The E-30 is the long-awaited high-end enthusiast model that fills the gap in the Olympus E-Series lineup between the E-520 and the ostensibly professional level E-3. Such is the pace of change in the digital camera market that the new model leapfrogs the E-3 by offering a higher pixel count (12MP), larger screen and improved contrast detect AF system - as well as introducing several novel features including a digital spirit level, multi exposures, aspect ratio options and a handful of built-in special image effects ('Art Filters' as Olympus calls them).
It loses the E-3's class-leading weather sealing and has a slightly smaller optical viewfinder, but otherwise offers almost exactly the same features and performance in a slightly lighter, very slightly smaller and - at launch - similarly priced body.
The E-30, in turn has seen hints of a coming price 'realignment' to a level more consistent with its market position.The E-30 goes head to head with the Nikon D300, Canon EOS 40D/50D, Sony Alpha 700 and Pentax K20D, and - on paper at least - offers a compelling feature mix in the most attractive Olympus body for a long time.
Specifications
Model Number: E30
Camera Format: SLR
Tripod Mount: Yes
Weight: 655g
Size: 142 x 108 x 75 mm, 5.6 x 4.2 x 3.0 in
Aspect Ratio: 4:3
Effective Megapixels: 12.30
LCD Size (inches): 2.7
LCD Resolution: 230,000 pixels
Max Playback Zoom: 10x
Shutter Speed Range: 60 - 1/8000
Internal Flash: Yes
Flash Modes: Auto, Red-eye reduction, Red-eye reduction slow sync., Slow sync at 1st curtain, Slow sync at 2nd curtain, Fill-in, Manual (1/4, 1/16, 1/64), Off
Notes & Features: Sensor-shift Image Stabilizer, Articulating LCD, Digital Leveler, Art Filters
