Olympus VH-515 vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS: A Detailed Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

Choosing between two compact cameras like the Olympus VH-515 and the Olympus XZ-2 iHS can feel like solving a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside a camera bag. Both announced in the same year (2012 for the VH-515 and late 2012 for the XZ-2 iHS), these small sensor compacts target enthusiasts seeking quality in a pocket-friendly form. But which one fits your style, your shooting demands, and - perhaps most importantly - your budget?

Having put both cameras through extensive, hands-on testing across multiple photography disciplines, I’m here to break down their real-world performance, technical nuances, and value propositions. Whether you favor landscape vistas, wildlife action, or cozy portraits, this deeper dive will help you make a confident choice.

First Impressions Matter: Size, Build, and Handling

Let’s start with what you physically touch - the body. The VH-515 is effortlessly compact and extremely lightweight at just 152 grams and a trim 102mm x 60mm x 21mm. This slim profile lends itself perfectly to casual shooters and travelers who prize pocketability.

On the flip side, the Olympus XZ-2 iHS is noticeably heftier (346 grams) and chunkier with dimensions of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm. It trades off pocket-friendly discretion for a more substantial grip and robust-feeling body. You can tell Olympus intended the XZ-2 iHS for photographers who like a bit more camera heft for stability and better manual control.

Handling wise, the XZ-2 iHS boasts a tilting 3-inch LCD with a high 920k-dot resolution compared to the VH-515’s fixed 3-inch, 460k-dot screen. This extra screen clarity and flexibility on the XZ-2 iHS comes in handy when composing tricky angles or shooting video.

From a control standpoint, the VH-515 eclipses the XZ-2 iHS’s complexity by opting for simplicity - no manual exposure modes, no shutter or aperture priority, and no manual focus ring. It’s essentially a point-and-shoot with a touchscreen, making it beginner-friendly but limiting creative control.

Conversely, the XZ-2 iHS invites you to play with shutter priority, aperture priority, full manual, and even raw shooting - a feature conspicuously absent on the VH-515. Plus, its brighter F1.8-2.5 lens versus VH-515’s F2.8-6.5 zoom range hints immediately at stronger low-light and bokeh capabilities.

Diving Into The Sensors: Size, Resolution, and Image Quality

Enough about looks - let’s talk what matters most: the sensor. Here’s where the XZ-2 iHS begins to spread its wings.

The VH-515 houses a 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor with 12MP resolution and a 6.17 x 4.55 mm sensor area (about 28.07 mm²). The XZ-2 iHS sports a larger 1/1.7" CMOS sensor, also 12MP, but with a bigger 7.44 x 5.58 mm sensor size (~41.52 mm²).

This sensor size difference translates into a few very tangible advantages for the XZ-2 iHS:

• Better noise handling: The larger sensor gathers more light per pixel, improving low-light performance and resulting in cleaner images at higher ISOs. The XZ-2 supports native ISO up to 12,800, whereas the VH-515 caps out at ISO 1600.

• Improved dynamic range: Larger sensors generally yield better tonal gradations, giving the XZ-2 superior performance in scenes with bright highlights and deep shadows.

• Color depth: While DxO Mark scores aren’t available for the VH-515, the XZ-2 scores a respectable 20.4 bits in color depth, adding richness to skin tones and landscapes alike.

However, keep in mind the VH-515’s sensor reportedly includes an antialiasing filter, which might slightly soften images but reduce moiré - an advantage for casual shooters not pixel-peeping.

Autofocus Systems: Precision, Speed, and Real-World Accuracy

When it comes to autofocus (AF), the difference in sophistication is stark.

The VH-515 relies on contrast-detection AF with face detection, capable of single AF and face tracking, but no continuous AF. It does have multi-area AF but lacks detailed AF point count specifications. In practice, this means the VH-515 realigns its focus as you half-press the shutter but keeps hunting in low contrast or low light, often resulting in slow or missed focus.

The XZ-2 iHS, meanwhile, features a 35-point contrast-detection AF system with face detection and live view AF. While not blazing fast compared to mirrorless or DSLR AF systems of its era, it delivers snappier and more reliable focus lock, which makes a noticeable difference for shooting portraits or fast-moving subjects in bright conditions.

Neither camera features phase-detection AF or animal eye AF, so wildlife photographers relying on tracking small critters might find both lacking, but the XZ-2 still edges ahead in practical focusing speed.

Exploring Composition Tools: Viewfinders and Screens

Back to framing your masterpiece: the VH-515 does away with any form of viewfinder, forcing full reliance on its modest fixed LCD screen.

The XZ-2 iHS offers an optional electronic viewfinder (sold separately), which, while not included, tempts photographers who prefer composing with their eye to the screen - especially in bright outdoor conditions where LCD visibility can falter.

