Olympus E 30 Review | 108 Data compared

The DPReview analysis positions the Olympus E-30 as a robust, feature-rich mid-range DSLR, excelling with a fully articulating LCD, effective image stabilization, and versatile Art Filters. It is lauded for its solid handling, bright viewfinder, and excellent, high-resolution JPEG output, bridging the gap between consumer bodies and the flagship E-3. Conversely, the review notes the limitations of the Four Thirds sensor, including higher noise levels at increased ISO and limited dynamic range in raw files. Other drawbacks include inconsistent auto white balance, a lower-resolution LCD screen, and the absence of the E-3's, superior weather sealing. DPReview

The Trusted Reviews evaluation of the Olympus E-30 highlights the DSLR as a highly capable, 655g, and ergonomic enthusiast camera, praised for its sturdy build, responsive autofocus, and creative Art Filters. While delivering clean JPEG images, the camera faces limitations regarding the Four Thirds sensor size, producing high noise at ISO 3200 and exhibiting a tendency to underexpose in contrasty scenes.

The What Digital Camera review identifies the Olympus E-30 as a versatile upper-tier DSLR bridging the gap between the E-520 and E-3, boasting a 12.3-megapixel Four Thirds sensor, improved 11-point autofocus, and a 2.7-inch articulated LCD. Key strengths highlighted include excellent ergonomics, "Art Filters," and an integrated digital level, offering a robust, comfortable shooting experience. Conversely, the E-30 lacks the rugged weather-sealing found on the higher-end E-3 and suffers from significant noise at high ISO settings above 800. Additional criticisms include slightly lower viewfinder coverage, instances of barrel distortion from the kit lens, and high auto white balance warming in challenging light.

The Olympus E30 is a mid-range digital SLR camera that bridges the gap between the entry-level E620 and the flagship E3, offering a solid build with extensive physical controls and dual memory card slots (Compact Flash and xD-Picture card). The camera delivers very good image quality with sharp detail resolution from its 12.3-megapixel sensor, which features sensor-shift image stabilization effective up to 5 stops. Key highlights include an impressive 5 frames-per-second continuous shooting mode, excellent battery life rated at 750 shots, built-in wireless flash control, and an integrated electronic level gauge. It also features a fully articulating 2.7-inch LCD screen, built-in lens front/back focus tuning for up to 20 lenses, and six creative Art Filters that apply stylized effects directly in-camera. On the downside, the review highlights several performance and value limitations. The autofocus system becomes notoriously slow and sluggish during live view mode, taking up to 2 to 3 seconds to lock focus when utilizing Contrast Detection AF. Because of its smaller Four Thirds sensor size, the camera produces slightly higher image noise at higher ISO settings and features...

The Olympus E-30 is a mid-range DSLR featuring a 12.3-megapixel Live MOS sensor and compatibility with lenses from Leica, Panasonic, Sigma, and Olympus via the Four Thirds system. It is physically smaller and lighter than many high-end competitor models, prioritizing portability without losing critical capabilities. Photographers can take advantage of a continuous shooting speed of up to five frames per second, a rapid shutter speed ranging up to 1/8000 second, and an 11-point autofocus detection system with subject tracking. Notable built-in highlights include an integrated Level Gauge, multiple exposure layering capabilities (up to four shots), and an Art Filter menu with creative effects like Grainy Film and Pinhole. The camera delivers standout performance with highly accurate exposure metering, a responsive autofocus system, and "very, very good" overall image quality. Its built-in image stabilization features special modes optimized for smooth panning and tilting, which effectively isolate moving subjects by blurring the background. However, the review highlights distinct drawbacks, most notably the prominent barrel distortion produced by the included 14-42mm kit lens. Additionally, because the exterior body features relatively few dedicated button...

