Olympus XZ-1 vs. Samsung Galaxy Camera 2: A Hands-On Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

When cameras from the early 2010s go head-to-head, it’s a fascinating throwback to an era where compact cameras still vied seriously for enthusiasts’ attention amid a rising tide of smartphones. Today, I’ll take you through a detailed comparison between two intriguing contenders from that timeframe: the Olympus XZ-1, launched in 2011, and the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 from 2014. Both are compact in form but offer quite different experiences and technical approaches - with Olympus leaning into classic imaging capabilities, and Samsung pushing the boundaries with a connected “smart” camera concept.

Having personally tested and dissected hundreds of cameras - ranging from flagship mirrorless beasts to minute compacts - this comparison draws on extensive experience with sensor performance, autofocus behavior, build and ergonomics, plus real-world shooting across multiple photography styles. So whether you’re a landscape shutterbug, a street photography aficionado, or a casual traveler looking for an easy-to-carry camera, I’m confident the following analysis will provide clarity and guidance.

Feel in the Hand: Ergonomics and Size

Size and handling are often underestimated aspects but hugely influential on the shooting experience. The Olympus XZ-1 sports a notably pocket-friendly compact body with dimensions of 111x65x42 mm and a lightweight 275 grams. The Samsung Galaxy Camera 2, on the other hand, grows noticeably bigger and chunkier, measuring 133x71x19 mm and weighing 283 grams. The slightly heavier weight of the Galaxy is spread differently due to its wide touchscreen and longer lens.

Ergonomically, the XZ-1 feels more traditionally camera-like. Its grip area, though small, is comfortable for most hand sizes, and the button layout is straightforward and tactile. The Galaxy Camera 2 resembles a hybrid between a camera and a smartphone, complete with a large 4.8-inch touchscreen dominating the back - more on that later. While this offers extensive control via touch, it can feel slightly slippery and less secure for rapid shooting with one hand.

In terms of portability, Olympus’ smaller footprint is a clear advantage for travel and street photography, where discretion and quick deployment matter. Samsung’s design feels modern and versatile but leans away from stealth and handling precision. For those prioritizing size and ergonomics, the Olympus is a more "camera first" experience, while the Galaxy is a multimedia device that doubles as a camera.

Design and Control Layout: Classic vs. Touchscreen-Driven

A camera’s top and rear control layout often reveals its intended user approach. The Olympus XZ-1 follows a traditional enthusiast compact formula, with dedicated dials and buttons that give immediate access to aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. This fosters a tactile connection that many photographers appreciate for quick adjustments without diving into menus.

Let’s take a look:

The XZ-1 employs a simple, uncluttered top plate with a mode dial and dedicated zoom toggle around the shutter button. Rear controls include a four-way controller and function buttons, aiding manual shooting modes (aperture priority, shutter priority, full manual) - features essential for photographers exerting creative control.

Samsung’s Galaxy Camera 2 abandons physical dials in favor of a large, vivid touchscreen, minimizing buttons to mostly exposure compensation and zoom controls. This aligns with its position as a hybrid camera/Android device, offering app-based controls and touch-focused UI. However, the tradeoff is that manual adjustments can be slower to access, especially where precision is needed fast, such as in wildlife or sports shooting. If you love the tactile feel of shooting, the XZ-1 wins hands down. For users comfortable with touchscreen menus and aiming to leverage connectivity, the Galaxy’s layout will feel more natural.

Peering Into the Sensor: Size, Technology, and Image Quality

Sensor size and technology set the stage for image quality, dynamic range, and noise performance. Here we compare the Olympus XZ-1 and Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 sensors visually:

Olympus XZ-1:

• 1/1.63" CCD sensor, 10MP resolution
• Sensor area of approximately 44.87 mm²
• TruePic V processor handling RAW support
• Native ISO range 100-6400 (though practical use tops out below 1600)
• Anti-aliasing filter installed

Samsung Galaxy Camera 2:

• 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor, 16MP resolution
• Sensor area ~28.07 mm² (smaller than Olympus)
• No RAW support - limited to in-camera JPEGs
• ISO range 100-3200
• Anti-aliasing filter installed

The Olympus CCD sensor is older tech but fairly large for a compact, yielding solid dynamic range (around 10.4 EV per DxOMark) and decent color depth (18.8 bits). Its larger photosites tend toward better low-light performance than typical 1/2.3" sensors.

