Olympus E-P3 vs Panasonic TS30

Comparing the Olympus PEN E-P3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS30: Which Camera Fits Your Photography Style?

Choosing between two seemingly disparate cameras - the Olympus PEN E-P3, a classic entry-level mirrorless system camera, and the rugged Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS30, a compact waterproof shooter - might at first seem like comparing apples to oranges. But both have carved appealing niches since their release, and understanding their strengths and weaknesses across use cases can help you pinpoint which suits your photographic ambitions.

Having tested hundreds of cameras over 15 years, I’ve put these two through their paces across key criteria: image quality, autofocus, build, handling, and suitability for various photography styles. Let’s dive deep - from sensor specs to real-world shooting - unpacking everything you need to know to decide whether the E-P3 or TS30 earns a spot in your gear bag.

Touching, Feeling, and Holding: Design and Ergonomics

Physical handling often sets the tone for how you connect with a camera. The Olympus PEN E-P3 is a rangefinder-style mirrorless with a classic retro flair, designed for enthusiasts who appreciate manual control ergonomics in a compact body. The Panasonic TS30 is a no-nonsense rugged compact, built tough for adventure and easy point-and-shoot operation.

Physically, the E-P3 is noticeably larger and heavier at 369g versus the 142g TS30, measuring 122x69x34mm compared to 104x58x20mm. This difference is palpable in hand. The E-P3’s heft and grip give a reassuring heft that’s great for stable shooting and manual focus operation, while the TS30’s slim, pocketable form screams portability.

Handling-wise, the PEN E-P3 boasts a 3-inch OLED touchscreen, intuitive touch-to-focus, and physical dials for shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation. The TS30, in contrast, has a smaller 2.7-inch fixed LCD screen with no touch nor dedicated manual controls - everything boils down to menu navigation and simple buttons, ideal for quick snaps but limiting creative control.

If you like tactile dials and a serious grip for longer sessions, the E-P3 wins. For no-fuss, minimal handling in harsh environments, the TS30’s waterproof, shockproof, and freezeproof chassis can’t be beaten.

User Interface and Control Layout

A closer peek at controls reveals the user experience philosophy behind each camera.

The Olympus E-P3 carries forward the PEN line's penchant for an intuitive top plate: shutter speed dial mingles with a mode dial, custom buttons are programmable, and the touchscreen supplements traditional controls. This design invites learning and experimentation, with direct control over exposure triad and quick access to settings.

The TS30 strips complexity to the bare minimum - perfect for beginners who want to point and shoot with minimal fuss. No manual exposure options here; the camera relies on fully automatic scene modes and intelligent auto. Its buttons are straightforward but small, optimized for quick use with gloves - a nod to outdoor adventures.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Fundamentals

At the heart of image quality is the sensor, and here the cameras take very different approaches indicative of their categories.

The Olympus E-P3 sports a 12MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor, sized 17.3x13mm (about 225 mm²), considerably larger than the sensor in the Panasonic TS30, which uses a 16MP 1/2.3" CCD sensor measuring just 6.08x4.56mm (about 28 mm²).

This sensor size difference underpins several critical performance aspects:

• Image resolution and detail: Both produce roughly similar megapixel counts (12 vs 16MP), but larger sensor pixels in the E-P3 capture more light, delivering generally cleaner images and richer tonal gradations.

• Dynamic range: The E-P3 offers a superior dynamic range (~10.1 EV), enabling better highlight and shadow retention in challenging lighting. The TS30’s smaller sensor and CCD technology limit dynamic range, often resulting in clipped highlights or crushed shadows.

• Low-light performance and noise control: The E-P3’s larger pixel area and CMOS design provide a base ISO of 100 up to 12800, with usable high ISO images up to 1600-3200 depending on conditions. The TS30 maxes out at ISO 1600 with notable noise creeping in earlier.

