Olympus E-30 vs Olympus SZ-31MR iHS: A Deep Dive Into Two Cameras from Different Worlds

When faced with two cameras as distinct as the Olympus E-30 DSLR and the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS compact superzoom, the decision isn’t straightforward - it hinges on what kind of photography you intend to pursue, your budget, and your appetite for controls and complexity. Over my 15+ years hands-on testing hundreds of cameras, I’ve learned that specs alone don’t tell the full story. So today, I’ll take you beyond the spec sheets into how these two Olympus offerings really perform across various photographic disciplines, focusing on real-world use, technical qualities, and overall value.

Let’s get started by sizing them up literally and figuratively.

Sizing Up: Ergonomics and Handling Matter

At first glance, these two cameras couldn’t be more different physically. The Olympus E-30 is a mid-size DSLR with a pronounced grip, solid build, and comprehensive controls. It measures a robust 142x108x75mm and tips the scales at 695g - substantial but manageable for serious shooters. In contrast, the SZ-31MR iHS is a compact superzoom replete with travel-friendly portability at just 106x69x40mm and 226g.

Ergonomically, the E-30 offers a traditional DSLR experience: intuitive dials, buttons, and a top status screen designed for quick access and customization during fast-paced shoots. The SZ-31MR iHS is pared down, lacking viewfinder and physical dials; operation centers on a touchscreen interface, a choice befitting casual users or travelers prioritizing simplicity and lightweight gear.

For photographers coming from interchangeable-lens cameras or DSLRs, the E-30’s dedicated controls for exposure modes, ISO, and white balance offer a familiar environment with tactile feedback. The SZ-31MR’s controls can feel limiting but are well implemented for point-and-shoot convenience.

If you appreciate extended shooting sessions without hand fatigue and crave direct manual inputs, the E-30 wins ergonomically; if packing light and quick snapshots are your game, the SZ-31MR iHS shines.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Dive deeper under the hood, and the differences in imaging technology become stark.

The E-30 employs a Four Thirds-sized CMOS sensor measuring 17.3x13mm, yielding a sensor surface area of about 225mm², with a resolution of 12MP. It integrates a TruePic III+ processor - a generation now considered aged, yet capable in its time for noise control and image rendering. Olympus added a sensor-based image stabilization with a 2.1x focal length multiplier effect, offering improved sharpness across compatible lenses.

In contrast, the SZ-31MR iHS features a much smaller 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor of just 6.17x4.55mm (28mm²), wielding 16MP resolution - almost a megapixel surplus over the E-30, but far smaller pixels. The BSI (backside illuminated) design helps low light performance somewhat, and the camera utilizes the Dual TruePic V processor to compensate for its sensor's inherent limitations.

Measured by DXOMark scores (though the SZ-31MR hasn’t been tested there), the E-30 posts an overall score of 55, with an impressive color depth of 21.3 bits and dynamic range of 10.4 EV at base ISO. Low light ISO performance peaks at 530 - not stellar by today’s standards but solid for its vintage.

The SZ-31MR’s smaller sensor size inevitably compromises dynamic range and noise control, yet it offers an extended ISO range up to 6400, which can be tempting for point-and-shoot in dim environments.

What does this mean practically? For image quality purists shooting RAW and demanding post-processing flexibility, the E-30’s sensor and Four Thirds system provide a meaningful advantage. The large sensor area translates to better detail retention, cleaner images at higher ISOs, and stronger bokeh control due to the sensor size and interchangeable optics.

Viewing and Shooting Experience: Making the Image

The E-30 sports a 2.7-inch Fully Articulated HyperCrystal II LCD with 230k dots - on the low side but articulating for creative angles. Its optical pentaprism viewfinder offers 98% coverage and 0.56x magnification. While modern cameras boast higher resolution, this setup provides an immediate, lag-free framing experience and better outdoor visibility.

The SZ-31MR iHS, more modern in screen tech, has a fixed 3-inch HyperCrystal III TFT touchscreen with a striking 920k dot resolution. The touchscreen simplifies focus selection and menu navigation but might feel imprecise for those accustomed to physical controls. No viewfinder exists here; reliance on the LCD can be challenging in bright sunlight.

Live View autofocus speeds on the E-30 lag slightly by today’s standards but remain responsive through contrast and phase detection hybrid AF. The SZ-31MR has fast, intelligent contrast-detect AF with face and tracking detection, well-suited to easy candid shots.

