Fujifilm X30 vs Olympus VR-330: An In-Depth Comparison of Two Compact Cameras for Enthusiasts

In the ever-evolving compact camera market, mid-2010s releases like the Fujifilm X30 and Olympus VR-330 offer intriguing options. Despite their similar compact form factors, these two cameras cater to distinct photography preferences and budgets, from folks chasing fast, creative control, to those after long zoom versatility in a pocket-friendly package. Over my 15+ years of camera testing, I’ve learned that the right compact camera is about balancing size, speed, image quality, and features to your shooting style.

In this article, I’ll break down the Fujifilm X30 and Olympus VR-330 across all the critical practical criteria photographers care about - sensor and image quality, autofocus speed and accuracy, lens capabilities, video performance, ergonomics, and more - while weaving in my hands-on experience with similar cameras.

So whether you’re a street shooter who prizes discretion, a landscape lover chasing dynamic range, or a casual traveler needing one camera to do it all, you’ll get a thorough, honest guide here.

What Do These Cameras Bring to the Table?

Let’s start by situating these two models in broad terms.

• The Fujifilm X30, announced in August 2014, is a small sensor compact with a fixed 28-112mm equivalent lens pulling from a fast f/2.0 to f/2.8 aperture range. It boasts the sophisticated EXR Processor II engine and a relatively large 2/3" CMOS X-Trans II sensor. This model is positioned as a versatile enthusiast compact with manual controls, fast burst shooting, and an electronic viewfinder.

• Meanwhile, the Olympus VR-330, dating back to early 2011, is a small sensor superzoom compact. It sports a 24-300mm equivalent zoom (a whopping 12.5x), but with a slower maximum aperture of f/3.0-5.9 and an older 1/2.3" CCD sensor. The VR-330 aims to cover long zoom range in a compact package at an attractive price and simpler interface.

To get a quick sense of their physical differences, take a look:

The Fuji feels chunkier but sturdier, the Olympus is svelte and light. More detail coming below.

Sensor and Image Quality: Bigger and Better?

The sensor lies at the heart of image quality, and here, Fuji clearly aims higher.

• The X30 sports a 12MP 2/3" X-Trans II CMOS sensor measuring 8.8 x 6.6mm, a sensor area of about 58mm². The proprietary X-Trans color filter matrix reduces moiré and improves sharpness. The Fujifilm also supports RAW capture and native ISOs from 100 to 12800, lending itself well to diverse shooting environments and post-processing.

• The VR-330 uses a 14MP 1/2.3" CCD sensor at 6.17 x 4.55mm - roughly half the area of Fuji’s sensor (~28mm²). While 14MP sounds higher in resolution, the smaller sensor impacts noise performance and dynamic range. The VR-330’s ISO tops out at 1600 natively, with a minimum ISO of 80, and it doesn’t offer RAW shooting.

Take a look at a sensor size visual comparison:

From my experience, larger and more modern CMOS sensors, especially those with X-Trans patterning, deliver better low-light performance and dynamic range. The X30 will produce images with richer tonal gradation and less noise at higher speeds compared to the VR-330’s older CCD design. Also, RAW flexibility on the Fuji means more post-capture refinement if you shoot thoughtfully.

In practical use, this translates to cleaner, more versatile photos out of the Fuji, especially noticeable in indoor, shadow, or night photography. The Olympus shines mainly in good light where perhaps its longer zoom matters more.

Lenses: Fast and Focused or Long and Zoomy?

Lens specs illustrate two very different priorities.

• The Fujifilm X30’s 28-112mm (4x zoom) lens is a fast f/2.0-2.8 optic with a focal length multiplier around 4.1x. This bright aperture makes it excellent for portraits, subject isolation, and low-light shooting. The minimum focus distance is around 1cm for macro photography, which is impressive given its general-purpose design.

• The Olympus VR-330 pushes into superzoom territory with 24-300mm (12.5x) equivalent reach, but at a slower f/3.0-5.9 aperture range. It also supports a 1cm macro focus distance. However, the slower aperture limits shallow depth of field and low light.

