Olympus E-30

The highest standard of image quality is assured by the E-30's newly developed 12.3-megapixel, high-speed Live MOS Sensor and new TruePic III+ image processing engine. It also boasts a built-in image stabilization system that offers up to 5EV* steps of shake compensation, and works with the entire range of Four Thirds System lenses, from wide-angle to telephoto, as well as macro and fisheye lenses.

Easy-to-apply Art Filters for enhanced creativity

The E-30 does not just reproduce images with amazing fidelity - it also enables users to express themselves creatively by using Art Filters to produce the precise effect they want. As a result, virtually anyone can easily enjoy modes of photographic expression that ordinarily require the use of special lenses, add-on filters, or the use of complex image processing techniques. The following 6 Art Filters are offered:

• 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 Color: 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 toy camera

A choice of 9 aspect ratios

During Live View shooting, users are offered a choice of 9 aspect ratios. In addition to the standard 4:3 aspect ratio, the E-30 offers widescreen 16:9 and medium-format 6:6, as well as 3:2, 5:4, 7:6, 6:5, 7:5, and 3:4 aspect ratios.

High-Speed Imager AF for responsive Live View shooting

The E-30 is equipped with the widely acclaimed AF Live View system featured on the Olympus E-520 and E-420, which uses High-Speed Imager AF to detect contrast at the image sensor - without having to retract the camera's main mirror. As a result, Live View shooting is as easy and carefree as it is with a compact digital camera.

Dual-axis variable-angle HyperCrystal II LCD monitor

The E-30's 2.7-inch HyperCrystal II LCD monitor boasts a 176° viewing angle from all directions, and a dual-axis variable-angle mechanism that enables the monitor to be rotated on both the vertical and horizontal axis. So users can use Live View shooting to comfortably capture high-angle and low-angle shots without looking through the viewfinder or assuming an awkward position. The variable-angle monitor also permits waist-level portrait shooting, so you can maintain eye contact with your subject and get them to maintain a natural facial expression by talking to them to put them at ease.

Newly developed 12.3-megapixel high-speed Live MOS Sensor and new TruePic III+ image processing engine

The E-30's newly developed 12.3-megapixel Live MOS Sensor offers high resolution, rich gradations, and bright, natural color reproduction that faithfully renders your subject in fine detail. Based on proven MOS signal amplification technologies, the new sensor features a simplified structure that was achieved through fundamental improvements to materials and production technologies. The sensor is also mounted on a flexible circuit board as single unit, greatly reducing signal and circuit resistance, power consumption, heat, and noise. In addition, the sensor's low power requirements make it possible to use Live View on a fulltime basis.

The newly developed TruePic III+ image processing engine employs the image processing technologies listed below to improve image quality, tonal gradation, and color fidelity, and (via the new Art Filter function) to offer a rich range of creative expression.

Art Filter function

The Art Filter function adds artistic effects to images by analyzing the scene the user is about to shoot, regulating shooting parameters, and optimally applying artistic processing programs.

Wide Dynamic Range

The dynamic range in high light area is further improved.

Built-in image stabilization system

The E-30 is equipped with a sensor-shift image stabilization system to facilitate handheld, low-light and telephoto shooting. Driven by proprietary Olympus SWD (Supersonic Wave Drive) technology, it applies advanced image stabilization control algorithms to motion data sent from a high-precision gyro sensor, and instantly shifts the sensor via SWD actuators that offer outstanding response and controllability. Thanks to the system's outstanding effectiveness, users can enjoy the equivalent of up to 5EV steps of image stabilization compensation.

Because it is built into the camera body, the E-30's image stabilization can be used with all ZUIKO DIGITAL and other lenses that comply with the Four Thirds System standard, providing effective image stabilization with everything from super wide-angle to super telephoto lenses, as well as fisheye and macro lenses. As a result, users can enjoy blur-free handheld shooting not only on telephoto shots, but also on long-exposure fisheye and super wide-angle shots in low light.

High-speed 11-point full twin cross AF system

The E-30 incorporates the same 11-point AF sensor used in the E-3, which assures higher accuracy by using a twin cross configuration with two staggered horizontal and vertical lines at each of the 11 sensor points, for a total of 44 discrete data collection sites.

