Olympus E-30 Review
Review Date: January 28th 2009
Author: Mark Goldstein
Leave a comment about this Review
|
Specifications
| Type | ||
|---|---|---|
| Body material | Glassfibre reinforced plastics | |
| Lens mount | Four Thirds mount | |
| Image Sensor | ||
| Type | 4/3 '' Hi-Speed Live MOS sensor | |
| Effective pixels | 12.3 Megapixels | |
| Filter array | Primary colour filter (RGB) | |
| Aspect ratio & area | 4:3 / 17.3 x 13.0 mm | |
| Full resolution | 13.1 Megapixels | |
| Engine | ||
| Type | TruePic III | |
| Filter | ||
| Dust reduction filter | Supersonic Wave Filter | |
| IR cut filter | Hybrid type | |
| LPF filter | Fixed type | |
| Viewfinder | ||
| Viewfinder type | Eye-level single-lens view finder | |
| Field of view | Approx. 98 % | |
| Magnification | Approx. 1.02 x with a 50mm lens set to infinity at -1 dioptres | |
| Depth of field preview | Yes Preview button | |
| Eye point | 24.2 mm at -1 dioptres from eyepiece lens | |
| Diopter adjustment | -3.0 - +1.0 diopter / | |
| Focusing screen | Interchangeable by service (Neo Lumi-Micron Mat Screen) | |
| Mirror | Quick return mirror | |
| Viewfinder Information | Yes | |
| Eye piece shutter | Eye-piece cap EPC-1 supplied | |
| Live View | ||
| Information | 100% field of view, exposure adjustment preview, white balance adjustment preview, gradation auto preview, face detection preview, perfect shot preview, gridline displayable, 5x/7x/10x magnification possible, | |
| Image Stabiliser | ||
| Type | Sensor shift | |
| Modes | Two-dimensional or one-dimensional activation | |
| Effective Compensation Range | Up to 5 EV steps | |
| Focusing System | ||
| Method | TTL phase difference detection system, contrast detection system (with 25mm 1:2.8, 14-42mm 1:3.5-5.6, 40-150mm 1:4.0-5.6, 9-18mm 1:4.0-5.6, 14-54mm 1:2.8-3.5 II) | |
| Focus areas | 11 points / fully biaxial, automatic and manual selection | |
| AF illuminator | Yes , Built-in flash (external flash available) | |
| AF lock | Yes , Locked by first position of shutter release button in single AF mode, AE/AF lock button (customised) | |
| Focus tracking | Yes , Available in continuous AF mode | |
| Manual focus | Yes , Available by rotating focus ring, available for setting manual focus operation in AF mode (customised) | |
| Single AF | Yes | |
| Single AF + MF | Yes | |
| Continuous AF | Yes | |
| Continuous AF + MF | Yes | |
| Detection range | -2 - 19 EV (ISO 100) | |
| AF fine adjust | +/- 20 steps (settings for up to 20 lenses can be registered) | |
| Exposure System | ||
| Exposure compensation | +/- 5 EV / 1, 1/2, 1/3 steps | |
| Exposure bracketing | 3 / 5 frames / +/- 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, 1 EV steps | |
| ISO bracketing | 3 frames / 1/3, 2/3, 1 EV steps | |
| Exposure Modes | ||
| Programme automatic | Yes | |
| Aperture priority | Yes | |
| Shutter priority | Yes | |
| Manual | Yes | |
| Multi-Exposure | ||
| Max. number of frames | 4 frames | |
| Auto gain control | Yes | |
| Frame assistance | Live View | |
| Light Metering | ||
| Method | TTL open aperture light metering | |
| Zones | 49 zones Multi-pattern Sensing System | |
| Detection range | 1 - 20 EV (50mm, 1:2, ISO 100) | |
| ESP light metering | Yes | |
| Spot metering | Yes | |
| Centre weighted metering | Yes | |
| Highlight | Yes | |
