Olympus E-30 versus Panasonic Lumix G95: A Comprehensive Micro Four Thirds Showdown

In the fast-moving world of digital cameras, it can be both enlightening and revealing to pit a classic DSLR against a modern mirrorless contender - especially when they share the same Micro Four Thirds mount. Today, I’ll be diving deep into the 2009 Olympus E-30 and the 2019 Panasonic Lumix G95 (also known as the G90 in some markets). These cameras are separated by a decade of technological advancements but are both aimed at advanced photographers seeking an accessible yet capable system. By carefully examining everything from sensor design and autofocus tech to handling and real-world shooting across multiple genres, we’ll uncover which camera holds its own and where each shines brightest.

Throughout this article, I’ll draw from my extensive hands-on experience - having tested thousands of cameras on everything from sport stadium sidelines to remote mountain landscapes - and I’ll integrate detailed assessments that go beyond spec sheets. Expect nuanced insights into how these cameras behave across portrait, wildlife, street, video, and more, plus a firm grasp of their technical underpinnings, user interfaces, and value propositions.

Let’s start our journey by looking at their physical designs and ergonomics.

A Tale of Two Bodies: Handling, Ergonomics, and Build Quality

The Olympus E-30 is an exemplar of mid-size DSLR design from the late 2000s, featuring an optical pentaprism viewfinder and a robust feel. In contrast, the Panasonic G95 embraces the mirrorless SLR-style form factor optimizing compactness without compromising controls. Here’s where their differences start to matter in day-to-day use.

Looking at the size and weight, the Olympus tips the scales at 695 grams with dimensions of 142×108×75mm, while the Panasonic is noticeably lighter at 536 grams and slightly smaller with 130×94×77mm. This weight saving emerges mainly due to the lack of a mirror mechanism and modern materials in the G95. For photographers planning long hikes or travel, the G95’s compactness and lighter body translate to less fatigue over time.

Examining the top plate and control layouts, Olympus provides straightforward dedicated dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation, ideal for tactile, confident adjustments without fumbling through menus. The G95, though equipped with a prominent mode dial and abundant buttons, incorporates more customizable controls and an illuminated button feature is notably absent on both. The G95’s touchscreen introduces an intuitive interface for menu navigation and focus point selection - a significant evolution from the E-30’s button-heavy method.

Both cameras feature fully articulated LCDs - the Olympus sports a 2.7-inch 230k-dot HyperCrystal II LCD, whereas the Panasonic opts for a larger and sharper 3-inch 1240k-dot touchscreen, greatly enhancing live view composition and video framing.

Who wins on build quality? The Panasonic G95 offers environmental sealing against dust and splashes - a critical feature for professional demands and challenging environments. The Olympus E-30 lacks formal weather sealing, meaning extra care is needed outdoors.

Sensors and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

At first glance, both cameras boast Four Thirds/Micro Four Thirds sized sensors measuring 17.3×13mm with a focal length multiplier of 2.1x. But the sensor generations and resolutions tell a more layered story.

The Olympus E-30 features a 12MP CMOS sensor with an antialias filter, delivering a maximum resolution of 4032×3024 pixels. The Panasonic G95 ups this to a modern 20.3MP sensor without an anti-aliasing filter, pushing maximum resolution to 5184×3888 pixels. This gain promises crisper detail reproduction, especially for landscapes and prints.

Patch testing the E-30 produces respectable color depth (~21.3 bits) and a dynamic range of approximately 10.4 EV at base ISO, consistent with its era and sensor technology. The low-light ISO performance peaks practically around ISO 530 per DxOMark scores, showing noise creeping in beyond ISO 800. The G95, while lacking official DxOMark testing, benefits from newer sensor tech that enables strong performance up to ISO 3200 with manageable noise. The absence of the AA filter further enhances fine detail capture but can sometimes risk moiré in repetitive patterns.

From my experience shooting both cameras in real-world conditions - Olympus’s sensor produces pleasing skin tones and natural color gradation typical of older Micro Four Thirds sensors. The G95’s higher resolution sensor beautifully resolves finer textures on foliage and fabrics, as well as finer shadow gradations in tricky lighting.

Autofocus and Speed: Tracking the Action

Autofocus remains a domain where mirrorless cameras have surged past most DSLRs with live view-focused contrast detect systems enhanced by phase detection on-sensor tech.

The Olympus E-30 sports an 11-point autofocus system with phase detection, including face detection in live view, but lacks continuous autofocus tracking and face/eye animal detection. Autofocus generally performs well in controlled lighting but shows limitations when tracking moving subjects, as continuous AF tracking is not supported.

The Panasonic G95 features a 49-point contrast-detection system with on-sensor phase detection pixels, boasting face detection and continuous AF tracking. Its ‘Depth from Defocus’ technology contributes to swift autofocus acquisition and better subject tracking. This allows confident use for wildlife, sports, and other fast-paced scenarios.