The twin cross configuration enables the sensor to accurately detect contrast in both horizontal and vertical directions with virtually any type of subject, while the staggered arrangement of the lines significantly increases accuracy and improves AF performance in low light. The layout of the 11 AF points is based on statistical analysis of the position of the main subject in thousands of different photos, and on extensive interviews with professional photographers.

The E-30 also employs the latest rangefinding algorithms and a dedicated AF data processing engine to process data from all sensor points simultaneously, thereby achieving significantly improved subject recognition and tracking performance, and AF speed equivalent with that of the E-3. In addition, proprietary Olympus pixel addition technology enables rangefinding at light levels from 19 EV down to -2EV, ensuring high-precision autofocusing even in low light.

High-speed 5 fps continuous shooting and high-speed 1/8000 sec. shutter

To assure outstanding high-speed performance, the E-30 features a high-speed Live MOS sensor with fast write speeds, a high-speed TruePic III+ engine with fast image processing, a high-precision mirror mechanism, and other advances to enable high-speed continuous shooting and high shutter speeds. The E-30's maximum continuous shooting speed is 5 frames per second, and its maximum shutter speed is 1/800 sec., with flash synchronization at 1/250 sec. When used with the FL-50R or FL-36R external flash units, it also supports the use of Super FP flash for daylight synchro (fill-in flash) shooting at shutter speeds up to 1/8000 sec.

Other Feature Details

Multiple-exposure function with LCD monitor display of current view on top of previously captured image

Multiple-exposure photos can be taken when using either the optical viewfinder or Live View. During Live View shooting, previously captured RAW image data can be displayed on the LCD monitor and used as the base for a multiple exposure, with currently visible scene overlaid on the base image. Up to 4 exposures can be made on a single frame, with or without auto gain adjustment according to the user's preference. In addition, RAW format images already recorded on the camera's memory card can also be composited together in the same way. So in addition to conventional multiple exposure images, they can also easily create multiple exposures of subjects widely separated in space and time.

Auto gradation adjustment to prevent blown highlights and blocked-in shadows

When Gradation is set to Auto, Shadow Adjustment Technology controls highlight and shadow exposure to help prevent blown highlights and blocked-in shadows, and ensure that even high-contrast subjects are rendered naturally, as they appear to the human eye.
A total of 4 gradation settings are offered: Auto, High Key, Normal (default), and Low Key.

Face & Background Control for beautifully balanced exposures of foreground subjects and background scenery

The E-30's face-detecting function can detect, and optimize focusing and exposure for, up to 8 faces. In addition, a Face & Background Control function balances the exposure of faces in the foreground and scenery in the background, applying Auto Gradation as needed to properly expose subject faces without overexposing the background, even when shooting subjects in strong backlight. As a result, users can easily obtain natural-looking images in which both foreground subjects (people) and background scenery appear almost as they do to the naked eye. Face detection is also possible during image playback, making it easy to select and enlarge the faces of people in a photo to check their expression.

Perfect Shot Preview to enable comparison of the results of various settings adjustments before actual shooting

Perfect Shot Preview enables users to preview and compare the effect of up to 4 different exposure compensation or white balance settings on the LCD monitor before taking a picture. By enabling users to check and compare the effects of various settings in advance, it makes it easier for them to obtain the precise image they want.

Reliable Dust Reduction system

Even the tiniest particles of dust and dirt - whether they enter the camera when changing lenses or are produced inside the body by friction between moving shutter mechanism parts - can show up in a photo and ruin the shot if they adhere to the low-pass filter or the image sensor. Olympus was quick to recognize and overcome the threat that dust presents to digital SLR image quality with a SSWF (Super-Sonic Wave Filter) system that vibrates at supersonic speeds to dislodge dust and dirt every time the main power or Live View are switched on. With the E-30's powerful SSWF system, even tiny particles that are tightly bound by molecular attraction and cannot be removed by simple shaking or anti-static measures can be dislodged and trapped in the dust collection unit.

Built-in flash with Commander function for wireless off-camera flash synchronization

The E-30 is equipped with a GN13 (ISO 100) built-in flash with TTL flash control. It also supports wireless multi-flash control without the use of an external commander unit when used with FL-50R and/or FL-36R external flashes, enabling users to easily control flash mode, brightness, and other settings for up to 3 groups of remote flash units via a menu displayed on the camera's LCD monitor.