Overall, the E-P3’s sensor technology, combined with Olympus’s TruePic VI processor, yields superior image quality, especially in diverse lighting conditions, whereas the TS30’s sensor is engineered for compactness and reliability rather than high-end image fidelity.

Autofocus Systems Put to the Test

Autofocus speed and accuracy can make or break your shooting experience, particularly in dynamic subjects such as wildlife or sports.

The Olympus E-P3 features a contrast-detection autofocus system with 35 focus points, face detection, continuous AF, tracking AF, and touch-based AF area selection via the screen. While not employing phase detection, in real-world use, I found the E-P3’s AF snappy for its generation, particularly in good light, but struggles mildly in low light or with fast motion.

The Panasonic TS30, relying on older contrast-detection AF with 23 focus points and face detection, performs adequately for casual shooting but feels sluggish and less precise compared to modern systems. Its AF hunting is pronounced indoors or in dim conditions.

Neither camera boasts advanced animal eye autofocus or phase detection, but if you want to capture a running dog or a sports event - the E-P3’s slightly better AF responsiveness and tracking give it a clear edge.

Build, Durability, and Weather Sealing

If you’re shooting in the rain or rough terrain, build quality and environmental resistance matter.

The Panasonic TS30 shines here with explicit waterproof (up to 8m), shockproof (up to 1.5m drops), and freezeproof (down to -10°C) ratings. This ruggedization lets you shoot worry-free when hiking, snorkeling, or in wet weather.

The Olympus E-P3, however, is not weather sealed and requires cautious handling outdoors. It does offer a built-in flash, but no weather resistance means dust and moisture can be a concern.

Build quality-wise, the E-P3’s metal body feels premium and sturdy, while the TS30’s plastic construction prioritizes impact resistance and sealing. So, for photographers seeking adventure-proof gear, the TS30 wins outright.

LCD and Viewfinding Experience

Visual feedback during framing and review is essential for photographer confidence.

The E-P3’s 3-inch OLED touchscreen with 614k dots is bright, sharp, and supports intuitive touch autofocus and menu navigation. It’s a pleasure for critical focusing and image review in daylight.

The TS30’s 2.7-inch LCD at 230k dots is dimmer and lower resolution, lacking touch functionality and requiring menu button navigation - adequate but uninspiring.

Neither model includes a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF). The E-P3 can optionally attach an external EVF, beneficial for bright conditions and precise manual focusing, while TS30 offers no EVF option.

Versatility of the Lens System vs Fixed Lens Constraints

Lens ecosystem breadth is a major factor for many photographers.

The Olympus E-P3 uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, opening access to over 100 native lenses - from ultra-wide primes to super-telephotos, and specialized macro optics. This versatility makes the E-P3 suitable across genres: portraits, landscapes, macro, wildlife, you name it.

The Panasonic TS30 has a fixed 25-100mm equiv. f/3.9-5.7 zoom lens - decent range for casual snapshots but no ability to swap lenses for specialized optics. Its macro focus distance of 5cm is decent for close-ups but limited in broader macro work.

If you enjoy exploring different focal lengths and experimenting with various lenses, the Olympus's system flexibility is a major plus.

Battery Life and Storage Convenience

Critical for travel and extended shooting.

The Olympus E-P3 uses the BLS-5 battery with a rated life of 330 shots - fair but not exceptional. The Panasonic TS30 offers about 250 shots per charge on a proprietary battery, slightly less but acceptable given its compactness.

Both use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with single slots, standard fare. The TS30 adds internal memory, useful in emergencies, while the E-P3 relies solely on cards.

Video Capabilities for Hybrid Shooters

Video is increasingly important. How do these cameras fare?

The Olympus E-P3 offers Full HD 1080p video at 60fps in AVCHD or Motion JPEG formats, with built-in sensor stabilization helping smooth out handheld footage. However, no microphone input limits sound quality options.

The Panasonic TS30 records HD 720p at 30 fps in MPEG-4 format, with optical image stabilization via its lens, but no external audio input either. Its video capabilities are basic, aimed at casual users.