From my experience testing superzooms, you trade aperture speed for reach - great for wildlife or distant subjects, but limited bokeh and lower light performance.

This comparison would not be complete without viewing the top plate and control layout - see how Fuji’s manual controls invite engagement:

You’ll notice Fuji has dedicated dials and switches for aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation, vital tools for creative control that the Olympus lacks.

Autofocus Systems: Fast and Accurate vs Basic

The Fujifilm X30 features an advanced hybrid autofocus system combining contrast detection with phase detection across 49 focus points, including face detection and tracking capabilities. This system supports continuous AF, selective points, and center weighted modes.

On the other hand, the Olympus VR-330 - designed as a more casual compact - relies solely on contrast-detection autofocus, with face detection but no phase detection or continuous AF. The lack of multiple focus modes and slower AF speeds affects wildlife or sports shooting potential.

I put both to the test catching moving subjects under mixed lighting: the X30 noticeably locks on faster and maintains focus better during continuous shooting bursts. The VR-330’s AF tends to hunt more and lock slower, which can frustrate in fast action scenes.

If autofocus reliability and speed are priorities (wildlife, sports, street), the Fujifilm decidedly wins here.

Ergonomics and Handling: Comfort Meets Usability

Handling a camera day-in day-out reveals subtle differences that affect shooting enjoyment.

Examining the rear LCD screens:

Both cameras feature 3.0-inch LCDs, but Fuji’s tilting screen has nearly double the resolution (920k dots vs Olympus’s 460k), enabling clearer composition and menu navigation. Fuji lacks touchscreen, but its physical buttons and dials feel precise and well-placed in my testing.

Physically, the Fujifilm’s larger size and heft (423g) can be an advantage for photographers who favor stability and grip. The Olympus VR-330’s 158g weight and slender profile offer maximum portability for travel or street shooting.

The lack of an electronic viewfinder on the Olympus is a notable omission for those who prefer shooting through a finder, particularly in bright sunlight.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

Neither camera offers weather sealing or rugged body construction. Both target casual use outside of challenging environments.

That said, Fuji’s build quality is noticeably more robust with a solid metal chassis and dials designed for tactile feedback. The Olympus feels more plasticky, common for budget superzooms.

If durability under variable conditions matters, the X30 fares better without protective features but with superior build feel.

Burst Shooting and Performance

For capturing fast action, frame rate and buffer size matter:

• Fujifilm X30: Up to 12 frames per second continuous shooting, quite impressive for its class and sensor size.

• Olympus VR-330: Continuous shooting speed is not specified and generally slower.

In practical shooting, the X30’s fast burst combined with reliable autofocus makes it suitable for casual sports, wildlife, or street photography needing quick reaction.

Video Capabilities: Full HD vs HD

Both cameras can record video, yet with different scope:

• Fujifilm X30 captures Full HD 1080p at 60p, 50p, 30p, and 24p, recorded via H.264 codec. It includes a microphone input but no headphone jack, allowing for better audio capture - a feature I appreciate as someone who occasionally uses compact cameras for run-and-gun video.

• Olympus VR-330 records at up to 720p HD at 30fps in Motion JPEG format, generally less efficient and lower quality.

Neither offers 4K or advanced video tools, but Fuji’s modes and audio support give it the clear edge for hybrid shooters.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery longevity affects day trips and travel:

• Fujifilm X30 uses NP-95 Lithium-ion battery rated at about 470 shots per charge (CIPA standard) - quite respectable.

• Olympus VR-330 uses LI-42B battery with no official CIPA rating, but my testing cycles indicate significantly shorter life, roughly half that of the X30 under heavy use.

Both use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. Fuji supports only one card slot, sufficient for enthusiast use.

Connectivity and Extras

Connectivity is sparse on both:

• Fujifilm X30 has built-in Wi-Fi (no Bluetooth or NFC), useful for wireless image transfer.

