Canon D30 vs Olympus TG-630 iHS: In-Depth Waterproof Compact Camera Comparison

When shopping for a rugged, waterproof compact camera, the market offers a range of options that blend durability with basic imaging capabilities. The Canon PowerShot D30 and Olympus TG-630 iHS are two compact waterproof cameras geared toward outdoor enthusiasts who want a camera to survive active environments without lugging around bulkier gear. Both models promise ruggedness and easy-to-use designs but cater to slightly differing user preferences. After extensive hands-on testing and technical analysis, this article aims to help enthusiasts and professionals alike understand how these two cameras stack up - from sensor and autofocus performance to handling and real-world image quality - enabling you to make the best informed purchase choice.

Getting to Know the Basics: Design, Ergonomics and Build

The Canon D30 and Olympus TG-630 iHS both fall into the category of rugged, waterproof compacts designed for casual use in adverse conditions. Here’s a closer look at how their design and build quality influence their utility in the field.

• Canon D30: At 109 x 68 x 28 mm and 218 grams, the D30 is relatively chunky but still pocketable. It boasts a waterproof rating down to 25m (82 feet), shockproof to 2m, and dustproof credentials. This makes it well-suited for deep snorkeling or rugged beach use. Its body is solid, with a textured grip that improves handling when wet or gloved.

• Olympus TG-630 iHS: Smaller and lighter at 98 x 66 x 22 mm and 167 grams, the TG-630 is more compact and discreet, making it ideal for travel and street use where portability matters. While it’s waterproof to 10m (33 feet), it adds crushproof (up to 100kg) and freezeproof features, appealing to outdoor adventurers who confront cold and crushing conditions, but less friendly for deeper underwater work.

Both employ sealed buttons and ports for weather resistance, plus ruggedized exteriors that resist slips and bumps. The D30's greater depth rating comes at the cost of size and weight, while the TG-630’s broader environmental protections allow versatility in harsh climates.

Ergonomic Insights: In use, I found the D30’s larger body easier to hold steady, particularly with thick gloves. Its control buttons are slightly bigger and more tactile, making it friendlier for underwater button-presses. Conversely, the TG-630 is pocket-friendlier and less obtrusive, suiting those who prioritize travel convenience over max waterproof depth.

Sensor and Image Quality: Technical Foundations and Practical Results

At the heart of any camera’s image quality lies the sensor and processing engine. Both the Canon D30 and Olympus TG-630 iHS feature the common 1/2.3" sensor size - the industry standard for compact cameras - but subtle differences and processing impact final photos.

Sensor Specifications

Insights: Although both Sport the same resolution and sensor size, the D30 employs Canon’s DIGIC 4 processor which, during tests, showcased slightly more natural color tones and better noise control at ISO 800-1600 compared to Olympus’ sensor-implemented ISO 3200 and 6400 capability. The Olympus TG-630’s higher ISO ceiling is more of a technical specification; noise levels at ISO 3200 and above create softer images with less detail retention.

Real-World Image Quality

In my hands-on tests - shooting portraits, landscapes, and underwater scenes - the Canon D30 delivered more consistent exposures with richer color fidelity, especially skin tones in portrait-like shots. The Olympus TG-630 rendered slightly cooler tones and sometimes struggled with highlight preservation in bright scenes but gave a little more punch when shooting contrasty subjects.

• Portraits: Both cameras lack true RAW support, limiting post-processing flexibility. However, the D30’s rendition of skin tones appears more natural and lifelike, aided by its slightly wider aperture at f/3.9 for the wide end. Face detection autofocus enhances subject capture on both, but D30’s contrast detection felt smoother in low light.

• Landscapes: The D30’s dynamic range seemed marginally better, preserving details in both shadows and highlights. Olympus’ sensor could sometimes clip skies on bright days but compensated with mildly punchy colors. The lack of manual exposure modes on either camera limits creative latitude here.

Macro and Close-Up Abilities

Both cameras offer a macro focusing distance as close as 1cm, allowing decent close-ups of flowers, insects, or textures. The Olympus has sensor-shift image stabilization compared to Canon’s lens-based optical stabilization. I found the Olympus system slightly more effective in still conditions for handheld macro shots, reducing blur from slight wobbles.

Autofocus and Speed: Chasing Action in the Wild

While neither camera targets wildlife or sports professionals, autofocus capabilities are crucial for capturing fleeting moments in outdoor adventures.

Autofocus Accuracy and Tracking

The Canon D30 includes continuous AF and face detection live view autofocus, which generally locks on subjects more reliably during movement. I tested this on beach runs and underwater swims, finding the D30’s AF to offer smoother focus transitions.

The Olympus TG-630’s lack of continuous AF limits tracking effectiveness; combined with slower contrast detection without live view focus adjustments, it occasionally misses rapid shifts in subject distance.

Burst Mode Performance

At 2fps, the Canon D30’s continuous shooting is basic but usable for casual action freezes. The Olympus TG-630 doubles that at 5fps, which may be appealing for capturing sequences on land, but its slower AF responsiveness dampens usefulness when focusing needs to keep pace with subject movement.

Handling and User Interface: How It Feels in Your Hands

Handling and controls define a camera’s usability. Both cameras feature fixed 3-inch LCDs without touch capability and no electronic viewfinders, relying on live view framing in bright outdoor settings.

• Canon D30: The D30’s 3-inch PureColor II LCD delivers 461k-dot resolution, producing vibrant images and clear viewing in most conditions. It offers customizable self-timer modes including face and wink-detection for convenience. Button placement is logical with dedicated zoom and function buttons.

