Last update 30 August’09 – Review and Sample Photos @ DPS
Olympus E-30 is a 12.3 megapixel Live MOS sensor DSLR announced on November 5th 2008 and it features a new processing engine dubbed TruePix III+, 2.7-inch live view swivel LCD, 6 art filters, multiple exposure shooting, face detection, shadow adjustment, and in body image stabilization.
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Review Index – (updated 30 August’09)
DPS
“An easy camera to use. The exposure metering is right on the button and the auto focus system very responsive.
Art Filters are a winning feature and the options in flash are worth investigating… first and second shutter curtains plus the ability to control output manually. Image quality: very, very good. But you will be a little surprised at the noticeable barrel distortion in the 14-42mm kit lens.”
Photocrati
“The E-30 is not inexpensive but it’s a strong contender in the 12 megapixel enthusiast-level category, with its myriad of functions, built-in stabilizer, incredibly effective anti-dust system, versatile Live View and unique features. Granted, some competitors provide a Movie mode, but that option is most attractive to those trading up from a compact digicam. The E-30 targets the more experienced photographers, especially those who are willing to experiment with advanced and unusual features.”
DigitalCameraInfo
“Apart from resolution, image stabilization and a decent burst speed, the E-30 underperformed in every area. Especially problematic was the amount of noise in the images, especially at high ISO, rendering the camera nigh-on unusable at some settings.”
DPExpert
“Olympus have plugged a hole in their DSLR line-up with this camera that fits in the same price slot as the Canon 50D. Fewer pixels would be nice, and we note that Akira Watanabe, manager of Olympus Imaging’s SLR planning department, said last week: “Twelve megapixels is, I think, enough for covering most applications most customers need. We have no intention to compete in the megapixel wars for E-System.” So, the E3 is a top quality camera for the fastidious photographer that might not break the bank.”
DPReview
“Whether these features – and those great lenses – are enough, well that’s up to you to decide. But (as long as you’re not a high ISO lover) I can assure you that if you are tempted by the E-30’s many charms, you’re unlikely to be disappointed. The E-system has long lacked a credible alternative to the hugely popular models at the top of Canon and Nikon’s enthusiast DSLR lineups; with the E-30 Olympus has delivered just what was needed – and thrown some interesting creative tools into the mix too.”
Rating: 
Shutterbug
“The E-30 is a tough, semipro camera that should find its way into many pro or aspiring pro photographers’ camera bags. Its clever combination of Live View, mechanical Image Stabilization, and Dust Reduction built around a framework of creativity provided by the Art Filters and Multiple Exposure function make it a triple threat in a world of increasingly blah D-SLRs.”
Pocket-lint
“The E-30 provides a level of control and features most professional level DSLRs would appreciate and at a great price too. True, the resolution might look a tad limiting now both Nikon, canon and Sony have 20-megapixel plus models out there, but you cannot argue with this camera’s feature set and price otherwise.”
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CNET Asia
“With its solid build and articulated LCD, the E-30 is a worthy challenger to the Canon EOS 50D and Nikon D90. However, the Olympus camera’s performance falls short of its rivals’. You should think twice if you are looking for a quick shooter. But the Art Filter function makes up for the E-30’s shortcomings and we really like the different effects we achieved with it.”
Rating: 
PCMag
“Its razor-sharp images in daylight are without compare, and its fun in-camera effects are a blast to play with. Its speed and sharpness might be ideal for capturing outdoor sports, but its noisy images in low-light conditions make me question whether its $1,300 price tag is justified.”
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CNET Australia
“For those who have already invested in the four thirds system, the E-30 is a great upgrade. It’s versatile and robust for advanced photographers, yet still simple enough for a keen beginner to pick up and play with. If you don’t need water and dustproofing, and can stomach the hefty price tag, we would recommend this camera over the larger, professional grade E-3.”
Rating: 
StevesDigicams
“Image quality from the E-30 is very good. Our outdoor images provide great exposures when in bright sunlight, but the museum shot is slightly underexposed with the overcast sky. The color in the images is rich and realistic, combined with the exposure gives you a very pleasing picture.”
