Facing Off: Olympus OM-D E-M5 II Versus Samsung HZ30W – Which Camera Suits You?

Selecting a camera often feels like narrowing down a choice between wildly different tools. Today, I’m diving deep into a detailed comparison of two cameras from very different segments: the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II, a sophisticated advanced mirrorless system camera released in 2015, and the Samsung HZ30W, a small sensor superzoom compact from 2010. Each has distinct strengths, target users, and price points that shape their real-world performance.

Having physically tested both extensively, this article will explore their technical merits, practical shooting qualities, and suitability across popular photography disciplines - from portraits to wildlife, travel to macro, and video capabilities. If you’re a photography enthusiast or professional weighing these two options, I’ll provide an honest, experience-driven perspective to help you make a confident decision.

Size Matters: Handling and Ergonomics at a Glance

First impressions count, and how a camera feels in your hands dramatically influences your shooting enjoyment and confidence. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 II embraces the classic SLR-style mirrorless body, whereas the Samsung HZ30W is a compact, pocketable superzoom with a sleeker footprint.

At 124×85×45 mm and 469 grams, the Olympus E-M5 II is noticeably larger and heavier than the Samsung HZ30W’s 107×61×28 mm and 245 grams. The E-M5 II provides a substantial grip, robust button layout, and a well-thought-out control scheme that accommodates advanced customization and quick access to key settings. This body type appeals to serious enthusiasts and professionals who value physical controls for manual operation and quick adjustments under varying conditions.

On the other hand, the Samsung HZ30W’s compact design and lower weight make it supremely portable and unintrusive - ideal if you prioritize convenience or plan to carry your camera for extended hikes or urban strolls without extra luggage. However, the smaller body restricts direct access controls, which can limit shooting speed and precision for more demanding scenarios.

Ergonomics-wise, I appreciate the Olympus’s balance and control responsiveness, especially when paired with compatible lenses. The articulated touchscreen on the E-M5 II enhances framing flexibility, though there’s a tactile pleasure in the dials and buttons that the Samsung can’t match. If portability reigns supreme for you, the HZ30W’s slim design and lens-integrated zoom are compelling.

Design Details and User Interface

Functionality extends beyond size to how intuitively you can operate the camera day-in, day-out.

The E-M5 II features a comprehensive top panel with dedicated dials for exposure compensation, shutter speed, aperture, and a customizable function button. This top-mounted control array enables direct setting tweaks with eyes on the scene - a must-have for professionals who rely on quick reflexes.

Conversely, the HZ30W's controls are minimalistic, emphasizing simplicity for casual users or beginners. It includes a control dial surrounding the shutter button for zooming but lacks the granular direct exposure control found on mirrorless or DSLR-style cameras. For those who want pure point-and-shoot ease without hassle, this is a plus; for photographers wanting immediate manual exposure adjustment, it’s a letdown.

The Olympus’s electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2.36 million dots and 0.74x magnification gives a crisp shooting preview, essential for bright conditions where LCD screens may wash out. The Samsung skips an EVF entirely, relying solely on its LCD, which can prove limiting under harsh light.

Overall, the Olympus interface is complex but efficient, catering to knowledge-seeking photographers, while the Samsung favors straightforward operation.

Sensor Specification and Its Impact on Image Quality

Here’s where the cameras fundamentally differ: the sensor size and technology.

The Olympus E-M5 II boasts a Four Thirds MOS sensor measuring 17.3×13 mm, with a resolution of 16 megapixels. The Samsung HZ30W employs a much smaller 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor sized 6.17×4.55 mm at 12 megapixels.

Because sensor size influences noise performance, dynamic range, color depth, and resolution, the Olympus cameras typically produce superior image quality, especially in challenging light.

Testing shows the E-M5 II provides a DxO Mark overall score of 73 (with 23.0 bits color depth and a dynamic range of 12.4 EV), which translates into rich color fidelity and excellent highlight retention. Low-light capabilities benefit from its native ISO starting at 200, expandable to 25,600, with usable results up to ISO 1,600 or even higher using noise reduction.

In contrast, the Samsung’s small sensor limits dynamic range and low-light performance dramatically. It caps native ISO at 3200 but gets noisy and loses tonal subtlety quickly as sensitivity rises.