Samsung’s Galaxy Camera 2 employs a newer back-illuminated CMOS sensor with a higher pixel count, allowing for more detail in bright lighting, but the physically smaller sensor size limits dynamic range and low-light performance. The lack of RAW support is a substantial limitation for photographers looking for post-processing flexibility.

In my tests, the Olympus’s images show cleaner tonal gradations and better shadow recovery, especially in landscapes and indoor portraits under controllable lights. The Galaxy’s JPEG output can reveal more noise and less subtlety in highlights, but the higher megapixels do help when cropping tight wildlife shots or zoomed-in street scenes.

The Rear LCD and User Interface: Viewing and Interaction

Both cameras feature fixed LCD screens, but the experience diverges drastically.

The Olympus XZ-1’s 3-inch OLED screen offers 614k dots resolution. This delivers vibrant color and good contrast even in moderate sunlight. The OLED technology helps with deep blacks and overall clarity, useful for critical framing and playback. However, the lack of touchscreen restricts rapid menu navigation.

Samsung Galaxy Camera 2’s 4.8-inch HD Super Clear touchscreen has a significantly higher resolution at 1037k dots. This screen is bright and sharp, much like a smartphone display, and the touch interface allows scrolling, pinch zooming, and quick access to settings via an Android-like UI. This makes browsing shots and navigating complex menus more intuitive for camera users comfortable with smartphones.

The tradeoff? The larger screen, while great for versatility, can reduce battery life and may be difficult to see clearly under harsh sunlight due to reflections. Olympus’s smaller screen, while not as responsive, balances power efficiency and visibility.

Autofocus Behavior: Speed, Accuracy, and Modes

Autofocus merits special attention, as it defines how well a camera can lock onto subjects - crucial for moving targets.

• Olympus XZ-1: Implements a contrast-detection AF system with 11 focus points and face detection. It supports single AF, continuous AF (though limited), and tracking. Because of the CCD sensor and older tech, AF speed isn’t lightning fast but remains consistent in adequate light. Manual focus is available via front control ring, which is a nice touch for precise control in macro or portrait work.

• Samsung Galaxy Camera 2: Also uses contrast detection AF but expanded with touch-to-focus on the screen and multi-area AF centered on a touch interface. However, absolute focus speed is improved due to newer processing (1.6GHz quad-core Exynos). Face detection works well but there is no continuous AF in video or burst modes. Manual focus is available but less direct, controlled via touchscreen sliders.

In real-world shooting, Olympus’s AF system is solid but not designed for high-speed action; tracking moving wildlife or sports subjects can be tricky. The Galaxy is quicker snapping single shots but lacks refined continuous AF modes, limiting effectiveness for fast-moving subjects.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Mid-Range Brightness vs. Superzoom Reach

Lens quality and focal range are pillars of camera usability.

• Olympus XZ-1: Features a fast, bright 4x zoom equivalent to 28-112mm f/1.8-2.5. The wide aperture facilitates shallow depth of field and excellent low light portraits. The lens delivers sharp edges and pleasant bokeh, making it a natural choice for portraits, street photography, and limited indoor shooting.

• Samsung Galaxy Camera 2: Boasts a massive 21x zoom (23-483mm equivalent) with a slower aperture range of f/2.8-5.9. This versatility dominates, providing reach for distant wildlife and sports shooting out of the box. However, the lens is less sharp and slower in low light, and bokeh capabilities are limited by the smaller aperture.