CNET
“Unless you need the dust- and weather-sealed body construction or better burst performance of the E-3, the higher-resolution E-30 makes a great inexpensive alternative–but I’ve seen prices for the E-3 dropping.”
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PhotoReview
“Buy this camera if – You’re looking for a small DSLR camera that can accept a wide range of relatively compact lenses – You’d like to choose from the widest possible variety of image aspect ratios when shooting JPEG files – You require sophisticated in-camera image stabilisation and effective dust reduction technology.”
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MacWorld
“In terms of image quality, performance, features, and design, the Olympus E-30 stacks up well against other digital SLRs in the $1,300 price range. Its creative features are plus, and I very much liked having the swing-out LCD screen.”
Rating: 
ePhotozine
“For those who have already invested in the four thirds system, the E-30 is a great upgrade. It’s versatile and robust for advanced photographers, yet still simple enough for a keen beginner to pick up and play with. If you don’t need water and dustproofing, and can stomach the hefty price tag, we would recommend this camera over the larger, professional grade E-3.”
Rating:
ePhotozine
“Olympus are on the third generation of Truepic processors and the newest E-30 is fitted with the Truepic III. This helps to allow the camera to drive 5 frames every second onto the card which is pretty impressive as that’s not even UDMA.”
TechRadar
“Okay, so the noise levels are still not quite as good as those from DSLRs with larger sensors, but Olympus has cleverly managed to make any noise appear almost like film grain and it’s the combination of great colour and grain that makes the E-30’s images appealing.”
Rating:
DCResource
“Photos were generally well-exposed, though the camera tends to clip highlights more often than I’d like. Colors were accurate and vivid, and images were sharp by digital SLR standards. While the top cameras in the midrange class do a bit better, the E-30 still has relatively low noise levels through ISO 800 in low light, and ISO 1600 in good light. Purple fringing will depend on what lens you’re using, and I didn’t have much of a problem with it. Something else that wasn’t an issue was redeye, which is always good news.”
PhotographyBlog
“So in conclusion, while the Olympus E-30 has a lot going for it, particularly for experienced users looking for something a little different, or prospective E-3 buyers who don’t need the weather-sealing, it also has some notable downsides that ultimately prevent us from awarding it a higher rating. The E-30 is easy to recommend as an upgrade to existing owners of entry-level Olympus DSLRs like the E-420 and E-520.”
Rating:
PopPhoto
“But images were noisier than those from Oly’s own E-3, which rated Low in noise at both ISO 1600 and 3200, as did the Nikon D90 ($870, body only). The Canon EOS 50D ($1,170, street, body only) is the winner in the lowest light, with Moderate noise at ISO 6400 — plus it goes to ISO 12,800, albeit with Unacceptable noise.”
DigitalCameraReview
“Checking out images from the E-30, the first thing that may catch your eye is that they’re not quite proportioned like shots from most DSLRs. Like previous efforts from Olympus, the E-30 uses a Four Thirds format image sensor – in this case, an all new 12.3 megapixel unit – that, as the name implies, sports a native aspect ratio of 4:3. The APS-C format sensors found in most DSLRs in this class, by contrast, utilize a wider 3:2 ratio.”
Biofos
“I have been impressed with the E-30 so far. There’s not a lot I can find to say against it other than already discussed above (and there’s nothing major). Personally, I think it should have been slightly smaller and lighter, but that’s just me. I think the E-30’s biggest stumbling block will be its price and I look forward to seeing the marketing that comes with its launch and just where the company fixes its cost.”
LetsGoDigital
“It’s true that on some points the camera is being surpassed by some competitors; but the overall impression of the camera is that it is a strong and convincing DSLR camera. The Olympus E-30 is a pleasant camera to work with, one that challenges the photographer to be creative and to venture beyond just that simple snapshot; a real challenge!”
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Photography Review (Initial Impressions)
“The E-30 also lacks the E-3’s weather-sealing and rugged internal metal chassis. But as far as performance goes, it’s honestly hard to tell the difference. I shot some ski photos with the E-30 in the continuous auto focus mode and they rocked!”
PCPhotomag
“The Live View LCD, optical viewfinder and top control panel can display on-demand a new Level Gauge, which shows you when the camera is zeroed along both roll (horizontal) and pitch (vertical) axes. This makes it easy to ensure the camera is level even when the horizon doesn’t appear in the picture and to avoid keystoning in shots of buildings.”