• Olympus VR-330 offers no wireless features.

Fuji includes an HDMI port and USB 2.0, as does Olympus.

Price and Value Proposition

Upon release, the Fujifilm X30 retailed around $499, positioning it as a mid-tier enthusiast compact. The Olympus VR-330 was a more budget-friendly $220 superzoom.

Adjusting for age and today’s market, Fuji’s pricing reflects its superior sensor, lens quality, controls, and performance.

For those on tight budgets needing extreme zoom in a compact, the Olympus offers great reach, albeit with tradeoffs in image quality and speed.

Real-World Photography Across Genres

Let me map these cameras’ strengths across key shooting styles, based on my professional evaluations:

Portrait Photography

The Fujifilm X30 delivers pleasing skin tones, smooth bokeh thanks to its bright lens, and reliable eye/face detection AF - important for portraits. Olympus’s smaller sensor and lens constrain background blur and low-light skin rendition.

Landscape Photography

Fuji’s larger sensor yields better dynamic range and detail crucial for landscapes. Olympus’s smaller sensor and fixed lens also limits fine tonality, though its longer zoom is less relevant here.

Wildlife Photography

Olympus’s massive 300mm zoom is tempting for distant subjects but slow AF and aperture limit image quality. Fuji’s faster lens and better AF make it a capable, albeit shorter reach, wildlife camera.

Sports Photography

Only Fujifilm’s fast burst and AF system perform robustly enough for casual sports shooting; Olympus falls short.

Street Photography

Olympus’s light weight and compact profile excel for discreet street shooting. Fuji’s better viewfinder and manual controls appeal to those wanting more creative grip and control at expense of size.

Macro Photography

Both support very close focusing (1cm), but Fuji’s sharper optics and sensor produce better macro results.

Night and Astro Photography

Fuji shines with lower noise at high ISO and long exposure flexibility; Olympus limited to ISO1600.

Video Use

Fujifilm’s 1080p60 HD with mic input gives it the edge for serious video shooters.

Travel Photography

Olympus’s weight and zoom versatility is a plus for travelers wanting one lens to cover everything; Fuji balances image quality with a manageable size and controls.

Professional Work

Fujifilm supports RAW, manual control, and durable build - better suited for pro hybrid shooters.

Sample Shooting Gallery: Side-by-Side Comparisons

To put theory into practice, I shot test scenes with both cameras:

Fujifilm X30 front Fujifilm X30 screen back Olympus VR 330 front Olympus VR 330 screen back

You can see the Fuji’s better sharpness, cleaner shadows, and color vibrancy compared to the Olympus’s lower detail and more muted tones.

Overall Performance Summary

Here’s a quick performance ranking based on my hands-on benchmarks and user experience:

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

To close, let’s consider who should pick which:

• Choose the Fujifilm X30 if you…

  • Prioritize image quality, especially low-light and portraits
  • Need manual controls and faster autofocus
  • Want video capabilities at 1080p with audio input
  • Can accommodate a slightly larger, heavier compact
  • Desire RAW shooting flexibility for post-processing
  • Shoot varied genres demanding better performance

• Choose the Olympus VR-330 if you…

  • Need extreme zoom reach in a tiny, lightweight package
  • Shoot mostly in good light and casual settings
  • Prefer simplicity over manual controls
  • Are budget-conscious or buying a secondary travel superzoom
  • Can tolerate limited video and slower autofocus

In Conclusion: Experience Speaks

After years of testing cameras extensively, it’s clear the Fuji X30 punches well above its compact class for enthusiasts who want speed, control, and image quality without diving into interchangeable-lens complexity. The Olympus VR-330, while less advanced, still occupies a niche for casual shooters needing reach and portability on a budget.

Neither camera is current tech by today’s standards, but when you find good deals in the used market, consider how your photography style aligns with these strengths and compromises. Remember, hands-on comfort, handling, and how you connect emotionally with a camera often matters as much as specs on paper.

Hope this comparison helps you make a more confident choice. Happy shooting!