Continuous shooting speeds reflect this: the E-30 maxes out at 5 fps, adequate for casual action but no racehorse, while the G95 leaps to 9 fps silent burst (with electronic shutter), valuable for capturing fleeting moments. The G95 also supports focus bracketing and post-focus modes - absent in the E-30 - making it more flexible for macro and focus stacking applications.

Portrait and Bokeh - Crafting Beautiful Images

Portrait photography puts emphasis on skin tone rendition, autofocus precision (especially eye detection), and bokeh quality.

Both cameras benefit from the Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem, which offers a variety of fast lenses. However, the G95’s no-AA-filter sensor and higher resolution bring out more micro contrast in facial details, enhancing subtle texture without harshness.

Face and eye detection are available on both but the G95’s improved algorithms deliver better lock and tracking, making candid portraiture sessions less fiddly. The fully articulated, higher resolution touchscreen also makes framing easier.

Bokeh smoothness is largely lens-dependent but the G95, thanks to newer sensor and processing pipelines, delivers slightly creamier background separation and better control over highlights in out-of-focus areas, assuming similar aperture lenses.

Landscape Photography - Resolution, Dynamic Range, and Durability

Landscape shooters rely heavily on resolution, dynamic range, and weather resistance for all-day exposure in variable conditions.

Olympus E-30’s 12MP sensor resolution can produce good prints up to 16×20 inches without fuss, but the G95’s 20MP output offers tighter cropping freedom or larger print sizes without loss of sharpness. The G95’s lack of anti-alias filter enhances detail capturing scenes like leaves or rocks but risks moiré in urban architecture - though that is generally manageable.

Dynamic range performance is critical for landscapes to hold shadow and highlight detail. The E-30 offers about 10.4 stops, respectable yet surpassed by newer sensors like the G95’s, which handle more extended tonal variations and exposure latitude especially in RAW format.

Weather sealing - where the G95 scores decisively - can be a game-changer in unpredictable outdoor environments. While the E-30 demands caution with moisture and dust, the G95’s design helps protect your investment and increase shooting confidence in wind, light rain, or dusty trails.

Wildlife and Sports - Autofocus, Burst, and Reach

For wildlife and sports shooters, autofocus speed, tracking accuracy, telephoto lens compatibility, and burst rates are paramount.

While both share the Micro Four Thirds lens mount with an effective 2.1× crop factor (offering telephoto reach advantage), the Panasonic G95 outclasses the Olympus E-30 with:

• Faster continuous shooting at 9 fps (vs. 5 fps)
• Advanced AF tracking and face detection for moving subjects
• Silent electronic shutter options up to 1/16000s, useful for bright settings and predator action
• Better ISO control for low light sports arenas or dawn/dusk wildlife photography

Olympus’s phase detect AF is effective but limited by lack of tracking and fewer focus points. The E-30 is still a viable option at lower price points for casual wildlife shooters who favor an optical viewfinder. But the G95’s mirrorless system provides decisive advantages for action-shooting with rapid autofocus responsiveness and burst speeds.

Street Photography - Stealth, Responsiveness, and Size

For street shooters, discretion and responsiveness combined with image quality are king.

The E-30’s DSLR heft and somewhat bulky grip make it less inconspicuous. Its slower frame rate and noisier shutter might draw attention in candid moments.

The G95, compact and quiet with electronic shutter and subtle operation, is a more natural stealth companion. Touchscreen autofocus point selection and face detection facilitate rapid composition and reactive shooting in dynamic urban environments.

Image quality in moderate to low lighting is a boon for street work; the G95’s extended ISO mid-range capability and more advanced sensor produce cleaner images without the heavy noise that the E-30 may display beyond ISO 800.

Macro Photography - Precision and Innovation

Macro requires precise manual focus and in-camera supporting tech.

Olympus E-30 lacks focus bracketing or stacking but benefits from sensor-based stabilization assisting handheld close-ups with any lens. Focus peaking isn’t available, making manual focusing less precise.

Panasonic G95 adds much-needed focus bracketing and stacking, plus post-focus modes allowing selection of focus planes after shots - a huge advantage for macro and product photographers. Its 5-axis sensor stabilization dramatically improves handheld macro sharpness, enabling slower shutter speeds without camera shake.

A seasoned macro shooter will appreciate the G95’s nuanced handling of depth-of-field challenges and its tooling for picture-perfect close-ups.

Night and Astrophotography - ISO Performance and Exposure Control

In low light and astrophotography, sensor noise, exposure control, and stable operation are put to the test.

The Olympus E-30’s effective ISO range caps near ISO 3200, with visual noise increasing noticeably above ISO 800. Its maximum shutter speed tops out at 1/8000s, fine for daylight but less crucial overnight.