Four thirds User (fourthirds-user.com)
“The E-30 handles very similarly to the E-3 in terms of size and weight, being slightly less heavy and tall. The similarity is concentrated when the E-3’s HLD-4 grip is attached. Full marks for Olympus for a) providing a grip for the E-30 and, b) not going for a new design that is incompatible with any other.”
Digital Photography Review (DPReview.com)
“The prism-type viewfinder, with its 1.02x magnification and 0.98x coverage is around 10% larger than the pentamirror unit included in the smaller E-System cameras while allowing the E-30 to be over 1cm (0.3 inches)smaller than the E-3.”
]Sample Photos
[Sample Photos at DigitalCameraInfo]
[Sample Photos at DPReview]
[ISO Quality Samples Photos at Pocket-lint]
[ISO Quality Samples Photos at CNET Asia]
[ISO Quality Samples Photos at CNET Australia]
[Sample Photos at StevesDigicams]
[Sample Photos at CNET]
[Sample Photos at MacWorld]
[ISO Test Photos at CNET Australia]
[Sample Photos at DCResource]
[Image Quality Samples at PhotographyBlog]
[Sample Photos at PopPhoto]
[Sample Photos at LetsGoDigital]
Owners Manual
Firmware
Olympus has released a firmware update (version 1.1) for the E-30. The firmware update addresses the following issues:
- Reduced the sound of Image stabilizer operations when IMAGER AF and HYBRID AF are being used.
- Resolved the issue where pressing the delete button in Close-up playback occasionally caused the Card access lamp to blink.
- Resolved the issue where images with a changed aspect ratio played back with Index display sometimes had horizontal stripes.
Press Release
CENTER VALLEY, Pa., November 5, 2008 – Through the centuries, legendary artists have expressed their individuality by relying on active imaginations and keen eyes to produce artistic masterpieces that alter reality to reveal a profound truth or feeling. The Olympus E-30 digital SLR (single lens reflex) camera is a powerful tool that takes the art of photography to new creative heights by offering the artistic freedom to capture what you see in your mind’s eye, not just what you see through the camera lens.
Like a brush stroking color across a blank white canvas, the E-30 delivers instant artistic gratification. Its ease of use and power to transform the everyday into something artistic will appeal to painters, graphic designers, illustrators and Web designers, those with an eye for fashion and artists from all walks of life, not just photographers. New Art Filters and Multiple Exposure change how we create images, unleashing a digital imaging experience unlike any other that produces striking works of art inside the camera without the need for costly computer image editing software.
E-30 Rounds Out Robust E-System DSLR Lineup
The E-30 fits in the spectrum of the E-System lineup above the E-520 as a mid-range advanced DSLR, while the E-3 remains at the top as the flagship Olympus DSLR. Beyond the new Art Filters and Multiple Exposure function, the E-30 delivers the same high-precision performance and imaging quality demanded by professional photographers who use the E-3, as well as the consumer-friendly features found on the E-520, and several new surprises all its own.
As with all Olympus DSLRs, the new camera provides advanced Dust Reduction and in-body mechanical Image Stabilization so that every Four Thirds lens is stabilized. The new camera also offers TruePic III+ Image Processor and Full Time Autofocus Live View. These features are coupled with a new 12.3-megapixel high-speed Live MOS image sensor to capture breathtaking images.
Adding to the line of Four Thirds-compliant lenses, the ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm f2.8-3.5 II is also being announced today. It boasts high-speed Imager AF support for Live View shooting and a circular aperture mechanism for higher imaging performance. A versatile 28-108mm equivalent zoom range makes the new lens an ideal choice in a wide range of shooting situations, enabling users to enjoy the exaggerated perspective of wide angle shooting while providing telephoto power to zoom in for close-ups.
We Are the Visual Generation
The visual tastes of people of all ages are growing more refined as a result of art cinema and movies, music videos, television, video games, magazines, the Internet and online videos created in a wide array of visual styles. More distinct and artistic visuals are appearing everywhere, and the bar for creative images has been raised higher.