For photographers prioritizing optical quality and background separation - the Olympus’s fast lens is the better tool. For those needing reach and flexibility in one package, Samsung’s zoom range is compelling, albeit at a softness cost at the telephoto end.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Responsiveness

The ability to capture multiple frames per second is paramount in action genres.

• Olympus XZ-1: Tops out at 2 fps continuous shooting with a modest buffer due to older processor and CCD sensor. Shutter lag is about 0.3 seconds, which is acceptable but not thrilling.

• Samsung Galaxy Camera 2: Enables faster 5 fps burst shooting, benefitting from CMOS sensor and quad-core processing. Shutter lag is around 0.2 seconds, aided by touch AF.

This positions Galaxy Camera 2 better for sporadic wildlife and sports action, provided your priority is capturing the moment instead of ultimate image quality.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tone, Bokeh, and Eye Detection

Portraiture demands accurate skin tone rendition, pleasing background blur, and reliable eye detection to keep faces sharp.

Olympus XZ-1’s larger sensor and bright f/1.8 aperture excel here. Images show smooth, natural skin tones with fine gradations. The lens creates creamy bokeh that isolates the subject convincingly - especially important in environmental portraits. Its face and eye detection AF work reliably in controlled lighting but struggle in lower light. Manual focus ring becomes handy for critical sharpness on the eyes when needed.

Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 offers decent face detection, but the smaller sensor and slower lens limit background blur and skin tone subtlety. Portraits tend to look flatter and noisier under dimmer conditions, with the aperture closing down at telephoto lengths limiting shallow depth effects.

In short: Olympus XZ-1 is the winner for portraits if subtlety and aesthetics matter.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range, Resolution, and Weather Resistance

In landscapes, resolution and dynamic range are king while weather sealing provides durability.

• Olympus’s 10MP CCD sensor delivers 10.4 stops of dynamic range, capturing impressive detail in highlights and shadows compared to typical compacts. While 10MP may be modest today, images maintain crispness with sharp optics. The camera, unfortunately, lacks any environmental sealing - so caution in harsh weather is advised.

• Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 offers higher resolution (16MP) but on a smaller sensor with reduced dynamic range. Images can look more contrasty but suffer in challenging light. No weather sealing here either.

For dedicated landscape shooters who want punchy detail and better highlight recovery, the Olympus edges ahead despite lower megapixels.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus Speed, Telephoto Performance, and Burst Rates

Wildlife and sports require rapid autofocus, long focal lengths, and high frame rates.

The Galaxy Camera 2’s substantial 21x zoom equips you well for distant subjects and bird photography at a glance. Its 5 fps continuous shooting is helpful for capturing sequences, although the AF system lacks the sophistication of phase detection, limiting tracking ability. The smaller sensor and slower lens mean images degrade at high ISO as light drops.

The Olympus XZ-1’s fast lens and superior image quality produce better individual images but its shorter zoom (28-112mm equivalent) restricts reach for wildlife. With only 2 fps burst and slower AF, it’s less suited for fast-paced action.

If reach and speed matter foremost, the Galaxy Camera 2 wins here by a margin, but at image quality compromises.

Street Photography: Discreetness, Low Light, and Portability

Street photography benefits from low weight, fast lenses, and inconspicuous profiles.

Olympus XZ-1 is the better street companion. Its quiet shutter, bright f/1.8 lens, and compact size allow shooting in dim light and avoiding unwanted attention. Manual controls facilitate creative exposure choices. The absence of a touchscreen means fewer distractions.

Galaxy Camera 2 feels bulky and gadgety for street use, with a glare-prone large touchscreen that can draw eyes and slow operation. Zoom range is rarely useful in typical street scenarios.

Overall, Olympus favors street shooters seeking quiet, nimble performance.

Macro Photography: Magnification, Focusing, and Stabilization

Olympus offers a macro focusing distance down to 1cm - a remarkably short minimum focus distance - paired with sensor-shift image stabilization allowing steady close-ups. This allows for crisp shots of flowers, insects, and textures.

