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Olympus SZ-30MR and SZ-20
The Olympus SZ-30MR and SZ-20 are two new super-zoom compact cameras. The SZ-30MR has a 24x zoom and is the first camera ever to offer simultaneous recording of 1080p Full HD movies and 16 megapixel still photos. The SZ-20 is a slimmer camera with a 12.5x zoom. Both models offer a 16 megapixel backlit CMOS sensor, 1080p Full HD movies, 3” colour LCD screen and 3D photo shooting mode. The SZ-30MR is available for £299.99, the SZ-20 to be confirmed, both from late April 2011.
Olympus Press Release
Introducing the first ever camera to capture Full HD movies & 16 Megapixel stills simultaneously
Olympus Super Zoom Series posts another world first
New SZ-30MR & SZ-20 deliver high-tech at its finest
Hamburg, 2 March 2011 – When Olympus launched the SZ-10 in February, it was hard to believe the zoom in a compact camera could get any more powerful. The new SZ-30MR proves that it can. With a jaw-dropping 24x wide optical zoom (25-600mm*), this state-of-the-art flagship breaks all the rules in the compact category – and it breaks records too. The SZ-30MR is the first camera ever to offer simultaneous recording of 1080p Full HD movies and 16 Megapixel still photos. So with the SZ-30MR, users can shoot in high resolution with different combinations of recording modes at once, and then share their shots in the format of their choice. For example, as a movie and digital still or a wide-angle shot and a close-up. Like the SZ-30MR, the new SZ-20 is astonishingly slender for a camera with huge zooming power. The super-slim design makes both SZ models ideal for people who like to travel light but insist on the very best spec. With a backlit CMOS sensor for excellent pictures in low light, 3D photo shooting and Eye-Fi card compatibility, these cameras combine practicality with beauty and sheer imaging power. The SZ-30MR is available for £299.99, the SZ-20 to be confirmed both from late April 2011.
MR is for a Multi Recording
The SZ-30MR is the world’s first camera to record 1080p Full HD movie and 16 Megapixel stills at the same time – thanks to an ingenious feature Olympus calls Multi Recording. For anyone who’s ever shot a scene one way, then (when it was too late) wished they’d done everything differently, MR is a must. Dual Engine TruePic III+ image processors give the SZ-30MR the power to record simultaneously in more than one mode, and in a variety of combinations. Users can record two different movies at once: in wide-angle and close-up; Full HD and lower resolution; or original and filtered (using one of the SZ-30MR’s seven Magic Filters for movies). In addition, with the Photo with Movie Clip setting, it’s now possible to capture moving footage before and after taking a single photo. These innovations give users the fun and flexibility of sharing their shots in a variety of media – from full-size prints to video clips for their favourite social media website. Both new models come with wireless Eye-Fi compatibility, so they can upload photos automatically to the Web – no cables required.
SZ is for Super Zoom
The Super Zoom SZ Series lives up to its name with a 24x wide optical zoom on the SZ-30MR and an equally impressive 12.5x super wide optical zoom on the significantly lower priced SZ-20. With this sort of zooming power it’s easy to take exceptional shots, from the expressive face of a gargoyle high up on a church roof to an emotive movie close-up of battling athletes. The pixel-rich 1080p Full HD movie format ensures the best moving picture quality currently available in a compact camera – with breathtaking realism, clarity and colour when users play back on a large Full HD TV.
S is for state-of-the-art
The SZ-30MR and SZ-20 are packed with the smartest technology the compact camera world has to offer, giving users a host of features that make it easy to get creative, transfer movies or photos wirelessly and capture just the shot they want in excellent quality. Both cameras offer 3D still photo shooting and eight Magic Filters, including the new Sparkle and Watercolour options. Pet Detection mode automatically snaps dog or cat faces just as they look up, while with Smart Panorama, users simply pan from side to side to get a sweeping panorama picture.