The Olympus E-30 is a 12.3-megapixel intermediate digital SLR designed to bridge the gap between consumer-level and professional bodies, offering a refined, glass-reinforced plastic chassis that enhances overall handling and button ergonomics over the flagship E-3. Key strengths include its highly advanced, fully biaxial 11-point autofocus system, custom AF fine-tuning for up to 20 individual lenses, a built-in level gauge, and a highly responsive 2.7-inch multi-angle LCD screen supporting rapid "Imager AF" contrast-detect autofocus during Live View. Paired with the companion ZD 14-54mm MkII lens, it delivers excellent overall image processing with strong high-ISO performance up to ISO 800, retaining fine detail with no shadow banding. However, the E-30 suffers from a few notable drawbacks, primarily its surprisingly large, heavy profile that mimics the physical bulk of the E-3 despite its plastic construction. Unlike its professional sibling, the E-30 lacks any weatherproofing or drip-proof sealing, lacks a built-in viewfinder shutter, and relies on a 98% field-of-view coverage optical viewfinder rather than a full 100% crop. Additionally, its creative "Art Modes" and slow xD memory card slot are criticized as gimmicky...

The wrotniak.net review describes the Olympus E-30 as a capable, semi-professional DSLR offering excellent image quality, strong low-light performance up to ISO 1600, and an effective body-based image stabilization system. Key strengths include a 1/8000s shutter speed, a swiveling LCD screen, and reduced sensor banding compared to the E-3, positioning it as a more economical alternative. Mike Conversely, the review notes a shift from a full magnesium chassis to a fiberglass-reinforced polycarbonate shell for cost and weight reduction. Other identified drawbacks include overly aggressive default JPEG sharpening, increased bulk compared to entry-level models, and the inclusion of an outdated xD-Picture Card slot. Mike

The DPReview hands-on report highlights the Olympus E-30 as a mid-level 12.3MP Live MOS DSLR that bridges the gap between enthusiast and professional, featuring a 2.7-inch fully articulated LCD, 11-point autofocus fine-tuning, and creative "Art Filters" in a lighter, plastic-reinforced body. However, the camera lacks the E-3's weather sealing, offers a lower 230,000-dot screen resolution, and provides a smaller optical viewfinder with 98% frame coverage compared to professional counterparts.

The Olympus E-30 is a robust 12.3-megapixel enthusiast-level DSLR that successfully bridges the gap between mid-range affordability and high-end professional performance. Its standout features include a highly effective in-camera mechanical image stabilization system, a versatile 2.7-inch fully articulated LCD monitor, and unique built-in Art Filters that streamline creative editing directly in the camera. Testers highlighted its snappy overall speed, capable of five frames-per-second continuous shooting, a quick two-second startup, and a reliable 11-point autofocus system that excels outdoors with ultrasonic SWD lenses. Furthermore, its intuitive "Super Control Panel" data screen provides rapid navigation across 18 separate settings, making it highly logical for advanced shooters once they move past the initial learning curve. However, the camera has notable limitations, particularly concerning image quality in low-light environments and advanced modern features. While image quality is clean and detailed between ISO 100 and 400, images become visibly grainy by ISO 800. The camera’s default noise reduction at settings higher than ISO 800 is overly aggressive, resulting in soft details and a smudged appearance. Additionally, its Live View autofocus is slow—taking up to three...

The Olympus E-30 is evaluated as a highly responsive, enthusiast-level dSLR that bridges the gap between mid-range and professional models. A major pro highlighted in the review is the inclusion of a fully articulated, 2.7-inch LCD screen, which vastly improves the usability of the camera's Live View mode. Performance-wise, the camera inherits the exceptionally fast 11-point autofocus system from the flagship E-3. It also features robust built-in, sensor-shift image stabilisation, an effective anti-dust sensor-cleaning system, and a lighter structural plastic chassis compared to bulkier magnesium alternatives. Creative shooters will also appreciate the introduction of fun in-camera Art Filters (such as Grainy Film and Pinhole) and a unique multiple-exposure overlay mode. However, the camera suffers from notable cons related to its smaller Four Thirds sensor format. Its high ISO performance lags behind APS-C sensor competitors, with image quality softening and revealing distinct digital noise at ISO 800 and above. The camera's light metering system can also prove challenging, showing a tendency to under- or overexpose frames under demanding lighting conditions. Additionally, utilizing the intensive Art Filters causes a substantial performance hit,...