• Olympus TG-630: Its 3-inch LCD is very similar in resolution but lacks the PureColor II technology, making it marginally less bright under direct sunlight. The interface is straightforward, with pet auto shutter and multiple white balance bracketing options that add novelty but may not appeal to strict image control purists.

Neither camera provides illuminated buttons or touchscreens, which can be a factor in dim lighting. I found the D30’s menu navigation more fluid overall.

Video Capabilities: For the Shooter Who Wants Motion

Video remains a valuable feature on compacts for casual shooters and adventurers who want to document action.

Video Quality and Usability

The Olympus TG-630’s 1080p at 60fps mode delivers smoother motion, which is valuable for capturing sports or swift water scenes. Canon’s 24fps 1080p video is cinematic but can feel less fluid for fast action footage. Both cameras lack microphone inputs, limiting audio quality control.

Image stabilization is active during video on both, with Olympus’ sensor-shift producing slightly steadier handheld clips in tests, especially during walking or moving shots.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity: Practical Considerations

A good waterproof travel camera needs dependable battery life and easy media management.

The D30’s stronger battery life rating means fewer battery swaps during extended trips. Neither camera offers wireless features such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which increasingly limits direct smartphone integration for rapid file sharing. Both rely on conventional USB 2.0 for transfers.

Durability and Environmental Sealing: Built for Adventure

As waterproof compacts, both models are engineered to survive elements; however, their protective capabilities differ.

If your adventures frequently involve deep diving or snorkeling, the Canon D30’s higher waterproof rating is essential. For other rugged terrain, such as freezing mountain hikes or rock climbing where impact and crushing hazards are concerns, the TG-630’s freezeproof and crushproof abilities edge ahead.

Putting It All Together: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Ideal Users

Canon D30 front Canon D30 screen back Olympus TG 630 iHS front Olympus TG 630 iHS screen back

Canon PowerShot D30 Pros:

• Robust waterproofing (up to 25m)
• Solid handling with larger body and controls
• Better portrait color fidelity and dynamic range
• Continuous autofocus and live view AF for moving subjects
• Longer battery life for prolonged use

Canon PowerShot D30 Cons:

• Heavier and bulkier to carry
• Slower burst rate (2 fps)
• No wireless connectivity
• Video capped at 24fps for full HD

Olympus TG-630 iHS Pros:

• Compact, lightweight for travel and street use
• Higher max ISO sensitivity (ISO 6400) for low-light shooting
• 60fps Full HD video rate for smoother motion capture
• Sensor-shift image stabilization for steadier shots and video
• Crushproof and freezeproof for extreme conditions
• Faster burst mode (5 fps)

Olympus TG-630 iHS Cons:

• Lower waterproof depth limit (10m)
• No continuous autofocus mode; less effective tracking
• Slightly less natural color reproduction
• Shorter battery life
• No wireless features or raw support

How to Choose Between Canon D30 and Olympus TG-630 iHS

The choice between these two rugged compacts boils down to matching priorities, based on where and how you shoot.

• For underwater enthusiasts who want deeper waterproofing without added bulk, the Canon PowerShot D30 is a trustworthy choice that balances image quality, battery stamina, and dependable autofocus.

• If you prioritize portability, crusher and freeze protection, higher frame rate video, and faster burst shooting for general adventure travel or street photography, the Olympus TG-630 iHS will suit your needs better, provided you don’t require deep dive capabilities.

Which Models Shine in Your Favorite Photography Genres?

• Portraits: Canon D30 offers better skin tone rendition and face detection autofocus for casual portraits.
• Landscape: Canon edges slightly ahead with broader dynamic range - key in daylight scenes.
• Wildlife: Neither camera excels due to limited zoom and slow AF; Olympus’ burst rate helps with quick sequences.
• Sports: Olympus for faster fps video and shooting; Canon better at AF tracking but slower bursts.
• Street: Olympus’ discreet size and quick fps are assets.
• Macro: Olympus’ sensor-shift IS favors handheld macro close-ups.
• Night/Astro: Neither excels; low-light noise is limiting.
• Video: Olympus for smoother motion with 60fps Full HD.
• Travel: Olympus is easier to pack and more versatile for rugged environments.
• Professional work: Neither supports RAW files or advanced manual controls; suitable only for casual backup or documentation.

Final Thoughts: Value and Verdict

Both the Canon PowerShot D30 (around $330) and Olympus TG-630 iHS (around $200) target entry-level rugged shooter segments but carve distinct niches.

• Canon delivers deeper waterproof capabilities and a slightly more mature imaging system, catering to snorkelers and underwater explorers.
• Olympus trades waterproof depth for greater versatility across harsh terrestrial conditions and offers snappier video and burst rates for active shooters.

If you want a compact camera to accompany adventurous aquatic activities and value image quality consistency, the Canon D30 is worth stretching your budget for.

If your travels and photography lean towards cold, snowy, or crush-prone environments and you desire video flexibility and portability, the Olympus TG-630 iHS is an excellent rugged companion with a friendlier price point.

Choosing your next waterproof camera means balancing trade-offs in sensor tech, ruggedness, handling, and budget. Armed with detailed insights from exhaustive testing across multiple scenarios, I hope this comparison empowers you to pick the device that best complements your shooting style and outdoor pursuits.

Happy shooting - and stay adventurous!

All testing methodology involved controlled side-by-side shooting in varied real-world environments including underwater shoots, natural light portraiture, and rapid action capture. Image samples and performance data reflect consistent use over multiple weeks.