Olympus Stylus 7030 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS30: A Hands-On Compact Camera Comparison

Choosing a compact camera in today’s market can be daunting, especially when cameras look similar on paper but deliver very different real-world experiences. We’ve spent considerable time with two budget-friendly, fixed-lens compacts: the Olympus Stylus 7030 (also known as Olympus mju 7030) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS30 (aka Lumix DMC-FT30). Both announced several years ago, these cameras aim to serve casual and enthusiast photographers seeking simplicity and convenience - but who has the edge for your photography needs? Let's dive deep.

Ergonomics and Design: Feel and Usability in Hand

Before even pressing the shutter, how a camera feels in your hand influences creativity and comfort over long shoots. Physically, they’re close in size - with the Olympus measuring 93x56x26 mm at 140 g, and the Panasonic a slightly larger 104x58x20 mm at 142 g.

• Olympus 7030 feels compact with a slightly boxier profile. Its body is minimalist, with a clean layout, making it easy to operate with one hand.
• Panasonic TS30 has a more ruggedized design with environmental sealing (waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof), which adds subtle texture and grip points.

Neither camera offers a viewfinder, so you'll rely fully on the rear LCD. Both feature 2.7-inch fixed screens with 230k-dot resolution, adequate but not exceptionally sharp - more on that later.

Looking at control placement:

• The Olympus uses a fairly standard compact camera button layout but lacks dedicated manual dials or extensive physical controls.
• The Panasonic offers similarly modest controls but includes an accessible mode dial for quick switching between shooting modes, plus its waterproof body makes it ideal for adventurous shooting conditions.

Ergonomically, if you value sturdiness and plan to shoot in rough or wet environments, Panasonic TS30 holds an advantage. If pocketability and straightforward operation matter more, Olympus 7030’s sleek shape appeals.

Sensor and Image Quality: What About the Images?

Compact cameras with small sensors often struggle to deliver standout image quality. Both cameras utilize a 1/2.3” CCD sensor measuring 6.08x4.56 mm, which is standard for their class but remains modest compared to modern mirrorless or DSLRs.

Resolution and ISO

• Olympus 7030 offers 14 MP resolution; Panasonic TS30 pushes it slightly to 16 MP.
• Both cameras have a maximum native ISO of 1600; however, Panasonic can boost ISO up to 6400, though image noise at these higher levels is significant.
• Minimum ISO starts at 64 for Olympus and 100 for Panasonic, giving Olympus a slight edge for bright-light, low-ISO shooting.

Image Processing

The Olympus processes images via the TruePic III engine and pairs that with sensor-shift stabilization to reduce blur. Panasonic uses optical image stabilization and their own JPEG processing engine but does not specify the processor model.

We found that Olympus’s sensor-shift stabilization is more effective in low light, helping maintain sharpness at slower shutter speeds. Panasonic’s optical stabilization also improves general handheld shooting stability but sometimes introduces minor focus hunting in dim conditions.

Color Rendition and Dynamic Range

Due to the CCD sensor technology, both cameras deliver punchy, vibrant colors with slightly elevated contrast. Skin tones on Olympus appear warmer and more natural, beneficial for portrait shots. Panasonic offers more balanced exposure with the help of custom white balance and white balance bracketing for fine-tuning.

Neither camera matches the dynamic range of larger sensor systems, so highlights may clip under bright sunlight, and shadows lose detail in contrasty scenes. For casual snapshots, this is acceptable, but you should expose carefully.

Engaging the Screen and Interface for Composing Shots

Neither camera offers a touch screen or an electronic viewfinder, so the rear LCD is critical.

Both use a 2.7-inch fixed display at 230k-dot resolution:

• The Olympus 7030 offers basic brightness adjustment and a straightforward, icon-driven UI. The menus are simple but somewhat dated, with no touch responsiveness.
• The Panasonic TS30 has additional functionality like white balance bracketing and a timer option accessible quickly on-screen but shares similar resolution and no touch input.

We recommend checking out each camera’s UI in person; Panasonic’s larger buttons in the menu and added shooting modes feel friendlier to beginners, while Olympus’s simpler interface may suit those who prefer minimalism.

Zoom Range and Optics: Lens Performance Across Uses

The Olympus 7030 features a 7x zoom (28–196 mm equivalent) with an aperture of f/3.0–5.9, offering considerable reach for a compact zoom.

The Panasonic TS30 sports a 4x zoom (25–100 mm equivalent) at f/3.9–5.7, shorter on reach but still versatile for everyday scenes.

Optical Quality

• Olympus’s longer zoom range enables better framing for landscapes and distant subjects, though image sharpness near 196 mm softens visibly.
• Panasonic’s shorter zoom maintains sharpness across the range, especially in the wide-angle areas.

Macro Focusing

• Olympus can focus extremely close at 2 cm, great for capturing fine details in still life or flower photography.
• Panasonic macro starts at 5 cm, still good, but less flexible for extreme close-ups.

For versatility in framing and shooting various genres, Olympus’s longer zoom and near-macro focusing support an array of compositions.

Autofocus Precision and Speed Under Real Conditions

Autofocus is critical for capturing decisive moments. Both feature contrast-detection autofocus but vary in sophistication:

• Olympus 7030 supports single autofocus with basic multi-area selection and no face or eye detection.
• Panasonic TS30 includes face detection and contrast-detection AF with 23 focus points and continuous autofocus for better tracking.