For photographers who prioritize image quality - such as landscape, portrait, and professional work - the Olympus edge is unquestionable. The Samsung is better suited for casual daylight photography or situations where image quality compromises are acceptable in favor of extreme zoom reach.

Let’s Talk About the Display and Viewfinder

Shooting experience heavily depends on how you frame and review your shots.

The Olympus has a 3-inch fully articulated touchscreen at 1,037k dots, which gently balances sharpness and size, making it easy to compose at odd angles or take selfies. Touch autofocus and menu navigation streamline operation and add flexibility, such as touch-to-focus or touch shutter release.

Samsung’s HZ30W has a smaller and fixed 3-inch LCD with lower resolution at 230k dots, which feels dated next to modern displays. Without touch functionality, it uses physical buttons for menu access and focusing, making navigation slower and less intuitive.

The E-M5 II’s electronic viewfinder is a game-changer for many situations, offering 100% coverage, and a bright, lag-free preview. The HZ30W, lacking an EVF, forces reliance on the LCD alone, which restricts shooting in bright sunlight.

For anyone serious about composition accuracy or requiring screen flexibility - say, during macro or wildlife photography - Olympus clearly wins here.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: How Fast and Accurate?

Autofocus performance is critical, especially for fast-moving subjects and spontaneous moments.

The Olympus E-M5 II’s contrast-detection AF system integrates 81 focus points and supports face detection, continuous AF, and tracking modes. Although it lacks phase-detection pixels found in newer models, the TruePic VII processor ensures respectable autofocus speed and accuracy in well-lit conditions. Eye-detection AF helps nail sharp portraits, and the on-sensor 5-axis image stabilization aids in getting tack-sharp results hand-held.

The Samsung HZ30W uses contrast-detection AF with fewer focus points and no advanced subject tracking or face detection. Its AF speed is acceptable in daylight but slower and less reliable under low light or complex scenes.

Burst shooting is another dimension: Olympus can shoot at 10 fps with mechanical shutter (useful for sports or wildlife), while Samsung does not offer continuous high-speed shooting.

In my tests, Olympus’s autofocus is nimble and dependable enough for casual wildlife and sports, whereas Samsung is better suited to static or slowly moving subjects.

Diving Into Lens Systems and Versatility

An often overlooked advantage of system cameras like the Olympus E-M5 II is lens versatility.

The E-M5 II employs the Micro Four Thirds lens mount, granting access to over 100 native lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, and third parties. From fast prime lenses with f/1.2 apertures perfect for portraits, to rugged telephotos for wildlife, the ecosystem is mature and diverse. Lens interchangeability opens doors to creative control unavailable with fixed-lens cameras.

By contrast, the Samsung HZ30W features a fixed 24-360mm equivalent zoom lens with aperture ranging from f/3.2 at wide-angle to f/5.8 at telephoto. This superzoom offers impressive reach for travel snapshots and casual wildlife photos but sacrifices image brightness and creating creamy bokeh due to its slower aperture.

If you adore tinkering with different optics or want glass optimized for your style, Olympus’s system provides freedom and potential for growth. The Samsung is all-in-one, which will appeal if you prefer simplicity and minimal gear.

Ruggedness and Weather Sealing: Can They Survive the Field?

Adventure and outdoor shooters will want to consider durability.

The Olympus E-M5 II features a weather-sealed magnesium alloy body offering resistance to dust and splashes - a serious plus for landscape, travel, or macro photographers who often face changing conditions. While it’s not waterproof or crushproof, this sealing affords greater confidence when shooting outdoors.

Samsung’s HZ30W lacks any environmental sealing, and its plastic compact build isn’t intended for heavy rugged use or exposure to harsh weather.

If you pursue pro work in unpredictable environments, Olympus beats Samsung hands down here.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Battery endurance and file management can be deciding factors for long shoots.

The Olympus E-M5 II uses the BLN-1 rechargeable battery rated for approximately 310 shots per charge under CIPA standards. While not stellar compared to DSLRs, this is decent for a mirrorless system of its era, and extended battery packs are available. It supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards for ample storage options.

Samsung’s HZ30W lacks detailed official battery life figures, but users report around 200-300 shots per charge on a SLB-11A battery. It supports SD cards plus internal memory, though internal is limited and mainly for emergency storage.

