Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Samsung WB750: An Expert Comparative Review for Compact Camera Buyers

Choosing the right compact camera can be deceptively complex - even within what superficially looks like a simple category. Today, we focus on two notable contenders from the early 2010s compact segment: the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and the Samsung WB750. Despite both fitting into the compact form-factor niche, they address divergent user priorities and photographic ambitions. Having spent extensive hands-on hours testing each across varied photography disciplines, I’ll lead you through a detailed, experience-driven comparison with actionable insights to help you decide which model suits your needs best.

Getting a Feel for It: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

Before diving into the technical nitty-gritty, it’s key to consider the tactile experience - how a camera feels in your hands can dramatically impact your shooting efficiency and enjoyment. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS is noticeably chunkier and heavier at 346 grams with its compact-but-substantial body measuring 113x65x48 mm. In contrast, the Samsung WB750 weighs a mere 193 grams and is thinner (105x59x25 mm). This weight difference partly stems from Olympus’ metal alloy shell and more substantial built-in grip, designed to provide a reassuring hold during extended shoots.

Ergonomically, the Olympus impresses with a rich control scheme - its dedicated aperture and shutter priority dials, tactile buttons, and a tilting touchscreen enhance manual operation. The Samsung sticks to a minimalist control layout and fixed LCD, which keeps things lightweight but may frustrate users favoring physical exposure controls or flexible viewing angles.

For photographers prioritizing portability in street or travel contexts, the WB750’s petite footprint is a clear plus. However, if you prioritize handling precision and manual control access, the XZ-2 iHS’s design philosophy better supports play with manual apertures, shutter speeds, and exposure modes.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Core of Photographic Output

At the heart of every camera lies the sensor - this dictates resolution, dynamic range, and low-light prowess. Let’s take a detailed look.

• Olympus XZ-2 iHS: Employs a 1/1.7” CMOS sensor, with a sensor surface area of about 41.5 mm² and a 12MP resolution (3968x2976 pixels). While modest by today’s standards, this sensor benefits from a fast aperture lens and sensor-shift image stabilization. Measured DxO Mark scores indicate impressive color depth (20.4 bits) and dynamic range (~11.3 EV), with usable ISO up to 12800 (native max), though low light ISO capability drops off significantly above 216 ISO.

• Samsung WB750: Features a smaller 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor (28.1 mm²), slightly higher resolution at 13MP (4096x3072 pixels). Unfortunately, no DxO Mark data is available to quantify its color depth or dynamic range. Its maximum ISO peaks at 3200, but similar to the Olympus, noise becomes pronounced when pushing sensitivity.

In practical terms, during side-by-side shooting, the Olympus produces cleaner images with better tonal gradation and marginally superior low-light handling up to ISO 800. The XZ-2’s sensor, paired with Olympus’ image processing, manages better highlight recovery and richer color fidelity - features critical for portraiture and landscape work. The Samsung’s sensor resolution advantage does yield slightly sharper images at base ISO, but the smaller physical sensor area limits its dynamic range and low-light flexibility.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Versatility vs Optical Quality

When considering optical systems, these cameras diverge distinctly:

• Olympus XZ-2 iHS: Offers a fixed 28-112mm equivalent zoom (4x zoom) with a bright maximum aperture of f/1.8–2.5. The fast aperture at the wide end allows excellent background separation and better performance in dim environments. Macro focusing capability at 1 cm enables close-up shots with impressive detail. Optical distortion is well-controlled, and the fast aperture supports creative shallow depth-of-field effects, appealing for portraits and artistic compositions.

• Samsung WB750: Trades speed for range, featuring an 18x zoom from 24-432mm equivalent at maximum aperture f/3.2-5.8. The expansive telephoto reach makes it a strong candidate for wildlife or outdoor event shooting where distant subjects are common. However, the smaller, slower lens hampers low-light performance and makes minimum depth-of-field aesthetics more challenging to achieve. Macro focusing starts at 5 cm, limiting ultra-close details compared to the Olympus.

Putting it simply: If you prize fast optics and better control over depth of field, the Olympus wins. If the telephone magnification is your priority - like shooting distant subjects or wildlife - the Samsung’s superzoom lens shines despite the aperture compromises.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Smart Features

Autofocus systems are vital in capturing sharp images, especially for fast-moving subjects or low-light scenarios.