“The E-30 is the camera for people who are not content to simply capture and document a scene, but rather enjoy enhancing or customizing an image to make it their own,” said John Knaur, senior marketing manager, Digital SLR, Olympus Imaging America Inc. “The camera’s Art Filters and Multiple Exposure capabilities enable incredible individual artistic control over an image within the camera, in many cases eliminating the need for time spent applying image effects in the computer. Additionally, it delivers the same proven image quality of our E-System DSLR line.”
Art Filters Make Your Vision Come to Life
New to the E-30 is technology that conveniently helps photographers transform a basic image that faithfully represents the scene into an image that carries emotional impact. Olympus recognizes that some of the most iconic images ever captured were intentionally altered through exposures to render contrast beyond normal levels, or are alive with saturated colors or the gritty graininess of film. All have wonderful artistic merit.
The new Art Filters take this capability to a higher level, replicating these dramatic effects as you shoot using the Autofocus Live View LCD:
- Pop Art: Enhances colors, making them more saturated and vivid, creating high-impact pictures that express the joyful, lighthearted feeling of the Pop Art style of the 1960s.
- Soft Focus: Creates an ethereal, otherworldly atmosphere that renders subjects in a heavenly light without obscuring details.
- Pale & Light Color: Encloses the foreground of an image in flat gentle light and pastel colors reminiscent of a flashback scene in a movie.
- Light Tone: Renders shade and highlight areas softly to lend an elegant air to the subject.
- Grainy Film: Evokes the feeling of documentary footage shot in monochrome with grainy, high-contrast film.
- Pin Hole: Reduces the peripheral brightness of an image as though it were shot through a pin hole, connecting the viewer intimately with the subject at the center of the picture.
Art Filters are easily activated via the mode dial on the left side of the camera body, and the effects are viewable right on the new camera’s 100 percent accurate swivel 2.7-inch Live View HyperCrystal™ LCD when using the E-30 in Live View mode or when reviewing the captured image.
Multiple Exposures Create Something Greater Than the Sum of Its Parts
With the new camera’s Multiple Exposure function it is possible to alter space and time by combining images shot in different locations and moments, lending your photos another dramatic dimension. For instance, take one shot of the full moon with the E-30 and the image will appear on the camera’s LCD. Then take another shot while the moon still appears on the LCD and superimpose a close-up of an owl perched on a tree branch. The two images will merge together seamlessly to form one dramatic image that has the haunting effect of a Halloween night.
Or take a self-portrait posing far away from the camera, and then another close-up shot to capture you and your “identical twin” both in sharp focus. Wedding photographers can capture an image of newlyweds posing together and then overlay a portrait of the blushing bride and a shot of the sunset to create a lasting wedding memory. The creative possibilities are endless and only limited by your imagination. The E-30 can combine up to four images in a single photograph, overlaying various subjects to create a montage that blends all the elements together. Thanks to the new TruePic III+ Image Processor you are able to accurately compose, capture and combine your images on the fly directly on the camera’s LCD.
Digital Leveler
The E-30 is equipped with an internal Digital Level Sensor that detects the camera’s pitch and roll and indicates it in the optical viewfinder, on the control panel and during Live View operation. This Digital Leveler is a tremendous benefit for architectural photographers who must ensure that images they take of buildings are as centered and true as the walls of the buildings themselves. Rather than spend time rotating an image in computer software, you can use the new camera’s Digital Leveler to make sure your subjects are where they should be in the frame.
Superior Image Quality
The new camera’s high-performance 12.3-megapixel Live MOS image sensor delivers excellent dynamic range, accurate color fidelity and a state-of-the-art amplifier circuit to eradicate noise and capture fine image details in both highlight and shadow areas.
Its Live MOS image sensor is complemented by Olympus’ TruePic III+ Image Processor that produces crystal-clear photos using all the pixel information for each image to provide the best digital images possible with accurate natural color, true-to-life flesh tones, brilliant blue skies and precise tonal expression in between. TruePic III+ also lowers image noise in images shot at higher ISO settings, enabling great results in low-light situations.