The SZ-30MR is available for £299.99, the SZ-20 to be confirmed both from late April 2011
Distinguishing features:
OLYMPUS SZ-30MR
Image Quality
• 24x wide optical zoom (25-600mm*) for exceptional close-ups
Creativity & Flexibility
• Multi Recording with Dual Engine TruePic III+ image processor for recording movies and photos simultaneously, or two movies in different modes or from different angles
OLYMPUS SZ-20
Image Quality
• 12.5x super wide optical zoom (24-300mm*) for superb close-ups
• TruePic III+ image processor for ideal colour reproduction and low noise
Common features:
Image Quality
• 1080p Full HD Movie with sound for capturing movies in the best image quality currently available in compact cameras
• 16 Megapixel backlit CMOS sensor for high-resolution, superb-quality full-size movies, stills and prints, even in low light
• Dual Image Stabilisation for reducing blur with fast-moving shots
Usability
• 3” colour LCD (460,000 dots) for easily framing, reviewing and sharing shots
• Smart Panorama for capturing sweeping stills just by panning the camera
• Handheld Starlight Mode for shooting blur-free at night without a tripod
• Advanced Face Detection and Shadow Adjustment Technology for capturing people’s faces just as you want them
• Beauty Mode for hiding unwanted blemishes
• Intelligent Auto Mode (i-Auto) and AF Tracking for easy setting and focussing
• Pet Detection Mode for automatically capturing dog’s or cat’s faces when they look at the camera
• Scene Mode for automatic settings that suit specific conditions
(e.g., Landscape, Night)
Creativity & Flexibility
• Eye-Fi Card compatibility for automatic wireless uploading of images to a website or PC
• 3D photo shooting mode for striking stills
• Magic Filters for adding creative effects to HD movies and/or stills:
Punk, Pop Art, Pin Hole, Drawing, Soft Focus, Fish Eye, plus new Sparkle (photos only) and Watercolour
Other key features
• Photo surfing and [ib] software for browsing, organising and viewing images by person, place, location or event
• HDMI technology for controlling your camera from one remote when it’s connected to HD equipment
• ISO 80 to 3200
• SDHC and SDXC memory card compatible**
• Built-in flash
• In-camera manual
• USB charging
* 35mm camera equivalent.
** SD is a trademark of SD Card Association.
For a full list of features, please go to http://www.olympus.co.uk
Image Gallery
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#1 Sampras
Which camera is better, this one or canon?? im trying to get a new camrea. Please suggest me the best. Thanks in advance.
6:46 am - Wednesday, March 2, 2011
#2 slot makinalari
Perfect machine!!
10:16 am - Wednesday, March 2, 2011
#3 David
What a joke!
Where are the manual controls?
Where is the viewfinder?
Where is the hotshoe?
Never mind any of those serious creative features though because it has got some Magic Filters, lol.
It is my opinion that Olympus needs a serious camera in the long zoom category and soon. None of it's current long zoom cameras have manual controls, a viewfinder or a hotshoe and they will loose out. They have nothing to compete with the Canon SX30, Panasonic FZ100 or Fuji HS20.
10:43 am - Wednesday, March 2, 2011
#4 Manoj
nice camera and would like to owe it too what would be it price...
1:11 pm - Wednesday, March 2, 2011
#5 MWPOM
@David
I won't agree with You it's very good camera
By the way check this out : http://www.canon60dprice.org so cool !!! XD
I think gonna buy one
8:29 pm - Wednesday, March 2, 2011
#6 john
Most IMPORTANT thing people want in a Super Zoom Camera is excellent LOW LIGHT pictures WITHOUT a FLASH and FREEZE the MOVEING subject, like we see in professional wedding pictures by using Auto or a Scene mode. That's the most important thing most people are looking for in a camera today. Anyone who does that First will be the winner.
24X Zoom, 16 Megapixel don't mean anything if the Camera cannot deliver SHARP and CRISP Pictures at right EXPOSURE showing Natural or Exact COLOR What your eye is seeing.
People don't Understand why Manufacturers are Not working on getting these things Right, instead they are getting into this Number Race. Its still the same Bad picture Quality or even Worse as the numbers in Zoom and Megapixel go up with same Small Sensor and No New Innovations to improve Picture Quality
6:58 pm - Saturday, March 5, 2011
#7 Sunny
I can't wait to see the first reviews of the SZ-30 MR. Pretty sure this will be my next camera....
10:59 pm - Wednesday, March 9, 2011
#8 Juergo
@David and @John
Let's not compare apples with potatoes. I want the very best superzoom in pocket size. The features you are missing are not considered by me if the camera does not fit into my pocket. I am using Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7 and am now looking at the new Fuji Finepix F550EXR or OLYMPUS SZ-30MR.
