The Olympus XA2 and the Olympus mju II are two of the best pocket film cameras ever made, and two of the most searched-for. Both slip into a jacket pocket, both use a sliding cover instead of a lens cap, and both produce sharp pictures. But they are built on different ideas, and the mju II usually costs well over twice as much.
Here is how they compare, based on the many examples we test and sell at Camera Collector.
The short answer
- Choose the XA2 if you shoot mostly in daylight, want a quiet and quick camera with no autofocus delay, and want the best value.
- Choose the mju II if you shoot a lot indoors or at night, want autofocus and weather resistance, and are happy to pay more.
Side by side
| Olympus XA2 | Olympus mju II | |
|---|---|---|
| Introduced | 1980 | 1997 |
| Lens | 35mm f/3.5 D.Zuiko | 35mm f/2.8 |
| Focusing | Three-zone scale focus | Autofocus |
| Exposure | Programmed automatic | Programmed automatic with spot metering option |
| Film speed | Set by hand on a dial | Automatic DX coding |
| Flash | Optional clip-on A11 unit | Built in (resets to auto each time you switch on) |
| Weather resistance | No | Splash-proof |
| Power | Two LR44 or SR44 cells | One CR123A |
| Repairability | Simpler, more forgiving | Electronic; repairs are often uneconomical |
| Our price guide (Oct 2026) | About £97–£195, most £140–£150 with A11 flash | Around £380 for a clean original; mju II Zoom models about £230–£300 |
Focusing: zone focus vs autofocus
The XA2 uses three focus zones: close, group and distance. You choose one with a small lever, and the camera's depth of field does the rest. It feels quick because there is no autofocus to wait for, which is great for street photography. The trade-off is that close subjects need a little care.
The mju II focuses automatically. It is quick and accurate for its era and removes any guesswork, especially at close range. For people who just want to point and shoot, that is a real advantage.
Low light and flash
This is where the mju II earns its price. Its f/2.8 lens gathers noticeably more light than the XA2's f/3.5, and the built-in flash, including a night-scene mode, is always with you. Indoors, at parties and at night, the mju II is much more capable.
The XA2 performs best in daylight or with ISO 400 film. Its A11 flash works well for close indoor shots but has to be carried and attached separately.
Image quality
Both lenses are sharp and contrasty in the centre for pocket cameras. The mju II's lens has a slight edge, particularly wide open, and its autofocus helps with precise focusing up close. In good light, most people would struggle to tell their prints apart.
Reliability and price
The XA2 is simpler and has fewer electronic parts to fail. The mju II is a sophisticated electronic camera, and when something like the flash circuit or lens mechanism fails, repair is often not economical. Combined with its higher price, that makes buying a properly tested mju II especially important.
Which should you buy?
Buy the XA2 if you want an affordable, dependable pocket camera for daytime shooting, travel and street photography. Read our full Olympus XA2 review, or consider the XA3 if you want automatic film speed.
Buy the mju II if low light, autofocus and weather resistance matter more than cost. Read our full Olympus mju II review, including the more affordable mju II Zoom models.
Shop tested examples: Olympus XA2 in stock · Olympus mju II in stock
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