Large optical viewfinder with 98% field of view and 1.02x magnification

Although the E-30's viewfinder is more compact and weighs less than half of the E-3's viewfinder, it offers a 98% field of view and 1.02x magnification (-1m -1 , 50mm, at infinity) that provide a large, clear view of the subject.
A high-reflectivity silver coating on the pentaprism and anti-reflective coatings on the eyepiece lenses are used to strictly control spectral characteristics and assure a bright view with clear, natural color.

Shooting information display via top-mounted LCD panel and Super Control Panel LCD monitor display for superior visibility and operating ease

An LCD panel on the top of the E-30 displays shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation, and other essential settings. In addition, the Super Control Panel displayed on the camera's LCD monitor provides detailed shooting and settings information. An easy-to-use GUI (Graphical User Interface) enables quick, intuitive settings confirmation and selection via the arrow keys and OK button.

High-precision, 49-zone metering system

The E-30's high-precision metering system covers the entire frame with 49 zones, assuring fast, accurate metering even in complex lighting situations with a wide range of light levels. Users can choose proprietary Olympus digital ESP (Electro Selective Pattern) metering, center-weighted average metering, or spot metering. In addition, spot metering highlight and shadow control functions enable users to easily emphasize highlights or shadows if they want to capture whiter whites or blacker blacks.

Easy activation of shooting functions via sample image selection

A total of 25 different shooting modes are accessible via the Mode Dial, with LCD monitor display of sample images and settings options to enable fast, easy selection of the user's preferred choice.

Versatile bracketing functions for ISO, white balance, exposure, and flash

Four types of bracketing help users express themselves creatively and get the precise results they want even when shooting backlit subjects, night scenes, or other scenes where the correct exposure is difficult to determine, as well as when they are using multi-flash setups or want to exercise fine control over photographic expression. With a choice of ISO, white balance, exposure, and flash brightness bracketing, users can capture the image they want in virtually any situation.

Lightbox view with enlargement function for easy side-by-side comparison of images

A Lightbox function enables users to display 2 images side-by-side on the LCD monitor, and enlarge them to confirm fine details. As a result, users can easily compare subtle differences in facial expression and focusing sharpness, enabling them to determine on the spot which image is better.

Level Gauge

The built-in dual axis sensor detects the levels in roll and pitch. The level gauge is indicated in the viewfinder, on the Control panel, Rear LCD monitor.

More external Olympus E-30 reviews!