| Shadow | Yes | |
| Art Filter | ||
| Pop Art | Emphasizes colors and creates bright, vibrant images with a pop-art tone | |
| Soft Focus | Gives images a light, ethereal look and evokes a dreamy, mystical mood | |
| Pale & Light Colour | Utilizes muted color tonalities to create a mood of reflection and nostalgia | |
| Light Tone | Subdues highlights and shadows to reflect the ambience of a perfectly illuminated scene | |
| Grainy Film | Recreates the rich, grainy look and tonality of black & white photography, imparting a dramatic feel to images | |
| Pin Hole | Reproduces the peripheral vignetting and unique color tone of photos taken with a pin hole camera | |
| Sensitivity | ||
| Auto | ISO 200 - 3200 (customizable, default ISO 200 - 800) | |
| Manual | ISO 100 - 3200 in 1/3 or 1 EV ISO steps | |
| Shutter | ||
| Shutter type | Computerised focal-plane shutter | |
| Shutter release | Soft Touch Electromagnetic | |
| Self timer | 12 s / 2 s | |
| Anti Shock | Yes Release delay: 1 - 30 s | |
| Shutter Speeds | ||
| Shutter speed range | 1/8000 - 60 s (in 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV steps) | |
| Bulb mode | Up to 30 minutes (selectable longest time in the menu, default: 8 minutes | |
| Shutter speed P, Ps | 1/8000 - 60 s | |
| Shutter speed A priority | 1/8000 - 60 s | |
| Shutter speed S priority | 1/8000 - 60 s | |
| Shutter speed scene mode | 1/8000 - 60 s | |
| White Balance | ||
| AUTO WB system | Hybrid detection system with High-speed Live MOS sensor and dedicated external sensor | |
| Selectable steps in Kelvin | 8 steps (3000 - 7500 K) | |
| Overcast | Yes | |
| Shade | Yes | |
| Tungsten | Yes | |
| Sunlight | Yes | |
| Flourescent 1 | Yes | |
| Flourescent 2 | Yes | |
| Flourescent 3 | Yes | |
| White balance adjustment | +/- 7 in each A-B / G-M axis (in Auto WB, preset WB mode & one-touch WB) | |
| Custom WB | 1 setting can be registered at Kelvin temperature (2000K - 14000K) | |
| One-touch white balance | 1 custom settings can be registered | |
| White balance bracketing | 3 frames / +/- 2, 4, 6 mired steps | |
| Sequence Shooting | ||
| Speed (H) | Approx. 5 fps | |
| Speed (L) | 1 - 4 fps | |
| RAW Mode | 14 frames | |
| JPEG Mode | Depends on compression ratio or number of pixels (Large Normal mode: approx. 280 frames with SanDisk Extreme IV 4 GB) | |
| Image Processing | ||
| Colour space | sRGB / AdobeRGB | |
| TruePic III | Yes | |
| Sharpness + Contrast | 5 levels | |
| Saturation | 5 levels | |
| Contrast | 5 levels | |
| Black & White filter | Yellow, Orange, Red, Green | |
| Black & White toning | Yellow, Orange, Red, Green in Black & White and Sepia mode. | |
| Picture mode | Vivid, Natural, Portrait, Muted, Monotone, Custom (default setting: Natural) | |
| Gradation | 4 | |
| Internal Flash | ||
| Guide number | 13 (ISO 100) | |
| Flash compensation | +/- 3 EV / 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV steps | |
| Bracketing | 3 frames / 1/3, 2/3, 1 EV steps | |
| External Flash Control | ||
| X-sync speed | 1/250 s / 1/8000 s | |
| Type | TTL AUTO, AUTO, MANUAL, FP TTL AUTO, FP MANUAL | |
| Synchronisation modes | Auto, Manual, Red-eye reduction, Slow syncro with red-eye reduction, Slow syncro, 2nd curtain and slow syncro, Fill-in for exclusive flash | |