For video-focused shooters wanting decent quality and resolution, the E-P3 is the preferred choice.

Performance Ratings and Real-World Output

To summarize their measured performance:

• Olympus E-P3 scores 51 on DxOmark, with respectable color depth and dynamic range for its class.
• Panasonic TS30 lacks DxOmark testing but generally underperforms relative to interchangeable lens cameras due to sensor and compression limits.

Specialized Photography Use Cases: Who Wins Where?

Let’s translate specs into photography genres.

• Portrait Photography: The E-P3’s lens options, better sensor, and face detection afford pleasing skin tones and shallow DOF bokeh; TS30’s small sensor and lens limit portrait quality.

• Landscape Photography: E-P3’s larger sensor, dynamic range, and lens flexibility yield superior detail; the TS30’s ruggedness helps in outdoor conditions but compromises image quality.

• Wildlife Photography: E-P3’s faster burst (3fps), superior AF, and telephoto lenses edge out; TS30’s fixed zoom is limited, plus slower continuous shooting.

• Sports Photography: E-P3 marginally better with AF tracking and faster shutter, but neither really optimized for fast action.

• Street Photography: Here the TS30’s compactness and ruggedness offer stealth and resilience; E-P3 is bigger but more versatile creatively.

• Macro Photography: Olympus's vast lens selection and stable sensor are unmatched; TS30 offers only close focusing.

• Night/Astro Photography: E-P3's higher ISO capabilities and manual controls shine; TS30 less capable due to sensor and exposure limits.

• Video: E-P3’s Full HD and stabilization are superior to TS30’s basic HD.

• Travel: TS30’s ruggedness and pocketability are winners for adventure travel; E-P3 offers creative flexibility if you’re willing to carry more gear.

• Professional Work: Olympus supports RAW files and integrates with workflows; TS30 does not offer RAW and is a casual snapshot tool.

Sample Image Gallery: Visual Proof

Take a look at comparative sample images from both cameras demonstrating their color rendition, sharpness, and noise characteristics.

Olympus E P3 front Olympus E P3 screen back Panasonic TS30 front

Notice how the E-P3 captures finer detail and smoother tonal transitions, while the TS30 shows more noise and less vibrant colors, especially in challenging light.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera is Right for You?

If you’re leaning towards a serious upgrade or dedicated interchangeable lens system with creative control, better image quality, and versatility for a range of genres - the Olympus PEN E-P3 remains a compelling option even a decade after launch. It balances classic handling with capable imaging in a compact form.

On the other hand, if your priorities include waterproofing, impact resistance, absolute simplicity, and portability for travel, snorkeling, or rugged outdoor shooting - the Panasonic Lumix TS30 is a trustworthy, affordable companion designed for fun, family, and rough conditions.

Recommendations by Photographer Type and Budget

• Photography enthusiasts and semi-pros wanting lens flexibility, manual control, and image quality: Olympus E-P3 is the pick.

• Casual shooters needing a tough, compact camera to take anywhere without worrying about conditions: Panasonic TS30 serves best.

• Travel adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts requiring waterproof and shockproof reliability: Panasonic TS30 wins.

• Portrait, landscape, or night photographers looking for better dynamic range and post-processing latitude: Olympus E-P3 scores higher.

• Videographers wanting full HD quality with image stabilization but not external audio controls: Olympus E-P3.

Given the E-P3’s original pricing as a system camera and the TS30’s budget-friendly waterproof niche, your choice also hinges on budget considerations and whether you want an upgrade path through the Micro Four Thirds ecosystem or a simple grab-and-go point-and-shoot.

In conclusion, while these cameras differ radically in design, purpose, and performance, understanding your primary shooting scenarios and priorities will guide you naturally towards the Olympus PEN E-P3’s creative flexibility or the Panasonic Lumix TS30’s rugged user-friendliness.

Whichever you pick, trust your hands-on experience and personal shooting style - that’s where the real magic happens.

Happy shooting!