• Olympus XZ-2 iHS: Features a contrast-detection AF system with 35 focus points and face detection capabilities. While it lacks phase-detection pixels, its system shows respectable accuracy for static subjects, though continuous AF struggles with tracking fast movement. Real-life tests showed some hunting in dim conditions due to slow AF response, especially at telephoto focal lengths.

• Samsung WB750: Uses a simpler contrast-detection AF with fewer documented focus points and relies heavily on center-weighted focusing. Face detection is present, but continuous AF modes are limited. However, it boasts a steady 10 fps continuous shooting speed - valuable for action or burst sequences, though AF may lag during rapid subject tracking.

Neither camera matches the advanced AF technologies of today’s mid-range models, yet Olympus’s more numerous focus points impart better compositional flexibility, at the expense of burst speed. The Samsung’s higher frame rate might appeal to sports or wildlife photographers capturing moments with fixed focus.

Build Quality and Environmental Considerations

Both cameras are compact, non-weather-sealed units, so users should exercise caution in wet or dusty environments. Neither offers dustproof, shockproof, or freezeproof ratings.

The Olympus XZ-2 iHS feels more robust, supported by an all-metal chassis, giving it a premium tactile presence and durability. The Samsung WB750 emphasizes ultra-compactness and lighter weight but compromises marginally on ruggedness.

For travel photographers who demand dependability over extreme conditions, the Olympus’s solid construction is a clear plus.

User Interface and Display: Touchscreen vs Fixed LCD

User interaction remains a critical factor in daily shooting scenarios.

• Olympus: The XZ-2 iHS features a 3-inch, 920k-dot tilting touchscreen. This versatile design allows low-angle shots, selfie framing (though no selfie mode per se), and menu navigation. While it lacks a built-in viewfinder, an optional electronic accessory is available.

• Samsung: Uses a fixed 3-inch, 460k-dot TFT LCD without touch functionality or viewfinder.

The Olympus screen offers better resolution and flexibility, crucial for framing in challenging angles - especially in landscape or macro work where you often shoot from unconventional perspectives.

Battery Life and Storage

The Olympus XZ-2 is rated for approximately 340 shots per charge using its Li-90B battery. The Samsung’s battery life is unspecified but is believed to fall short due to its smaller lithium-ion battery pack.

Both cameras support common SD/SDHC/SDXC cards but have only a single storage slot. The USB 2.0 interface is standard but increasingly outdated for rapid transfers.

If battery longevity is a priority for travel or extended shoots, Olympus’s capacity advantage warrants consideration.

Video Recording Capabilities: Full HD and Beyond

Both cameras support 1920x1080 (Full HD) video at 30fps, with MPEG-4 / H.264 formats.

• Olympus’s microphone port offers external audio input - a feature video creators appreciate for better sound control.
• Samsung lacks microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio options.

Neither camera offers advanced video features such as 4K or in-body video stabilization. However, Olympus’s sensor-shift image stabilization benefits handheld video quality, contrasting with Samsung’s optical stabilization which is more limited in smoothing out handheld micro-vibrations.

Performance in Photography Genres

Understanding how these models perform across different photography types helps tailor the decision to your shooting style.

Olympus XZ 2 iHS front Olympus XZ 2 iHS screen back Samsung WB750 screen back

Portraits

• Olympus XZ-2 iHS: The fast f/1.8 aperture on the wide end delivers pleasing bokeh, excellent skin tone rendering, and consistent face/eye detection. Sharpness transitions are smooth, avoiding overly harsh edges. The tilting touchscreen supports thoughtful framing and focus adjustments.

• Samsung WB750: Produces sharper images at base ISO but struggles with shallow depth-of-field effects due to slower aperture. Face detection exists but is less refined.

Landscapes

• Olympus: Superior dynamic range and color depth allow capturing broad tonal ranges in scenes with strong contrast. The sensor’s resolution is adequate, though not impressively high, but processing handles highlight roll-offs gracefully.

• Samsung: Wider zoom range aids composition from wide to telephoto distances but with lower dynamic range and noise performance.