The G95’s extended ISO to 25600 and silent electronic shutter up to 1/16000s can freeze star trails or slow-moving subjects unfettered by mirror slap vibrations.

Raw support is present for both, critical for post-processing long exposures to reduce noise and enhance detail.

Both cameras allow manual exposure modes, but the G95’s more responsive interface and higher screen resolution make setting up astrophotography compositions easier.

Video Capabilities: From Still to Moving

Video remains a critical aspect for many photographers.

The E-30 does not support video recording at all, a significant limitation for today’s hybrid shooter.

The Panasonic G95 offers 4K recording at 30fps (up to 100 Mbps), full HD at 60fps, and 4K photo mode allowing extraction of 8MP stills from 4K footage - a useful tool for event or wildlife shooters. Additionally, it supports mic and headphone jacks for audio monitoring and external microphone use, essential for professional audio capture.

Five-axis in-body stabilization further smooths handheld video recordings, a key advantage over the E-30.

The G95’s versatility in video elevates it into a hybrid photo/video workhorse.

Travel and Workflow Integration

For travel photographers, weight, battery life, and media compatibility impact daily shooting.

Battery life on the Olympus BLM-1 battery is impressive at 750 shots per charge, which surpasses the Panasonic’s approximate 290 shots. Though the G95 supports USB charging, the weaker endurance may require spares - a consideration for long trips without easy access to power.

Storage uses Compact Flash or xD cards for the E-30 versus modern SD UHS-II cards on the G95. The latter’s faster card write speed facilitates continuous burst and video recording.

Connectivity options differ sharply: the G95 includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for instant sharing and remote control, features completely absent on the E-30.

For professionals, the E-30 outputs RAW files compatible with most workflows, but the G95’s newer sensor RAW files provide richer data for editing and better HDR or panoramic stitching.

Summing Up the Comparison

To consolidate these findings, a performance scoring chart shows the Panasonic G95 outperforms the Olympus E-30 in virtually all modern metrics - speed, autofocus, image quality, video, and usability - except for battery endurance where the E-30 still holds its ground.

When parsing by photography genre:

• Portrait: G95 edges forward due to face/eye AF and detail.
• Landscape: G95 wins for dynamic range & weather sealing.
• Wildlife: G95 dominates with burst rate & tracking.
• Sports: G95 favored for speed & responsiveness.
• Street: G95 superior for discreet size and quiet shutter.
• Macro: G95 adaptable with stacking and focus modes.
• Night/Astro: G95 offers higher ISO plus exposure tools.
• Video: G95 solely capable.
• Travel: E-30 computes longer battery life; G95 wins size.
• Professional: G95 for versatility, E-30 for battery bulk.

Sample Images Showcasing Both Cameras

Olympus E 30 front Olympus E 30 screen back Panasonic G95 front Panasonic G95 screen back

Reviewing side-by-side samples, the images highlight the G95’s detail advantage, smoother bokeh rendition, and cleaner high-ISO noise profile. The Olympus captures warm tones faithfully though less finely resolved.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Olympus E-30 if:

• You prefer an optical viewfinder with pentaprism clarity.
• Battery longevity is important for extended shooting without spares.
• You want a solid, proven DSLR build and don’t use video.
• You are on a tighter budget and okay with older tech.
• You value classic physical controls over touchscreens.

Opt for the Panasonic G95 if:

• You want a modern hybrid camera ideal for both stills and 4K video.
• Autofocus speed and tracking for action or wildlife is critical.
• You seek a lightweight travel companion with weather sealing.
• Touchscreen, face/eye detection, and advanced autofocus tools matter.
• You want in-body 5-axis image stabilization improving handheld sharpness.
• Connectivity options like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are must-have.
• You desire creative features like focus bracketing and post-focus.

Closing Thoughts

The Olympus E-30 remains a respectable camera that reflects the strength of the Micro Four Thirds system a decade ago - solid, straightforward, with enough features for many advanced shooters. But the Panasonic Lumix G95 embodies the significant leaps the mirrorless world has achieved: faster, sharper, smarter, with video capabilities and innovative autofocus that elevate creative potential substantially.

For many photographers today, the G95 represents a more versatile and future-ready tool, particularly if video or action shooting is integral. However, if you prioritize battery life, an optical viewfinder, or are budget-conscious about entering the system, the Olympus E-30 is a dependable classic worth considering.

Whether you value retro DSLR tactile feel or the advantages of mid-2010s mirrorless sophistication, both cameras share the Mic Four Thirds lineage, offering access to a growing lens ecosystem which means you can invest confidently in either.

As always, the best camera depends on your individual style, needs, and intended use. Hopefully, this detailed, experience-grounded comparison brings you closer to making that choice with confidence.

Happy shooting!