3:49 am - Friday, March 11, 2011
#9 Lynda
Hi, I am tossing up between a Canon 1000HS and an Olympus SZ20. I want a camera for party pic's and to take pic's of kids show jumping / sports. Can someone who knows both camera's please suggest which one I should buy.
John says "24X Zoom, 16 Megapixel don't mean anything if the Camera cannot deliver SHARP and CRISP Pictures " Does that mean the Olympus doesn't take sharp pic's?
PLEASE HELP, I'm not a professional, so don't want complicated, I just want nice sharp pic's.
5:41 am - Monday, May 9, 2011
#10 Jennifer
Looking forward to owning this camera, I'm sure its worth buying!!!
2:51 am - Tuesday, May 10, 2011
#11 Wardy
I'm looking at the Olympus SZ 30 or the Fuji F550, I have been into Jessops and various camera shops and they haven't a clue! Can someone please help and give me a recommendation or their view please!
Thanks
7:26 pm - Sunday, May 15, 2011
#12 mark hillier-brown
Just a warning to WARDY who left a comment on here. I had the fuji 500 EXR camera two weeks ago but sent it back because although its lovely to look at, full of technology, takes fantastic photos. the video mode is dissapointing because the auto focus suffers from [HUNTING] meaning it goes in and out of focus often as its trying to gain focus, my videos with it were no good when filming planes at an airshow. I now have the OLYMPUS SZ-30MR, what a camera, fantastic stills and video with a wopping zoom, not so much manual control, but top quality pictures all the way. Its personal choice, but you wont regret it.
1:06 pm - Sunday, May 22, 2011
#13 Ed
No RAW format... bad!
11:05 am - Thursday, June 2, 2011
#14 Ian
I'm no camera expert, but the comments by various people above while all valid are missing the point, this isnt a professional camera, its a point and shoot with a very long zoom.
it might not have all the bells and whistles of this and that other camera
But if you want professional you buy professional surely?
For the every day photos, holiday snaps etc, almost all modern cameras are fine.
Those who want pin sharp perfect clarity snaps in all degrees of light and every situation would probably need a large variety of cameras and an even larger wallet
3:36 pm - Sunday, June 5, 2011
#15 Sunny
How are low light pictures? Birthday parties and clouds for example.
2:56 am - Tuesday, June 28, 2011
#16 old beginner
Dream came true 4 me anyway. This will make you (& me)shot like never before. In a new way I mean. Portable & smart. BEWARE 4 people always detecting what´s not there----that because they don´t know what to do with what really is there. My imagination is on turbo mode right now just reading the bunch of features I´m gonna use. I´m a lucky shooter not a "follower" of Mr.??? taste.
10:05 pm - Tuesday, June 28, 2011
#17 Kdy Mike
Looks like a useful holiday camera but when are we going to see some reviews? It's now 4 months since the Olympus press release and still not one proper review.
I'm interested but won't buy until I've read at least 2 or 3 proper professional reviews of this Camera.
C'mon Olympus, get the finger out and pass these cameras out to the reviewers.
7:44 pm - Monday, July 11, 2011
#18 Gillbie
Looking to buy a new camerea, so far it's a toss between the olympus sz30 and the panasonic dmc fz45egk. I am no expert so can anybody give advice pleas?
12:06 am - Thursday, July 21, 2011
#19 Larry
Seem like a good camera but. although the spec in the instruction book says that the video format is MPEG and I need MPEG the actual output I am getting is MP4. This not only no good to me it is also ignored by is's own viewer software. Some cameras are multi format but I cant see a way of changing this.
7:06 am - Thursday, July 28, 2011
#20 Henry Falkner
I want one. In most situations it will do the jobs that my SP-570UZ and my Stylus 9010 do now - but in a single pece of equipment, with better low light capability, and optical zoom and stereo sound on the video. Yes, I have seen still and video samples from current owners.
12:47 am - Saturday, August 6, 2011
#21 Kdy Mike
At last I have viewed sample images from this camera and it's a big thumbs down I'm afraid. Pictures are not as sharp as I would have hoped for and considerable noise creeps in, even at low isos. Test images can be seen at http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/SZ30MR/SZ30MRA7.HTM Check out the foliage around the house jpg. Pretty poor in my opinion. I'm searching for a suitable upgrade to my FZ38 at a reasonable price but it certainly won't be this camera.
12:01 pm - Saturday, August 6, 2011