Panasonic’s continuous AF and face detection give it a clear advantage for shooting moving subjects or portraits. Olympus’s single AF is slower and sometimes hunts in low contrast scenes.

In wildlife or sports scenarios, Panasonic’s AF tracking combined with 1.3 fps burst mode (versus Olympus’s 1 fps) delivers more keeper shots.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speeds: Capturing Motion

Fast continuous shooting helps freeze action:

None are designed for high-speed shooting, but Panasonic offers a slight edge in burst speed. Olympus has a faster max shutter speed, useful in bright conditions or action.

Durability and Environmental Resistance: Ready for Adventures?

Olympus 7030 front Olympus 7030 screen back Panasonic TS30 front

Notably, Panasonic TS30 is ruggedized, waterproof up to 8 meters, shockproof, and freezeproof to -10°C. This makes it ideal for:

• Adventure travel
• Beach and pool shoots
• Outdoor sports in variable weather

Olympus 7030 lacks environmental sealing, limiting it to dry, protected shooting environments.

Video Capability: Casual Clips to Quick Movies

Both cameras provide video capture but differ in resolution and formats:

Panasonic’s HD video and moderate stabilization outperform Olympus’s VGA-quality video. Neither camera offers external microphone input or advanced video features, confirming their casual-use focus.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long and How Much?

• Panasonic TS30’s battery life is rated at approximately 250 shots per charge - typical for compact rugged cameras.
• No official battery life info for Olympus 7030, but user reports suggest similar or slightly lower endurance due to smaller battery capacity.
• Both use standard SD/SDHC storage cards, with Panasonic accepting SDXC for larger capacity cards, giving you more space for photos and video.

Connectivity and Sharing: Staying Connected?

Neither offers modern wireless options like Wi-Fi, NFC, or Bluetooth. You’ll transfer photos via USB 2.0 or by removing the SD card.

Detailed Comparison Summary Table

Real-World Photography Genres: Which Camera Excels Where?

Portrait Photography

Olympus 7030:

• Warmer skin tones and pleasing color reproduction
• Lacks face and eye detection AF, hindering fast portrait focusing
• Longer zoom helps for headshots

Panasonic TS30:

• Face detection autofocus aids in nailing focus on facial features
• Balanced exposure and white balance bracketing improve color accuracy
• Slightly shorter zoom limits framing options

Recommendation: Panasonic is better if you want more autofocus reliability for portraits; Olympus offers color nuances for static portraits in good light.

Landscape Photography

• Olympus’s 28 mm wide-angle and 7x zoom delivers more framing flexibility.
• Panasonic’s environmental sealing protects it on hiking trips and rough weather.
• Both share similar sensor limitations; shoot in RAW not supported on either.

Winner: Olympus for versatility, Panasonic for weather durability.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Panasonic’s faster AF, tracking, and burst shooting provide a slight edge.
• Olympus’s slower single AF and 1 fps limit capturing action.
• Neither camera has telephoto reach or quick continuous shooting needed for serious wildlife.

Winner: Panasonic, but consider a specialized camera for serious wildlife.

Street Photography

• Olympus’s compact body and simple control favor discreet shooting.
• Panasonic’s sturdier body suited for adventurous urban environments.
• Neither has silent shutter or viewfinder, which can be limiting.

Both good: Choose based on whether discretion or durability is your priority.

Macro Photography

• Olympus focuses as close as 2 cm - excellent for detail work.
• Panasonic closer limit is 5 cm - still capable but less flexible.

Night and Astro Photography

• Both cameras have limited ISO performance and sensor noise issues.
• Olympus’s sensor-shift image stabilization helps reduce blur at slower shutter speeds.
• Neither supports manual exposure modes or RAW capture.

Neither recommended for astro; better pick an advanced camera if night shooting is critical.

Video Recording

• Panasonic’s HD video capability versus Olympus’s VGA output is a clear advantage.
• Both lack advanced video features (mic input, 4K, etc.)

Travel Photography

• Panasonic’s ruggedness for adventure travel vs Olympus’s slim profile for light packing.
• Both similarly lightweight and easy to carry.

Professional Use

Neither camera suits professional workflow; both lack RAW support, have limited controls, and modest sensor capabilities.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

Both compact cameras reflect their era’s technology and are suited to casual photographers who want ease and some zoom capability in a pocketable form factor. Panasonic’s rugged features and better AF/video make it attractive to active users, while Olympus’s longer zoom and sensor-shift stabilization offer optical benefits for static shooting.

Your choice boils down to whether you value durability and video capabilities (go Panasonic) or zoom versatility and slightly better low-light stabilization (go Olympus). Neither is a powerhouse by current standards, but for under $200 used or new old stock, they represent compelling entry points to fixed-lens compact cameras.

Before buying, I highly recommend checking them out in person to test their handling and menus. Pair your camera with good SD cards and protective accessories fitting your lifestyle - whether it’s hikes, family gatherings, or urban exploration.

Happy shooting and enjoy uncovering photographic creativity with your new compact companion!

If you want to browse samples and technical details further, check out our side-by-side image gallery:

Olympus 7030 front Olympus 7030 screen back Panasonic TS30 front

Explore real-world samples from each camera to get a feel for their colors, sharpness, and noise performance across various subjects and lighting conditions.

Appendix: Specifications at a Glance

Selecting the right camera always depends on your personal shooting style and circumstances. We hope this comparison helps you find the best fit for your photographic journey. If you are looking for more advanced features, exploring mirrorless or DSLR options might be the next step.

Thank you for reading, and keep creating!