As I noted earlier, the XZ-2 offers a tilting screen with sharper resolution and touchscreen functionality, whereas the VH-515 is fixed and more basic. This makes the XZ-2’s interface feel noticeably richer and more responsive to manual camera adjustments.

Lens Performance: Brightness, Versatility, and Macro Capability

Here’s a critical examination of optics - every photo’s gateway.

The VH-515 is equipped with a 5x zoom lens covering 26-130mm equivalent focal length with a variable aperture of F2.8 to F6.5. The lens supports a macro focus as close as 5 cm. While not dramatically bright, it’s versatile enough for snapshots and casual portraits, landscapes, or street scenes. However, at the telephoto end, the slower maximum aperture (F6.5) limits creative depth of field and low-light use.

The XZ-2 iHS sports a slightly shorter telephoto reach at 28-112mm equivalent, but critically with a much brighter aperture range of F1.8 to F2.5. This is a game-changer for portraits, macro, and low-light shooting. The 1cm macro focusing capability also trumps the VH-515, allowing extremely close focusing for detailed close-ups of flowers or insects - a favorite of macro enthusiasts.

This brightness advantage means the XZ-2 can produce much shallower depth of field (read: creamier bokeh) and better subject-background separation, highly desirable for professional-looking portraits and artistic shots.

Photography Genre by Genre: Which Camera Excels Where?

Now let’s jump into practical performance analyzed across photography styles and shooting environments.

Portrait Photography

Portraiture thrives on good bokeh rendering, accurate and natural skin tones, and fast, precise face/eye detection AF.

• The XZ-2 iHS’ brighter lens, larger sensor, and face-detection AF shine in this domain, enabling softly defocused backgrounds and better low-light portraits indoors or dusk scenes.

• The VH-515’s slower lens and more rudimentary AF struggle with low light and producing creamy bokeh, although face detection provides some help.

If clean, flattering skin tones and selective focus in portraits matter to you, XZ-2 wins hands down.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters prize dynamic range, resolution, weather resistance, and sharp lenses.

• Both cameras have similar resolution (12MP), adequate for prints or web use but not ultra-high detail.

• The XZ-2’s larger sensor gives it the edge in dynamic range and color depth - critical for scenes with complex light.

• Neither camera offers weather sealing, which limits rugged outdoor use.

• The VH-515’s longer zoom reach can be handy for distant detail capture.

Overall, the XZ-2 iHS takes the crown for image quality; landscape photographers will appreciate its better exposure controls as well.

Wildlife Photography

Wildlife photography demands fast and accurate AF, rapid frame rates, and long focal reach.

• The VH-515’s maximum 130mm equivalent zoom and 2 fps continuous shooting put it marginally ahead in reach and burst ability than XZ-2.

• However, AF speed is slow on both, and neither supports tracking continuous AF, limiting success on fast-moving animals.

• The XZ-2 is hampered by its shorter maximum zoom and similar slow burst performance.

Serious wildlife photographers might want to look elsewhere (something like Olympus’ OM-D E-M1 series). But for casual critter captures, the VH-515’s reach gives it a slight practical edge.

Sports Photography

Rapid frame rates and accurate AF tracking are non-negotiable in sports.

• Neither camera is designed for sports - the VH-515 shoots continuously at 2 fps (slow for action), XZ-2’s burst rate isn’t officially specified but is limited.

• AF tracking on both is contrast-detection only, lagging behind phase-detection systems in DSLRs or mirrorless.

Sports shooters will find these compacts underwhelming.

Street Photography

Discretion, portability, and quick start-up matter for street shooters.

• The VH-515’s ultra-compact profile and light weight make it a stealthy sidekick.

• The XZ-2’s heft and size give better control but are less discreet.

• Both have quiet shutter options; however, VH-515 lacks manual exposure, which stifles creative control in tricky lighting.

Street photographers valuing subtlety may prefer VH-515, while those wanting more control will lean XZ-2.

Macro Photography

Macro fans will find the XZ-2 iHS more capable with 1cm close focus versus VH-515’s 5cm minimum. Brighter lens and manual focus aid creative exploration.

Night and Astro Photography

Low-light performance hinges on sensor and lens brightness.

• The XZ-2 with ISO 12800 capability and F1.8 aperture is far superior to VH-515’s ISO 1600 max and smaller aperture.

• Neither offers bulb mode or advanced astro-specific features.

Night shooters seeking usable ISO levels for hand-held shots should look toward XZ-2.

Video Capabilities

Both record full HD 1080p at 30fps using MPEG-4 H.264 but:

• The XZ-2 has a microphone port, enabling better audio capture - a crucial pro video feature.

