Olympus SZ-30MR Review | 108 Data compared

The ePHOTOzine review of the Olympus SZ-30MR highlights a pocket-sized camera featuring a 16-megapixel backlit CMOS sensor and a 24x optical zoom lens (25-600mm). Key advantages identified include the innovative Multi-Recording (MR) mode for simultaneous 1080p video and 16MP stills, effective 3cm super macro, and a 9fps continuous shooting mode. The review notes, however, that images can appear washed out or blurry at the maximum 24x zoom range, necessitating a steady hand or tripod. Additionally, the camera's zoom motor is noisy, which can negatively affect audio during video recording.

The Trusted Reviews evaluation of the Olympus SZ-30MR highlights a compact travel camera featuring a versatile 24x optical zoom, effective "super macro" mode, and a useful Multi Recording (MR) mode for capturing multiple formats simultaneously. Solid build quality, including a sturdy handgrip and top-plate mode dial, makes it a reliable performer in everyday scenarios. However, the camera is hampered by a bulky, angular design and a loose rear control wheel that is easy to accidentally adjust. Key drawbacks also include inconsistent exposure and metering, alongside a 3-inch LCD screen that struggles significantly with visibility and accuracy in bright lighting conditions.

Based on the provided review, we assume you are seeking a detailed breakdown of the camera's practical performance and design trade-offs to evaluate its suitability as a casual travel companion. The Olympus SZ-30MR is a highly portable point-and-shoot camera that stands out for squeezing a massive 24x optical zoom lens (25–600mm equivalent) into a compact, pocket-friendly plastic body. Its main strengths lie in its simple operation, featuring an effective "iAuto" mode that delivers great results for casual holiday snapshots without requiring manual adjustments. Additionally, it offers excellent Full HD video quality with an instant capture button and continuous autofocus, alongside unique sequential shooting speeds of up to 7fps at full resolution. The camera's physical design also includes a prominent handgrip to help counteract hand tremors when shooting at long focal lengths. However, the camera suffers from several distinct drawbacks, particularly regarding build quality, battery life, and high-end photographic controls. The plastic exterior feels slightly hollow and cheap, while the prominent top mode dial is easily knocked out of place by accident. Serious photographers may be disappointed by the total lack...

The Olympus SZ-30MR is a compact superzoom digital camera reviewed by Barrie Smith on Digital Photography School. Built around a 16-megapixel backlit CMOS sensor, its standout feature is a massive 24x optical zoom range (equivalent to 25-600mm) packed into a highly portable body. The camera excels in performance flexibility, offering a blazing-fast burst mode capable of hitting up to 15 frames per second. It also introduces an innovative "Multi Recording" (MR) feature that allows users to seamlessly record Full 1080p HD video while simultaneously capturing full-size still photos. Reviewers note that the camera delivers a distortion-free performance across both ends of the zoom range and features fun creative additions like 3D capture, sweep panoramas, and eight built-in Magic Filters. Digital Photography School However, the camera does suffer from some distinct limitations. While it performs cleanly in terms of focal distortion, the maximum aperture shrinks significantly from a wide f/3.0 down to a very dim f/6.9 at the 600mm telephoto end, making handheld shooting in low light difficult. Additionally, atmospheric haze frequently degrades the visual quality of long-distance telephoto shots, and...

Olympus SZ-30MR Review Summary The Olympus SZ-30MR is a highly capable compact camera that defies negative preconceptions regarding high-megapixel small sensors by delivering clean, highly detailed photos in bright conditions and surprisingly low noise in low-light environments. Its standout feature is an extraordinary 24x optical zoom packed into a pocket-sized body with minimal compromise to optical performance. Key advantages include its handsome and secure physical design with a moulded handgrip, a bright 3-inch screen, a manual pop-up flash lever, and a quick 1.8-second shot-to-shot performance. Furthermore, its Super Macro mode excels at capturing stunning close-ups from just centimeters away. Video capabilities are equally impressive, recording 1080p clips with active autofocus/zoom motors and excellent sound quality, alongside a multi-recording feature that allows capturing full-resolution photos during filming. Despite its strengths, the camera has notable limitations, particularly the complete lack of manual exposure options and manual white balance settings. Performance drops in certain scenarios; telephoto autofocus can occasionally hunt for a few seconds, and its fastest 5.8fps continuous shooting mode disables digital lens-distortion correction, resulting in heavy barrel distortion on wide-angle shots....

The Olympus SZ-30MR, reviewed by What Digital Camera, is a 16MP travel compact with a 24x optical zoom (25-600mm) that achieves an 81% rating,, thanks to its versatile, comfortable design. Its key pro is the Multi-Recording (MR) technology, allowing simultaneous 1080p video and full-resolution still capture, alongside a strong super macro mode. Conversely, the review notes cons regarding average image quality with inconsistent exposure, and a 3-inch, 461k-dot screen that performs poorly in bright light. Additionally, the camera's, particularly the loud chrome finish, may not appeal to all users.