| Intensity | +/- 3 EV / 1, 1/2, 1/3 EV steps | |
| Built-in flash and wireless flash control from the camera body | ||
| Compatible external flash | FL-50R, FL-36R | |
| Control method | Triggered and controlled by built-in flash light | |
| Modes | TTL Auto (TTL pre-flash mode), Auto, Manual, FP TTL Auto, FP Manual | |
| Number of channels | 4 channels | |
| Group setting | 3 groups | |
| LCD | ||
| LCD type | HyperCrystal II LCD | |
| Monitor size | 6.9 cm / 2.7 '' | |
| Resolution | 230000 dots | |
| BrightCapture | Yes | |
| Brightness adjustment | 15 levels | |
| Top Display | ||
| Displayed information | ||
| Activated AF points | Yes | |
| BKT notification | Yes | |
| B/W mode notification | Yes | |
| Drive mode | Yes | |
| Exposure compensation indication | Yes | |
| Exposure mode | Yes | |
| Flash mode | Yes | |
| Focus mode | Yes | |
| ISO | Yes | |
| Metering mode | Yes | |
| Number of storable frames | Yes | |
| Record mode | Yes | |
| White balance | Yes | |
| White balance compensation value | Yes | |
| Back light timer | 8 s | |
| Super Control Panel | ||
| Displayed information | ||
| Metering mode | Yes | |
| Exposure mode | Yes | |
| Aperture value | Yes | |
| Shutter speed | Yes | |
| Exposure level view | Yes | |
| Flash compensation value | Yes | |
| Exposure compensation indication | Yes | |
| AE bracketing | Yes | |
| ISO | Yes | |
| Colour space | Yes | |
| Picture mode | Yes | |
| Gradation | Yes | |
| Colour saturation compensation value | Yes | |
| Sharpness compensation value | Yes | |
| Contrast compensation value | Yes | |
| White balance | Yes | |
| White balance compensation value | Yes | |
| Noise reduction | Yes | |
| AEL notification | Yes | |
| Flash mode | Yes | |
| Focus mode | Yes | |
| AF frame | Yes | |
| Drive mode | Yes | |
| Record mode | Yes | |
| Number of storable frames | Yes | |
| Memory card | Yes | |
| Battery indicator | Yes | |
| Super Control Panel (Flash) | ||
| Displayed information | ||
| AF illuminator disactivated notification | ||
| AEL notification | ||
| Aperture value | ||
| Bracketing | ||
| Built-in flash intensity | ||
| Colour space | ||
| Exposure compensation indication | ||
| Exposure mode | ||
| Flash compensation value | ||
| Group settings | ||
| Noise reduction | ||
| Shutter speed | ||
| Wireless channel setting | ||
| View Images | ||
| Index | 4, 9, 16, 25, 49, 100 frames | |
| Calendar | Yes | |
| Zoom | Yes 2 - 14 x | |
| Slide show | Yes | |
| Rotation | Yes | |
| Light box | Yes | |
| Histogram in playback mode | Yes | |
| Shooting information | Histogram ( independent luminance / RGB available), Highlight / Shadow point warning, AF frame, Shooting information | |
| Erase / Protect / Copy Function | ||
| Erase modes | Single, All, Selected | |
| Image protect mode | Single, Selected | |
| Copy mode | Single, All, Selected | |
| Recording Formats | ||
| RAW | 12 bit | |
| RAW & JPEG | Yes | |
| JPEG | Yes | |
| JPEG compression | 1/2.7, 1/4, 1/8, 1/12 SHQ 1/2.7, 1/4, 1/8, 1/12 HQ 1/2.7, 1/4, 1/8, 1/12 SQ | |
| Image Size | ||
| Aspect ratio | 4:3 / 3:2 / 16:9 / 6:6 / 5:4 / 7:6 / 6:5 / 7:5 / 3:4 | |
| RAW | 4032 x 3024 compressed / | |
| Large | 4032 x 3024 Super Fine / 6.8 MB / frame 4032 x 3024 Fine (compression: 1/4) / 4.7 MB / frame 4032 x 3024 Normal (compression: 1/8) / 2.2 MB / frame 4032 x 3024 Basic (compression: 1/12) / 1.5 MB / frame |