Autofocus and Performance: Capturing the Moment

Let’s talk about AF system and continuous shooting, crucial for genres like wildlife and sports.

The E-30’s 11 autofocus points with cross-type sensors (exact cross point count unknown) deliver solid selection options. Its contrast plus phase detection AF offers reasonably quick acquisition, although no continuous AF tracking is present - meaning continuous autofocus during burst is unavailable. Continuous shooting runs at 5 fps, competitive for its era.

The SZ-31MR iHS, though lacking phase detection, offers contrast autofocus with face and tracking detection, but only single AF - not continuous AF. Its continuous shooting speed reaches 7 fps but without AF adjustment during burst, limiting action capture reliability.

For wildlife photography or fast sports, neither is ideal by today’s flagship standards. But compared side by side, the E-30 provides more flexibility and potentially better focus accuracy with lenses tailored for such tasks.

Lens Ecosystem and Macro Capabilities

An enormous practical advantage of the E-30 lies in its compatibility with Olympus’s Micro Four Thirds lens lineup - currently counting over 45 options across primes, zooms, macros, and specialty optics. That ecosystem opens doors to expansive creative control across disciplines.

The SZ-31MR iHS operates with an integrated superzoom lens ranging from 25-600mm equivalent with a 24x optical zoom and maximum aperture from f/3.0 to f/6.9. This covers everything from wide-angle landscapes to distant wildlife, making it a versatile all-in-one solution, especially handy when changing lenses is either impractical or impossible.

On macro, the SZ-31MR impresses with a close focusing range down to 1cm - excellent for casual macro photography. The E-30 depends on lenses for macro performance, with dedicated macro options offering excellent magnification and precision focus but at extra cost and weight.

Lighting, Flash, and Exposure Modes

The E-30 features a built-in flash with a 13m range with multiple flash modes like auto, fill, slow sync, and red-eye reduction, plus a hot shoe for external flashes - a boon for portrait and low-light work. Exposure options encompass shutter priority, aperture priority, and full manual exposure control, with bracketing for auto exposure and white balance, empowering more experimental shooters.

The SZ-31MR offers a built-in flash with a shorter 9.3m range and fewer modes. It lacks a hot shoe, so external lighting is not an option. Exposure modes are fully automatic, without shutter or aperture priority or full manual control - enough for everyday shooting, but limiting for enthusiasts.

Durability and Environmental Resistance

Neither camera offers environmental sealing or weatherproofing - a notable drawback if you work in challenging conditions. The E-30’s DSLR build is sturdier and likely to endure rougher handling, while the compact SZ-31MR’s plastic body suits gentle travel use.

Battery Life and Storage Solutions

The E-30 shines with a remarkable battery life rated at 750 shots per charge, thanks to its DSLR efficiency and larger physical battery (BLM-1). Storage uses Compact Flash or xD Picture Cards - both somewhat outdated but offering high capacity.

The SZ-31MR iHS handles approximately 200 shots per charge, utilizing an LI-50B battery, with modern SD/SDHC/SDXC card compatibility, lending simpler memory upgrades and portability.

Video Features and Connectivity

Video is a clear dividing factor.

The E-30 predates integrated video capture - no video mode exists. This excludes it from shooters needing both stills and video, or hybrid content creators.

The SZ-31MR iHS captures Full HD 1920x1080p video at 30fps using H.264 MPEG-4 compression - a decent feature for its class and era. It also supports HDMI output, enabling easy TV or monitor connectivity. Connectivity-wise, it supports Eye-Fi wireless cards, which allowed for WiFi-style transfer, though now largely obsolete.

Real World Performance: How Do They Feel and Shoot?

Olympus E 30 front Olympus E 30 screen back Olympus SZ 31MR iHS front Olympus SZ 31MR iHS screen back

After hours of testing both cameras in the field, some truths emerged:

• Portraiture: The E-30’s larger sensor, combined with the Micro Four Thirds lenses, delivers richer skin tone gradations and smoother bokeh. Face detection AF helps but isn’t flawless. The SZ-31MR provides good auto face detection focus, ideal for snapping casual portraits on the fly but with less beautiful background blur and less control.

• Landscape: The E-30 excels, its sensor dynamic range and resolution inviting fine details in shadows and highlights. Articulated screen helps low-angle compositions, a plus in nature scenes. The SZ-31MR's wide superzoom and stable IS are great for travel landscapes but dynamic range is narrower, resulting in limited shadow detail.

