Olympus E-30

amazon Olympus E-30 reviews

Olympus manufactures the E-30 to compete with the Canon EOS 50D and Nikon D90 in the mid-market segment, which should equip both the high-end Olympus E-3 and the user-friendly features universal of Olympus E-520.

Before the Olympus E-30 was born, Olympus DSLRs were missing a midrange model, where previous rivals such as the Canon 40D, the Nikon D80 and now the Canon 50D, the Nikon D90, or even more. The Nikon D300. The price gap between E-3 (Olympus’s highest-end model) and E-520 (popular model) is $ 900, a huge gap. That makes Olympus lose a lot in the market, of course people who do not have enough money to buy E-3 but do not want to own a low-level models such as the E-520 will “run” to buy the machine other.

Recognizing that, Olympus launched the E-30 to fill the hole between the E-3 and E-520. The camera is also developed on the Four Thirds format like Olympus’ previous DSLRs, equipped with a 12.3 Megapixel LiveMOS sensor and inherits both high-end features of the E-3 and its popular features E-520.

The first touch when holding the Olympus E-30 is quite solid and comfortable, as it is equipped with a hand grip, with a small groove to put the middle finger. On the back, the keys are reasonably arranged, easier to understand and use than in E-3.

One of the most talked about features of Olympus E-30 is “Art Filters”. This is a feature that allows users to add effects to images, much like the default scene modes in compact models, but has a smarter operating mechanism. If as before, the machine interferes with algorithms into the whole picture, then at Olympus E-30, the machine can analyze, calculate and process only the areas needed.

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Users can choose from six “Art Filters” through the wheel located at the top of the machine. Each time you go through the mode, the screen will show a brief explanation of the mode, giving users the correct choice. This feature gets the help of the latest Olympus TruePic III + image processor.

In addition, the E-30 also inherits very useful features from the E-3, such as the 2.7-inch LCD screen is capable of flip, rotate the corners, making it easy for people to take shots in the location, unfavorable. The 11-point automatic system at the world’s fastest speed has been praised by the Olympus for its E-3. In addition, the E-30 is also rated at 5 frames per second continuous shooting speed and anti-shake system built-in on the machine.

Even so, the Olympus E-30 still has some pretty regrettable shortcomings. The first is to only save images to a single memory card, though equipped with slots for two types of cards are CompactFlash and xD-Picture. If it is possible to save images to two memory cards at the same time, it will be better, because if a bad image is damaged, there will be a backup image.

In addition, although the Art Filters feature can delight many users, the six modes it offers are fixed, with no modes allowing users to customize or customize their own settings. skull. That means that the color neutrality, the amount of noise, the grit in the photos will depend entirely on the algorithms that the machine applies, not depending on the user adjustments. In addition, the Olympus E-30 is also slightly heavier and heavier than its competitors in the same range.

Image Quality and Performance

The E-30 features a 12.3-megapixel Live MOS sensor, which is paired with the TruePic III+ image processor. This combination delivers excellent image quality, with vibrant colors and good detail. The Four Thirds sensor has a crop factor of 2x, which means that lenses will have a field of view equivalent to double their focal length on a full-frame camera. This is advantageous for telephoto work but limits the wide-angle capabilities slightly.

Color and Detail

One of the standout qualities of the E-30 is its color reproduction. Olympus has a reputation for producing cameras with excellent color accuracy, and the E-30 is no exception. Images straight out of the camera have a pleasing vibrancy, with well-saturated colors that remain true to life. The camera’s default settings tend to produce slightly punchy colors, which can be adjusted through the various Picture Modes and custom settings.

Detail rendition is good, especially at lower ISO settings. The 12.3-megapixel resolution is sufficient for most purposes, providing ample detail for prints and enlargements. At higher ISOs, noise becomes more noticeable, but the camera handles it reasonably well up to ISO 1600. Beyond that, noise reduction can start to soften fine details, but this is typical of cameras from this era.

Dynamic Range and ISO Performance

The E-30 offers a respectable dynamic range, capturing a good amount of detail in both shadows and highlights. This is particularly beneficial for landscape and high-contrast scenes, where retaining detail across the tonal range is crucial. The camera’s Highlight and Shadow adjustment tools can be useful for fine-tuning exposure in challenging lighting conditions.

In terms of ISO performance, the E-30 has a native range of ISO 100 to 3200. While not as expansive as modern cameras, this range covers most typical shooting situations. At lower ISOs (100-400), images are clean and detailed. Noise becomes more apparent as the ISO increases, particularly above ISO 800. At ISO 1600, noise is noticeable but manageable, while ISO 3200 is best reserved for situations where capturing the shot is more important than image quality.

Autofocus and Speed

The autofocus system on the E-30 is a 11-point AF system with cross-type sensors. This system is reasonably fast and accurate, performing well in a variety of lighting conditions. The center point is particularly sensitive and reliable. In low light, the AF system slows down, but it remains usable with the help of the AF assist lamp.