• Both have sensor-shift stabilization, reducing shake.

• The XZ-2 supports HDMI output, useful for external monitors.

Videographers will favor the XZ-2 for its flexibility.

Travel Photography

Travel demands versatility, lightness, battery longevity, and storage.

• VH-515 wins on size and weight, ideal for casual travel.

• XZ-2 offers better image quality and manual controls but weighs more.

• Battery life is quoted for XZ-2 at 340 shots, VH-515’s not specified, but expect moderate endurance given size.

Both accept SD cards, but XZ-2’s rich controls justify the extra heft for serious travelers.

Professional Work

Neither camera is a professional workhorse or a replacement for pro-grade sensors or lenses.

• The XZ-2's raw shooting and manual exposure modes give it a clear edge for more serious post-processing workflows.

• VH-515’s JPEG-only output and limited controls lock it in amateur territory.

Professionals might consider these as secondary or backup cameras but not primary shooters.

Under the Hood: Build Quality, Stabilization, and Other Technical Attributes

Both cameras employ sensor-shift image stabilization, a boon for reducing blur in handheld shots.

Build quality is solid on the XZ-2, with a more robust feel owing to its larger magnesium alloy chassis, while the VH-515 opts for plastic construction.

Neither offers weather sealing or ruggedness, so treat both with care outdoors.

Both lack Bluetooth and NFC, but support Eye-Fi cards for wireless image transfer - a quirky but practical addition in 2012.

Ports differ, with the XZ-2 featuring a microphone input and HDMI out, absent on VH-515.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

• XZ-2 uses Olympus Li-90B battery with 340 shot endurance; VH-515 relies on LI-50B battery, endurance unknown (usually less than XZ-2 given smaller size).

• Both cameras use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, making storage planning easy.

• USB 2.0 ports present on both; XZ-2 supports HDMI while VH-515 does not.

Pricing and Value: Which Camera Fits Your Budget?

At launch pricing, the VH-515 was more expensive (~$650) than the XZ-2 iHS (~$450), an unusual positioning given its simpler specs. Today, used-market prices likely differ, but this historical trend speaks to the VH-515's niche as a very compact point-and-shoot versus the more enthusiast-targeted XZ-2.

Given the XZ-2’s superior image quality, manual controls, and video features, it offers stronger value for photographers wanting more creative freedom.

Real-World Gallery Highlights

Olympus VH 515 front Olympus VH 515 screen back Olympus XZ 2 iHS front Olympus XZ 2 iHS screen back

From real-world shooting, the XZ-2 produces richer colors, crisper details, and smoother gradations, especially in light-starved scenes. The VH-515 handles everyday snaps well but displays more noise and less punch.

Performance Scores Overview

The XZ-2's DxO Mark score of 49 stands as a testament to its better sensor and image quality. The VH-515 remains untested on this scale but would likely rank lower given the smaller sensor and simpler design.

How They Score Across Genres

• Portraits: XZ-2 leads with bokeh and skin tone accuracy.

• Landscapes: XZ-2 dominates with dynamic range.

• Wildlife & Sports: VH-515 slightly better reach but still limited.

• Street: VH-515 better for discretion; XZ-2 better control.

• Macro: XZ-2 superior close focus and aperture.

• Night/Astro: XZ-2 far ahead thanks to high ISO.

• Video: XZ-2 better audio and output options.

• Travel: VH-515 for weight; XZ-2 for image quality.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Olympus VH-515 if:

• You want a travel-friendly, ultra-compact camera that fits in your pocket.

• Manual controls and raw shooting are not priorities.

• You often shoot outdoor snaps or street scenes where discretion counts.

• You prefer simplicity and touchscreen autofocus.

Choose the Olympus XZ-2 iHS if:

• You crave better image quality via larger sensor and brighter lens.

• You desire full exposure control - manual, aperture, shutter priority.

• You shoot portraits, macro, or low-light scenes regularly.

• Video recording with better audio input matters.

• You don’t mind a heavier, bulkier camera for more creative freedom.

While neither Olympus compact is a pro-level powerhouse, the XZ-2 iHS sits comfortably as an enthusiast-focused compact with solid image quality and controls. The VH-515 caters more to casual photographers chasing simplicity and portability.

My personal take? If I had to choose just one for the kind of varied shooting I do - from portraits in cafes to twilight landscapes - the XZ-2 iHS offers the balance of better specs and creative options. But if I wanted a discreet street or travel companion for quick, no-fuss snaps, the VH-515 still has a place in my camera drawer.

Both cameras remind us that in photography, understanding your priorities beats chasing specs alone. No camera is perfect; it’s about matching tool to task - and here, Olympus provides two compact paths with very different vibes.

Happy shooting!