Wildlife

• Samsung: The 18x zoom (24-432mm) is a standout. Combined with 10 fps burst, it can capture animals at a distance. However, AF accuracy under rapid motion or low light is a limiting factor.

• Olympus: Limited zoom narrows wildlife reach but offers better image quality for closer subjects.

Sports

• Samsung: 10 fps burst can help freeze action, though AF responsiveness is a question mark during athletics.

• Olympus: Slower continuous shooting limits sports efficacy, but more refined exposure and focus controls assist in timing shots.

Street

• Samsung: Slimmer, lighter, and more discreet for candid street photography. The fixed LCD reduces bulk but compromises viewing angle flexibility.

• Olympus: Slightly heavier but solid ergonomics and tilting screen allow compositional creativity.

Macro

• Olympus: Fantastic close-focusing down to 1 cm, combined with a bright lens and image stabilization, earns it clear macro preference.

• Samsung: Acceptable macro at 5 cm but less capable for extreme close-ups.

Night and Astrophotography

Low-light and high-ISO performance favors Olympus due to better sensor sensitivity, image stabilization, and manual control over exposure.

Video

While both can shoot Full HD, Olympus’s external mic input and sensor-shift stabilization provide enhanced flexibility and quality for beginner filmmakers.

Travel

Samsung’s lighter body and vast zoom lend themselves well to travel - packing light with big reach for varying subjects.

Olympus offers robustness and better image quality, trading weight for greater control and creative latitude.

Professional Use

Neither camera is truly designed for professional workflows where full-frame sensor performance or rugged build is demanded. However, Olympus’s RAW support and articulate manual modes can integrate more easily into serious amateur and enthusiast professional workflows.

Connectivity and Extras

• Olympus supports Eye-Fi wireless card connection for photo transfer, while Samsung offers no wireless features.
• Both cameras have HDMI output for external viewing.
• Neither offers Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS.

Price and Value Assessment

Current prices hover around:

• Olympus XZ-2 iHS: ~$450
• Samsung WB750: ~$340

Here, Olympus commands a premium for its brighter lens, superior sensor, and richer feature set, while Samsung emphasizes zoom versatility and compactness at a budget-friendly price.

Summary Performance Scores and Genre Ratings

These expert-compiled graphics consolidate performance rankings across key parameters and photography types, underscoring the Olympus XZ-2 iHS’s overall stronger aptitude in image quality, portrait, landscape, night, and video domains. The Samsung scores relatively high in zoom reach, burst shooting, and portability-dependent genres.

Final Verdict: Which Compact Camera Is Right for You?

Choose the Olympus XZ-2 iHS if:

• You seek superior image quality, nuanced color rendering, and better low-light capability.
• Manual control, tactile ergonomics, and lens speed are high priorities.
• You enjoy macro, portraiture, or landscape photography requiring creative depth of field and dynamic range.
• You want a touchscreen interface and an external microphone input for richer video capture.

Choose the Samsung WB750 if:

• Your priority is superzoom versatility and the ability to photograph distant subjects.
• You prefer a lightweight, slim camera suited to candid street or travel photography.
• Burst shooting speed for action sequences is crucial over autofocus sophistication.
• Budget constraints make the lower price attractive.

Closing Thoughts From a Seasoned Tester

Working extensively with both cameras across different lighting and shooting scenarios revealed that these two compacts serve almost orthogonal user types. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS impresses with its photography-centric approach - the fast lens, strong sensor, and intuitive controls cater to serious enthusiasts willing to compromise some portability for results and creative flexibility.

In contrast, the Samsung WB750 reflects a practical, reach-oriented mindset, trying to pack maximum zoom and speed into a slim package, albeit with concessions on low-light results and manual operation.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras throughout my career, I find the Olympus XZ-2 iHS remains a compelling choice even nearly a decade after announcement, delivering an experience and image quality that outclass many contemporaries in its class.

I hope this detailed comparison helps you navigate the nuanced trade-offs between the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Samsung WB750. Your final choice should reflect the photography genres you prioritize, how much control you want, and how important portability or zoom reach is to your style. Feel free to reach out with questions or for hands-on advice tailored to your photographic ambitions!

• Your Trusted Camera Reviewer and Photography Expert