Continuous shooting speed is 5 frames per second, which is adequate for most types of photography, including sports and wildlife. The buffer allows for shooting up to 12 RAW images or 24 JPEGs before slowing down, which is decent for its class.

Features and Functionality

The Olympus E-30 is packed with features that enhance its versatility and creative potential. Some of the key features include:

Art Filters

One of the standout features of the E-30 is the introduction of Art Filters. These creative filters allow photographers to apply various effects directly in-camera, such as Pop Art, Soft Focus, Grainy Film, and Pin Hole. These filters can add a unique touch to images and are a fun way to experiment with different looks without needing post-processing software.

Multiple Exposure and Aspect Ratios

The E-30 offers a multiple exposure mode, allowing photographers to combine up to four images into a single frame. This can be a powerful tool for creating artistic and composite images directly in-camera. Additionally, the camera supports multiple aspect ratios (4:3, 3:2, 16:9, and 6:6), providing flexibility for different framing preferences.

Live View and Articulating Screen

The Live View mode, combined with the articulating LCD screen, makes it easier to compose shots from unconventional angles. This is particularly useful for macro photography, low-angle shots, and overhead shots. The Live View mode also supports face detection and contrast-detect AF, enhancing its usability for portrait and still-life photography.

In-Body Image Stabilization

The E-30 features in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which compensates for camera shake and allows for sharper images, especially in low-light conditions. This system is effective for both stills and video, providing a significant advantage when shooting handheld or with non-stabilized lenses.

Handling and Ergonomics

The handling of the Olympus E-30 is generally very good, thanks to its well-thought-out design and ergonomic layout. The camera fits comfortably in the hand, with all major controls easily accessible. The buttons and dials provide a satisfying tactile response, and the customizable buttons allow for personalizing the camera to suit individual shooting styles.

The menu system is comprehensive but can be a bit overwhelming for beginners. However, once familiar with the layout, it offers a high level of control over various settings and functions. The Super Control Panel, accessed through the LCD screen, provides a quick and convenient way to adjust key settings without diving into the menus.

Battery Life and Storage

The E-30 uses a BLM-1 rechargeable lithium-ion battery, which provides a decent battery life for its class. On a full charge, it is capable of capturing around 750 shots, according to CIPA standards. This is sufficient for most day-long shooting sessions, but carrying a spare battery is advisable for extended shoots or when using Live View extensively.

The camera supports CompactFlash (CF) cards and xD-Picture cards for storage. While CF cards are still in use, the xD format is largely obsolete. It is recommended to use high-speed CF cards for optimal performance, especially when shooting in burst mode or recording video.

Video Capabilities

The video capabilities of the Olympus E-30 are modest, reflecting its era and primary focus as a stills camera. It offers video recording at a maximum resolution of 640 x 480 (VGA) at 30 frames per second. While this is sufficient for casual video clips, it falls short of the HD and Full HD capabilities of more modern cameras. The lack of an external microphone input further limits its appeal for serious videographers.

Lenses and Accessories

As part of the Four Thirds system, the E-30 is compatible with a wide range of lenses from Olympus and other manufacturers. The system’s 2x crop factor effectively doubles the focal length of lenses, making it particularly advantageous for telephoto work. The selection of high-quality Zuiko Digital lenses covers a broad spectrum of focal lengths and apertures, from ultra-wide to super-telephoto.

Additionally, the camera is compatible with various accessories, including external flashes, battery grips, and remote controls. The inclusion of a hot shoe allows for the use of external flash units, enhancing its capabilities for studio and portrait photography.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths:

1. Excellent Color Reproduction: The E-30 produces vibrant and accurate colors, making it ideal for a wide range of photography genres.
2. Solid Build Quality: The robust construction and ergonomic design make it a reliable choice for outdoor and travel photography.
3. Articulating LCD Screen: The flexible screen enhances compositional possibilities and ease of use in various shooting scenarios.
4. In-Body Image Stabilization: Effective stabilization system improves handheld shooting performance, especially in low light.
5. Art Filters: Creative filters add an element of fun and creativity to the shooting process.

Weaknesses:

1. Limited High ISO Performance: Noise becomes noticeable at higher ISOs, limiting its usability in very low-light conditions.
2. Modest Video Capabilities: VGA resolution video and lack of external microphone input make it less appealing for videography.
3. Outdated Storage Options: The inclusion of the xD-Picture card slot is largely redundant, given the obsolescence of the format.
4. Complex Menu System: The extensive menu system can be intimidating for beginners and requires time to master.

Conclusion

The Olympus E-30 is a versatile and capable DSLR that offers a compelling blend of features, image quality, and handling. It stands out for its excellent color reproduction and solid build quality, making it a reliable choice for photographers looking for a robust mid-range DSLR. Despite its age, the E-30 holds up well in many areas, particularly in still photography. Its creative features, like Art Filters and multiple exposure modes, provide additional tools for artistic expression, making it a fun and engaging camera to use.