features a 12 million pixel back-illuminated 1/1.7 inch CMOS sensor and the same TruPic

VI processor as in the Olympus OM-D. The XZ-2's lens is the same as that found

on the XZ-1, offering 28-112mm equivalent focal lengths and maximum apertures of f/1.8-2.5.

Olympus says that the use of a small sensor is to create the best balance between camera

size and image quality, however it is actually a little bigger than the Sony RX100 which

manages to fit a large one-inch sensor into its body.

There's no viewfinder built into the XZ-2, but it does have an accessory port so it can

accept an optional external EVF. Unfortunately, it's not the same port as found on the PEN

range of cameras, so it can't accept the same accessories.

Olympus is well-known for being a keen advocate of digital art filters. The XZ-2 has many

of the same filters as found on the PEN and OM-D models, such as cross process.

Probably the biggest change from the XZ-1 is the handling. Firstly, the 3-inch 920,000

dot tilting LCD is touch-sensitive, meaning it can be used to set the AF point or activate

the shutter. Secondly, this control ring around the lens can now be used both to control the

aperture, and via a click of this switch, fine macro focusing and zooming.

The control ring is also customisable, so it can also be used to select aperture, shutter

speed, exposure compensation or flash exposure, depending on the active exposure mode. Two

new customisable function buttons can also be used for different settings.

We have been unable to review image quality from the XZ-2 as yet, but so far this looks

like a very promising camera. Look out for Angela Nicholson's hands-on review at TechRadar.com.