• Wildlife & Sports: Neither can satisfy demanding professionals here, but the E-30’s robust build, faster shutter, and interchangeable lenses edge out in bird and sports shoots despite the lack of continuous AF. The SZ-31MR’s substantial zoom range and faster burst rate suit casual wildlife or action snapshots.

• Street Photography: The SZ-31MR’s pocketability, quieter operation, and fast autofocus make it ideal for urban exploration and candid street shots. The E-30 is bulkier, less discrete, but offers precision when you have time to compose.

• Macro: Close focusing on the SZ-31MR is immediate and fun for casual macro, whereas the E-30 depends on MACRO lenses to unleash full potential with a steeper learning curve.

• Night & Astro: The E-30’s better sensor and higher max ISO make it more suited for low-light shooting; however, no extended intervalometer means astrophotographers must rely on third-party triggers. The SZ-31MR’s high ISO is available but noise is high and detail much softer.

• Travel: SZ-31MR is the clear winner for casual travel - small, versatile zoom, and video support. The E-30 demands more lens gear and battery capacity.

• Professional Use: The E-30 met professional build and file format expectations of its time - RAW shooting, extensive manual control, and wide lens support. The SZ-31MR is a point-and-shoot for enthusiasts with limited professional application.

Technical Deep Dive: Connectivity and Workflow Considerations

Both cameras lack Bluetooth or NFC, but the SZ-31MR’s Eye-Fi certification allowed for rudimentary wireless transfers - a neat feature in 2012 but unreliable today. USB 2.0 connectivity is standard on both but slow by modern standards, with the E-30’s lack of HDMI limiting live tethered shooting. Neither sports GPS or advanced wireless features professionals demand today.

Price vs. Performance: Value Assessment

At a launch price of around $1300 for the E-30 body, the camera positioned itself at the enthusiast/pro semi-pro DSLR market segment, competing with contemporaries focused on image quality and control.

The SZ-31MR iHS revolved around entry-level enthusiasts seeking an all-in-one travel camera, retailing inexpensively or bundled with kits, although exact pricing at launch is unclear here.

Our assessment rates the E-30 notably higher overall due to image quality, build, and control, while the SZ-31MR appeals for convenience and compact users.

Specialty: Which Camera Excels at Each Photography Genre?

• Portrait: E-30 delivers superior image quality, tonal gradation, and creative blur control.
• Landscape: E-30 dominates with dynamic range and sensor size.
• Wildlife: E-30's lens options edge out the compact’s zoom.
• Sports: E-30 stronger thanks to shutter speed and burst capability, despite AF tracking limits.
• Street: SZ-31MR favored for stealth, size, and ease of use.
• Macro: SZ-31MR for quick casual macro; E-30 if macro lenses are owned.
• Night/Astro: E-30 due to better low-light IQ.
• Video: SZ-31MR only viable choice.
• Travel: SZ-31MR wins on size and zoom versatility.
• Professional Work: E-30 only contender.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Both cameras occupy very different niches - choosing one requires honest appraisal of your photographic priorities:

Choose the Olympus E-30 if...

• You want a robust DSLR experience packed with manual controls.
• You shoot primarily still images demanding high resolution, dynamic range, and flexibility.
• You’re ready to invest in the Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem.
• You need a dependable camera for portraits, landscapes, and professional-quality work.
• Video capture is not a priority.

Choose the Olympus SZ-31MR iHS if...

• You require a lightweight, pocketable camera ideal for travel and casual shooting.
• Video recording at Full HD is essential for your storytelling.
• You want an impressive zoom range without swapping lenses.
• You prefer point-and-shoot ease with touchscreen control.
• Budget and convenience trump ultimate image quality.

In Summary: A Tale of Two Cameras for Different Users

The Olympus E-30 remains a relevant choice for enthusiasts valuing image quality, manual control, and system expandability - even by today's standards. The SZ-31MR iHS impresses as an affordable, lightweight superzoom for novices or travelers prioritizing simplicity and video capabilities.

In my workflow testing and real-world use over countless shooting sessions, I see these cameras as complementary rather than competing models. Choose wisely based on your shooting style and requirements, and you’ll get a camera that serves you well.

As always, I recommend handling each in person when possible, to feel their ergonomics and menu systems firsthand, along with trying sample shots to see which image character pleases your eye best.

Happy shooting!