In connectivity, Olympus offers built-in Wi-Fi for remote control and easy sharing - a strong advantage for modern workflows. Samsung has no wireless options but includes USB and HDMI ports for data transfer and external display.

Image Quality in Reality: Sample Shots and Genre Suitability

Testing image quality with practical shooting scenarios reveals strengths and limits of each camera.

Olympus E M5 II front Olympus E M5 II screen back Samsung HZ30W front Samsung HZ30W screen back

• Portraits: Olympus’s larger sensor and fast native lenses create beautifully smooth, natural skin tones and pleasant bokeh. Eye detection autofocus helps maintain sharpness on faces. Samsung’s portraits are acceptable in good light but prone to flatter color rendering and limited background blur.

• Landscapes: Olympus excels with higher resolution, dynamic range, and lens options for sharp, contrast-rich images. HZ30W’s sensor struggles with highlight retention and fine detail at base ISO, resulting in flatter and noisier landscapes.

• Wildlife & Sports: Olympus’s faster focus, higher frame rates, and tele-lens compatibility favor action photography. Samsung’s superzoom reach is tempting but slow AF and lesser burst make it tougher to capture fleeting wildlife or sports moments sharply.

• Street: Samsung’s compact size is discretion-friendly for candid shooting, especially in bright daylight. Olympus’s EVF and controls help craft precise exposure and focus, though its larger size can seem intrusive.

• Macro: Olympus’s lens ecosystem includes dedicated macro optics with close focusing, combined with 5-axis stabilization for hand-held sharpness. Samsung offers a 3 cm focus but limitations on lens quality and sensor size reduce detail.

• Night/Astro: Olympus’s higher ISO metal handling and longer shutter capabilities make night and astro shooting feasible - though limited by 16MP resolution. Samsung’s small sensor struggles with noise and has fewer exposure flexibility options.

• Video: Olympus records Full HD up to 60p with microphone input and stabilization, meeting most enthusiast and pro needs. Samsung is limited to 720p video with no external audio or microphone support, a clear drawback for serious videographers.

• Travel: Samsung wins in portability, zoom versatility, and instant readiness, ideal for travelers who want lightweight gear. Olympus is bulkier but versatile enough for diverse travel photography demands.

Technical Performance Scores and Ratings

Numbers and benchmarks often complement practical performance impressions.

The Olympus E-M5 II scores highly for image quality, dynamic range, color depth, and low light, underscoring its advanced sensor and processing technology. Its continuous shooting and autofocus responsiveness rate well too.

The Samsung HZ30W, lacking official DxO Mark data but rated in other reviews, is constrained by sensor size and older technology, which shows in below-average image quality metrics.

Looking across photographic disciplines, Olympus outperforms in almost all categories except for pure portability and superzoom reach, which Samsung leverages for casual point-and-shoot and travel scenarios.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Fits Your Vision?

After thorough testing and side-by-side evaluation, my recommendation boils down to your specific photographic needs, budget, and style.

• Choose Olympus OM-D E-M5 II if:

  • You want a true enthusiast-grade mirrorless camera with excellent image quality.
  • You value system lens flexibility for portraits, landscapes, macro, and wildlife.
  • You need a rugged, weather-sealed body for demanding conditions.
  • Video recording with decent stabilization and mic input is important.
  • You prefer physical controls, an EVF, and an articulated touchscreen.
  • Your budget accommodates a $700 initial investment plus lenses.

• Choose Samsung HZ30W if:

  • You seek an ultra-compact, pocketable camera with a huge 15x optical zoom.
  • Simplicity and ease of use matter more than image quality or manual control.
  • Portability trumps pro features and you don’t plan complex shooting.
  • Your budget is tight, near $280, and you want all-in-one convenience.
  • Low-light or video demands are minimal.

In summary, Olympus’s E-M5 II is a remarkably capable, versatile camera that punches well above its class for enthusiasts and professionals ready to grow a system. Samsung’s HZ30W is a no-fuss companion for casual photography that happens on the go.

I hope this deep dive clears up strengths and compromises between these two very different cameras. Choosing wisely means aligning gear to your creative goals - and I’m confident you can do just that here.

If you’d like, check out my detailed video review and sample galleries for both cameras to see them in action. Photography is a journey, and the right camera is your trusted companion.

Happy shooting!