for smooth motion capture, alongside 720p and VGA. Its built-in microphone port allows better audio capture, but no headphone jack limits monitoring.

The XZ-2 shoots Full HD 1080p at 30fps only, encoded in MPEG-4 and H.264, with a microphone input but no headphone output for audio monitoring.

Neither model offers 4K or advanced video features like log profiles or high frame rate slow-motion. For casual video, SP-100’s 60p capability and longer zoom range might appeal, while XZ-2’s brighter lens and steadier sensor-shift stabilization help indoor video clarity.

Connectivity: Wirelessly Tethering or Transferring Images

Wireless connectivity leans in favor of the XZ-2, which supports Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless image transfer. The SP-100’s wireless is optional, requiring add-ons.

Neither camera includes Bluetooth or NFC, somewhat limiting modern convenience. Both support USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs for tethering and external displays.

Battery Life and Storage

With battery life of approximately 330 shots on the SP-100 and 340 on the XZ-2, both cameras offer comparable endurance for day trips or dedicated sessions. Both use proprietary lithium-ion packs with a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

Price and Value: Which Camera Offers More Bang?

At publication, the Olympus SP-100 sells around $399.99, whereas the XZ-2 iHS is priced near $449.99 - a relatively close match. The choice, therefore, hinges more on photographic priorities rather than price alone.

Real-World Photography Application: Our Hands-On Experiences

Portraits and Bokeh

Portrait photography thrives on shallow depth of field and eye detection autofocus for expressive imagery. The XZ-2’s fast f/1.8-2.5 lens and sensor performance deliver creamy bokeh and smoother skin tones. Face detection AF supports accurate eye focus.

The SP-100, with its smaller sensor and slower lens at telephoto, struggles to isolate subjects - not impossible, but less artistically flexible.

Landscapes and Dynamic Range

Dynamic range excels on the XZ-2 thanks to sensor size and RAW support, enabling shadow recovery and highlight retention. Couple this with the wider aperture steadying for golden hour shooting, it outperforms the SP-100’s noisier captures in tricky light.

The SP-100, however, counters with its long-range zoom, allowing detailed landscape panoramas from great distances, handy in mountain or cityscape shooting.

Wildlife and Sports

For wildlife or distant subjects, the SP-100’s 1200mm zoom and faster shooting rate are decisive. Its tracking AF, while not flawless, can reliably capture birds or sports action under good light.

The XZ-2 is far less suited for intense telephoto work, but its compactness may appeal to casual users at sporting events.

Street Photography

Street shooters prize discretion, responsiveness, and portability. The XZ-2’s small form and quick touchscreen interface facilitate spontaneous captures, with the bright lens aiding low-light street scenes.

The SP-100, while more cumbersome, may intimidate subjects and slows down reactive shooting.

Macro Photography

Both cameras can focus as close as 1 cm, but the XZ-2’s wider aperture and sensor-based stabilization make it better for detailed close-ups, with sharper results and less shake.

Night and Astro Photography

In low-light or astrophotography, sensor noise performance and long shutter capabilities matter. The XZ-2 again benefits from its larger sensor and cleaner high ISO, while the SP-100 is limited by more noise and lacks RAW output, hampering post-processing.

Workflow Integration and Professional Use

Neither camera is a professional workhorse, as neither shoots RAW video nor boasts weather sealing mandatory on professional bodies. However, the XZ-2’s RAW still capability and superior image quality make it more compatible with professional workflows in casual or second-camera roles.

The SP-100’s JPEG-only files and slower AF systems limit its professional appeal but serve advanced amateurs well.

Summarized Performance Scores

Recommendations: Which Olympus Fits Your Photography?

• For Travel and Versatility: The Olympus SP-100 offers unparalleled zoom range and flexibility, suitable if you want “one camera to do it all” for distant wildlife, landscapes, and moderate video. Its heavier build and slower interface require patience and intention.

• For Creative Control and Image Quality: The Olympus XZ-2 iHS excels with its larger sensor, faster optics, RAW support, and intuitive touchscreen. Ideal for street, portrait, macro, and landscapes where image quality and manual control are paramount.

• For Wildlife and Sports Enthusiasts: Choose the SP-100 for extended reach and faster burst shooting, balanced with acceptable IQ in good light.

• For Street Photographers and Casual Shooters: The XZ-2’s compactness, agility, and low-light capacity make it the better companion.

• Budget Considerations: Prices are close enough that performance trade-offs are more important than raw cost.

Closing Thoughts

Having tested thousands of cameras, I can say both the Olympus SP-100 and XZ-2 iHS fill distinct niches effectively. The SP-100 is your superzoom tank - best where reach matters most. The XZ-2 iHS is a sophisticated compact crafted for those who value image quality and creative versatility. Your choice boils down to whether you prioritize zoom reach over sensor prowess. Hopefully, this detailed comparison arms you with the insights to pick the camera that will best fuel your photographic journey.

Olympus SP 100 front Olympus SP 100 screen back Olympus XZ 2 iHS front Olympus XZ 2 iHS screen back