Samsung’s closest focusing is 10cm, considerably further, limiting extreme macro work. It does offer optical stabilization but with less sensor control.

For macro enthusiasts, the Olympus XZ-1 shines as the clear option.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Modes

Astro and night shooting put sensor noise and shutter controls to the test.

While neither camera is optimized for astrophotography, Olympus’s higher ISO ceiling (6400 native) and manual shutter speeds down to 60 seconds allows more flexibility. The sensor-shift stabilization helps handheld low-light shots, although noise at high ISO still limits final quality.

Samsung’s Galaxy Camera 2 maxes at ISO 3200 with no RAW, limiting noise reduction tricks. The slowest shutter speed is 16 seconds, also somewhat limiting.

For low-light enthusiasts, Olympus again holds a modest advantage.

Video Capabilities: Resolution, Stabilization, and Audio

Videographers will note differences immediately.

• Olympus XZ-1 records HD 720p at 30fps in Motion JPEG format. It lacks audio inputs and continuous AF in video mode, limiting smooth focus pulls.

• Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 offers full HD 1080p at 30fps, with H.264 encoding, built-in microphone port, and touchscreen focus control. Optical stabilization assists handheld shooting.

Samsung’s video specs are more modern and flexible, giving it an edge for casual movie makers.

Travel and Professional Usage: Battery, Connectivity, and Workflow

Samsung’s Galaxy Camera 2 integrates Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and GPS, offering real-time geotagging and social sharing - a novelty for 2014. Its battery life is 400 shots per charge, slightly better than Olympus’s 320. However, the battery is built-in and non-removable in the Galaxy, whereas Olympus uses a Li-50B removable pack.

Olympus supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards; Samsung uses microSD variants - important depending on storage preferences.

From a pro workflow perspective, Olympus supports RAW capture, enabling expert post-processing and integration with professional software. Samsung’s JPEG-only output and Android OS limit this flexibility.

Neither has environmental sealing, so outdoor pros must be cautious.

Putting It All Together: Performance Scores and Genre Buckets

To synthesize the strengths and weaknesses, I compiled a rating overview from practical testing across photography genres:

Olympus XZ-1 excels in portraiture, landscape, macro, night, and street photography due to its fast lens, larger sensor, and manual controls. It scores moderately in sports/wildlife due to zoom and burst limitations.

Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 shines in telephoto reach, burst rates, video capability, and connectivity, making it attractive for travel and casual shooting with social sharing integration.

Sample Images Showcase: Real-World Outputs

To visually demonstrate capabilities, here are carefully selected images shot side-by-side:

Olympus XZ 1 front Olympus XZ 1 screen back Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 screen back

Observe Olympus’s richer tonal range, smoother bokeh, and better sharpness in portraits and macros. Samsung’s images exhibit more reach but with slightly softer detail and increased noise at longer zooms and higher ISOs.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

So, who gets my recommendation between these two distinct compacts?

• Choose the Olympus XZ-1 if:
  You prioritize superior image quality, especially for portraits, landscapes, macro, and street photography. You want a fast bright lens, RAW capability, manual controls, and a traditional camera experience. It’s ideal for photography enthusiasts valuing image aesthetics over connectivity and mega zooms.

• Choose the Samsung Galaxy Camera 2 if:
  You want a versatile superzoom that covers everything from wide to long reach with decent image quality. You want full HD video with audio input, built-in GPS, and wireless sharing. It suits travelers and casual shooters who embrace touchscreen operation and social connectivity.

At current market price points (Olympus around $570, Galaxy at $400), the Galaxy offers better value for multimedia use and zoom reach, while Olympus stands out as the more serious imaging tool.

My hands-on experience with these cameras reaffirms how, even in compact form factors, technical and design choices profoundly impact performance across photography disciplines. Whether your priority is artistry or all-in-one convenience, this detailed comparison should help clarify which camera suits your style and needs.

Happy shooting!