|
| Middle | 3200 x 2400 Super Fine / 5.3 MB / frame 3200 x 2400 Fine (compression: 1/4) / 3.7 MB / frame 3200 x 2400 Normal (compression: 1/8) / 1.7 MB / frame 3200 x 2400 Basic (compression: 1/12) / 1.1 MB / frame 2560 x 1920 Super Fine / 3.6 MB / frame 2560 x 1920 Fine (compression: 1/4) / 2.2 MB / frame 2560 x 1920 Normal (compression: 1/8) / 1.1 MB / frame 2560 x 1920 Basic (compression: 1/12) / 0.7 MB / frame |
|
| Small | 1600 x 1200 Super Fine / 1.3 MB / frame 1600 x 1200 Fine (compression: 1/4) / 0.8 MB / frame 1600 x 1200 Normal (compression: 1/8) / 0.5 MB / frame 1600 x 1200 Basic (compression: 1/12) / 0.3 MB / frame 1280 x 960 Super Fine / 0.8 MB / frame 1280 x 960 Fine (compression: 1/4) / 0.5 MB / frame 1280 x 960 Normal (compression: 1/8) / 0.3 MB / frame 1280 x 960 Basic (compression: 1/12) / 0.2 MB / frame 1024 x 768 Super Fine / 0.5 MB / frame 1024 x 768 Fine (compression: 1/4) / 0.4 MB / frame 1024 x 768 Normal (compression: 1/8) / 0.2 MB / frame 1024 x 768 Basic (compression: 1/12) / 0.1 MB / frame 640 x 480 Super Fine / 0.2 MB / frame 640 x 480 Fine (compression: 1/4) / 0.2 MB / frame 640 x 480 Normal (compression: 1/8) / 0.1 MB / frame 640 x 480 Basic (compression: 1/12) / 0.1 MB / frame |
|
| Still Image Recording | ||
| EXIF | Yes | |
| PIM | Yes | |
| DPOF | Yes | |
| DCF | Yes | |
| Image Editing | ||
| RAW data edit | Yes | |
| Red-eye reduction | Yes | |
| Sepia | Yes | |
| Black & White | Yes | |
| Resize | Yes | |
| Correction of saturation | Yes | |
| Shadow Adjustment Technology | Yes | |
| Level Gauge | ||
| Detection | 2-axes | |
| Display | Rear LCD monitor, viewfinder, control panel | |
| Menu | ||
| Menu languages in camera | 34 languages / 27 European languages (e.g. English, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Czech, Dutch, Danish, Polish) | |
| Customisation Options | ||
| Fn Button | Off, one-touch WB, test picture, preview, Live View, AF home setting, MF, record format, exposure mode, My Mode | |
| Custom preset options | 2 | |
| My Mode | 2 settings storable | |
| Power Supply | ||
| Battery | BLM-1 Li-Ion battery (included) | |
| Sleep mode | 1, 3, 5, 10 min. and off selectable. | |
| Finder Shooting | Approx. 750 shots with BLM-1 under CIPA testing standard (with 50% flash light) | |
| Environment | ||
| Temperature | 0 - 40 °C operating temperature / -20 - 60 °C | |
| Humidity | 30 - 90 % operation humidity / 10 - 90 % | |
| Size | ||
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 141.5 x 107.5 x 75.0 mm | |
| Weight | 655 g (body only) | |
| Interface | ||
| Media | Dual slot for CompactFlash card (Type I and II), Microdrive and xD picture card | |
| USB 2.0 High Speed | Yes | |
| Video out | Yes NTSC or PAL selectable | |
| Infrared | Yes | |
| DC input | Yes | |
| Synchro socket | Yes | |
|
PhotographyBLOG
is a member of the DIWA
organisation. Our test results for the Olympus E-30 have been submitted to DIWA
for comparison with test results for different samples of
the same camera model supplied by other DIWA
member sites.
Compare Prices
Support PhotographyBLOG: Buy the Olympus E-30 from one of our affiliate retailers:
Nikon Coolpix L28
Ricoh GR Digital III
Pentax K-5 IIs
Olympus Tough TG-2
Nikon Coolpix S9400
Nikon Coolpix S5200 Review