Two Fast Autofocus Systems
The E-30 offers two systems to quickly focus and capture the image. They include:
- Fast Autofocus with AF Live View – When it comes to measuring camera speed, autofocus is a key factor. If a camera’s AF system does not meet photographers’ demands and lock focus accurately and quickly, they will miss shots regardless of the camera’s shot-to-shot speed or start-up time. Thanks to the new 14-54mm II lens with high-speed Imager AF, shooting with Live View is faster than ever – a key element in utilizing the new camera’s art filters. AF accuracy is further ensured by precise 11 point imager AF with the 12.3 megapixel Live MOS sensor; and
- Phase Detection AF – This 11 point twin cross sensor provides world-class fast and accurate focusing. The E-30 takes advantage of the SWD lens speed. The alignment of the optical axis from the lens to the AF phase detection sensors combined with accurate mounting of the sensors within the AF unit delivers accurate and fast focusing.
Swivel Live View LCD: Freedom to Move You
Unlike others with fixed LCDs, the new camera’s 100 percent accurate 270 degree swivel 2.7-inch Live View HyperCrystal™ LCD can be rotated freely so photographers can compose at tough angles, including overhead and down low, without feeling like a contortionist. Because Live View enables an E-30 photographer to communicate face-to-face with subjects and still have everything in the frame with the camera body out of the way, an encouraging smile or wink of the eye can be used with a shy or nervous subject to get the desired results.
During composition, settings like white balance and exposure can be selected, and their impact is seen instantly on the LCD, thanks to Live View. Real-time monitoring offers amazing versatility and creative control. The LCD displays 230,000 pixels in vivid color and includes HyperCrystal technology, which offers many times the contrast of conventional LCD monitors for easier viewing in both preview and playback. It also provides a wide viewing angle of 176 degrees, which ensures images can be composed from even the most obscure angles. The 2.7-inch LCD makes viewing icons and text on the camera’s menu a squint-free process.
Multi-Aspect Ratio Shooting
Since photography is a form of expression that is essentially based on clipping a scene, framing is an important component of style. The E-30 provides nine aspect ratios including the standard 4:3, as well as 16:9 for impressive, cinematic-style images, and 6:6, which is available with medium format cameras, plus 3:2, 5:4, 7:6, 6:5, 7:5 and 3:4. By selecting the aspect ratio before shooting and easily reviewing images on the LCD throughout the shoot, the Multi-Aspect function adds a new means of expression to your photography.
As with all Olympus E-System DSLRs, the E-30 offers the following features:
- Face Detection recognizes up to eight faces;
- Shadow Adjustment Technology controls highlights and shadow exposure automatically;
- Perfect Shot Preview shows how various settings will enhance the image before actually capturing it;
- Wireless Flash System provides control for multiple wireless flashes (FL50R or FL36R) without needing an external commander unit;
- Large Optical Viewfinder offers 98 percent field of view and 1.02 x magnification; and
- Proven Dust Reduction with SSWF (Super-Sonic Wave Filter) system cleans the tiniest particles of dust and dirt for spot-free images.
Availability
The Olympus E-30 DSLR will be available in January 2009. It includes E-30 Body, USB Cable, Video Cable, Li-Ion Battery Pack (BLM-1), Li-Ion Battery Charger (BCM-2), Shoulder Strap, OLYMPUS Master 2 Software CD-ROM, Manuals and Registration card. The ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm f2.8-3.5 II lens will also be available in January 2009.
U.S. Pricing / Product Configurations
E-30 Body Estimated Street Price: $1,299
ZUIKO DIGITAL 14-54mm f2.8-3.5 II lens Estimated Street Price: $599
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
I would love to have Olympus E-30 for my teenage son (even for myself). It has features that would help develop creativity – and introduce world-of-arts in photography (including technical aspects in producing good shots). I read many times over its specs, reviews, and compared it to other brand/models (including their price tags) – and got glued to picking E-30 (over E-3, nikon D90, D700, canon dslr’s) as my top choice (considering its use for hobby and price tag). Unfortunately, one deciding factor in buying it is after-sales support in our country, Philippines. I have read from online forums, and discussions with aficionados in Olympus Cameras and Lenses, that we share the same predicament-in-keeping. I really would wish to find after-sales support/services in our country as an assurance that we will enjoy owning an Olympus camera for years! Looking forward to it.