Body material	Glass fibre reinforced plastics
Sensor	• 4/3" Hi-Speed Live MOS sensor • 17.3 x 13.0 mm active area • 13.1 million total pixels • 12.3 million effective pixels • RGB (Primary) color filter array • Fixed low pass filter (anti-alias filter)
Dust suppression	Supersonic Wave Filter
Image processor	TruePic III
Image stabilization	• In-body sensor shift • Three modes: Horizontal+Vertical, Vertical only, Horizontal only
Aspect Ratio	4:3 / 3:2 / 16:9 / 6:6 / 5:4 / 7:6 / 6:5 / 7:5 / 3:4
Image sizes	• 4032 x 3024 • 3200 x 2400 • 1600 x 1200 • 1280 x 960 • 1024 x 768 • 640 x 480
File formats	• RAW • RAW + JPEG • JPEG (EXIF 2.2) - Four levels
JPEG compression	• SuperFine (1/2.7) • Fine (1/4) • Normal (1/8) • Basic (1/12)
Lenses	• 4/3 standard lens mount • Range of ZUIKO DIGITAL lenses available • Multiply focal length by 2 for 35 mm equiv. FOV
Auto focus	• 11-point TTL Phase Difference Detection • Automatic or manual point selection • EV -2 to 19 (ISO 100) detection range
Focus area selection	• Automatic • Manual
Focus modes	• Single shot AF • Single shot AF + MF • Continuous AF (Phase detect only) • Continuous AF + MF (Phase detect only) • Manual focus
AF assist lamp	Yes, flash strobe
Exposure modes	• Auto • Program AE (with shift) • Aperture priority AE • Shutter priority AE • Manual
Sensitivity	• Auto (100-1600) • ISO 100 • ISO 200 • ISO 400 • ISO 800 • ISO 1600 • ISO 3200
Metering system	• TTL open aperture • 49-zone multi-pattern • Range (Digital ESP): 1 to 20 EV (50 mm F2, ISO 100)
Metering modes	• Digital ESP • Center-Weighted Average • Spot (2%) • Highlight based spot • Shadow based spot
AE Lock	• AE/AF lock button • With shutter release half-press
AE Bracketing	• 3 frames • 1/3, 1/2, 0.7 or 1.0 EV steps
Exposure steps	1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV
Exposure compen.	• -5.0 to +5.0 EV • 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps
Shutter speed	• Auto mode: 60 - 1/8000 sec • P, A, S or M mode: 60 - 1/4000 sec • Bulb (up to 30 mins)
Flash X-sync speed	• 1/250 sec • 1/8000 sec (Super FP mode)
White balance	• Auto • Tungsten (3000K) • Fluorescent 1 (4000K) • Fluorescent 2 (4500K) • Fluorescent 3 (6600K) • Sunlight (5300K) • Flash (5500K) • Cloudy (6000K) • Shade (7500K) • Custom (2000 - 14000 K) • Selectable (3000 - 7500 in 8 steps)
WB fine tuning	• Red - Blue: +/- 7 steps (2 mired each) • Green - Magenta: +/- 7 steps (2 mired each)
WB Bracketing	• 3 frames • 2, 4 or 6 mired steps
Color space	• sRGB • Adobe RGB
Image parameters	• Color mode (Vivid, Natural, Portrait, Muted, Monotone, Custom) • Saturation (5 levels) • Contrast (5 levels) • Sharpness (5 levels) • Monochrome (B&W, Sepia, Red, Green, Blue) - filter (Ye, Or, Re, Gr) • Graduation (Auto, High Key, Normal, Low Key)
Drive modes	• Single • Continuous • Self-timer • Remote control
Continuous	• 5 fps • RAW: 12 frames maximum • JPEG: Up to card capacity @ Large Normal (with high speed media)
Self-timer	• 2 sec • 12 sec
Flash	• Auto electronic pop-up • TTL auto / manual • Guide no. 13 • Sync modes: Auto, Red-eye reduction, Slow syncro with red-eye reduction, Slow syncro, 2nd curtain slow syncro, Fill-in, Off • Flash power: Up to +/- 3 EV in 1, 1/2, or 1/3 EV steps
External flash	• Hot shoe • TTL AUTO, AUTO, MANUAL, FP TTL AUTO, FP MANUAL • Modes:Auto, Manual, Red-eye reduction, Slow syncro with red-eye reduction, Slow syncro, 2nd curtain slow syncro, Fill-in for exclusive flash. • Flash power: Up to +/- 3EV in 1, 1/2, or 1/3 EV steps
Viewfinder	• Eye-level single-lens view finder • Field of view 98% • Magnification 1.02x with a 50mm lens and -1 dioptre • Eye point 14 mm at -1 dioptre • Depth of field preview • Dioptre adjustment -3 to +1 dioptre • Focusing screen: Interchangeble • Mirror: Quick return mirror
Orientation sensor	Yes
LCD monitor	• 2.7" Hypercrystal II LCD monitor • 230,000 pixels • 100% frame coverage
Playback functions	• Single • Magnify (2 - 14x) • Index (4, 9, 16, 25, 49, 100 frames) • Calendar view • Rotation • Light box view • Slide show • Histogram • R,G,B Histogram (With Highlight & Shadow point warning) • Shooting information
Editing	• RAW data edit • Red-eye reduction • Sepia • Black & White • Resize • Correction of saturation • Shadow Adjustment Technology
Storage	• Compact Flash (Type I and II) / Microdrive • xD- Picture card
Connectivity	• USB 2.0 (Hi Speed) • Video Out (NTSC / PAL) • IR Remote control (optional)
Power	BLM-1 Lithium-Ion rechargeable battery (supplied & charger)
Dimensions	142 x 108 x 75 mm
Weight (no batt)	655 g