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Olympus SZ-30MR

 
Olympus SZ-30MR front
 
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 80 - 3200
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 25-600mm (F3.0-6.9) lens
  • 226g - 106 x 69 x 40mm
  • Launched March 2011
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
89
Imaging
39
Features
39
Overall
39

Olympus SZ-30MR summary

Olympus SZ-30MR is Olympus's Small Sensor Superzoom digital camera first released on March of 2011. The camera has got a 16MP, CMOS 1/2.3" size sensor with a full resolution of 4608 x 3456.

The SZ-30MR comes in at #145 out of 244 in Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and overall #738 out of 1465 for digital cameras in our collection. Please test our Smart camera search to get camera listings based on your custom requirements.

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The following is a graph of different factors used in the rating system.

Olympus SZ-30MR history

The Olympus SZ-30MR comes with a history of related digital cameras. Here, you can take a look at all earlier and new models as well as important specifications.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Olympus-Stylus-SH-3 front thumbnailOlympus SH-3
SZ-30MR vs SH-3
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2016
Olympus-Stylus-SH-2 front thumbnailOlympus SH-2
SZ-30MR vs SH-2
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2015
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Olympus-Stylus-SH-1 front thumbnailOlympus SH-1
SZ-30MR vs SH-1
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2014
Olympus-Stylus-SP-100 front thumbnailOlympus SP-100
SZ-30MR vs SP-100
24-1200mm
F2.9-6.5
16MP1/2.3"2014
Olympus-SZ-15 front thumbnailOlympus SZ-15
SZ-30MR vs SZ-15
23-483mm
F2.8-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Olympus-SH-50 front thumbnailOlympus SH-50
SZ-30MR vs SH-50
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
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Olympus-SZ-16-iHS front thumbnailOlympus SZ-16 iHS
SZ-30MR vs SZ-16 iHS
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Olympus-Stylus-SP-820UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-820UZ
SZ-30MR vs SP-820UZ
22-896mm
F3.4-5.7
14MP1/2.3"2012
Olympus-SZ-31MR-iHS front thumbnailOlympus SZ-31MR iHS
SZ-30MR vs SZ-31MR iHS
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2012
Olympus-SP-620-UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-620 UZ
SZ-30MR vs SP-620 UZ
25-525mm
F3.1-5.8
16MP1/2.3"2012
Olympus-SZ-12 front thumbnailOlympus SZ-12
SZ-30MR vs SZ-12
25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
14MP1/2.3"2012
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Olympus-SZ-11 front thumbnailOlympus SZ-11
SZ-30MR vs SZ-11
25-500mm
F3.0-6.9
14MP1/2.3"2011
Olympus-SP-810-UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-810 UZ
SZ-30MR vs SP-810 UZ
24-864mm
F2.9-5.7
14MP1/2.3"2011
Olympus-SZ-30MR front thumbnailOlympus SZ-30MR25-600mm
F3.0-6.9
16MP1/2.3"2011
Olympus-SZ-10 front thumbnailOlympus SZ-10
SZ-30MR vs SZ-10
28-504mm
F3.1-4.4
14MP1/2.3"2011
Olympus-SP-610UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-610UZ
SZ-30MR vs SP-610UZ
28-616mm
F3.3-5.7
14MP1/2.3"2011
Olympus-SP-600-UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-600 UZ
SZ-30MR vs SP-600 UZ
28-420mm
F3.5-5.4
12MP1/2.3"2010
Olympus-SP-800-UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-800 UZ
SZ-30MR vs SP-800 UZ
28-840mm
F2.8-5.6
14MP1/2.3"2010
Olympus-SP-565UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-565UZ
SZ-30MR vs SP-565UZ
26-520mm
F2.8-4.5
10MP1/2.3"2009
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Olympus-SP-590-UZ front thumbnailOlympus SP-590 UZ
SZ-30MR vs SP-590 UZ
26-676mm
F2.8-5.0
12MP1/2.3"2009

Olympus SZ-30MR Pros and Cons

Here is a list of positives and negatives of the Olympus SZ-30MR based on features which are typically regarded as useful in a digital camera.

decent sensor resolution (16MP)
flash built-in
good minimum ISO (80)
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
includes HDMI support
lighter than competition (226g)
long zoom range (25-600mm 24.0 x zoom)
offers face detect focus
offers tracking focus
really wide (25mm)
screen size is good (3")
very long zoom (600mm)
video resolution high (1920 x 1080 pixels)
can't use external flash
cannot switch lenses (fixed lens mount)
does not feature selfie friendly screen
fixed screen
lack of shutter priority mode
missing headphone jack
missing mic jack
missing Time Lapse function
no aperture priority
no manual control
no manual focus
no phase detect auto focus
no RAW format
screen has low resolution (460 thousand dot)
sluggish at full zoom (f6.9)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.0)
terrible battery life (220 shots)
very slow continuous shooting (2.0 fps)
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
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Olympus SZ-30MR Sensor features

The Olympus SZ-30MR houses the TruePic III+ chip. The sensor measurement in the Olympus SZ-30MR is 6.17mm x 4.55mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor has the capability to capture 4608 x 3456 pixels with aspect ratios of 4:3 and 16:9. The camera includes Image Stabilization (Sensor-shift). In body stabilization is superior than digital stabilization as the latter may produce cropping.

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The CMOS sensor boasts 16MP and provides a standard ISO range of 80 - 3200. Sadly, RAW files are not saved which means that you have less margin for error.

The image underneath shows the SZ-30MR's sensor size compared to other popular sizes. The SZ-30MR sensor comes with a crop factor of 5.8 and is pointed out in green.

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To get a sense of various aspect ratios, you should refer to the graphic below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Olympus SZ-30MR dimensions

Olympus SZ-30MR weighs 0.50 pounds (226 gr / 7.97 ounces) and the size of the camera is 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6"). The weight of average Small Sensor Superzoom camera is 387 gr so the Olympus SZ-30MR is less heavy compared to its competitors.

Photography Glossary

Down below is a image of the Olympus SZ-30MR besides a soda so you're able to have a feel for its size.

Olympus SZ-30MR dimensions scale

The top view underneath will illustrate the button layout on the SZ-30MR.

Olympus SZ-30MR topview buttons dials

Olympus SZ-30MR Lens features

The SZ-30MR includes a built in lens giving a focal range of 25-600mm giving it a 24.0 x zoom which is huge and can make it easier to zoom all the way in.

At it's widest 25mm, the lens offers an aperture of f3.0 which will be very sluggish and not ideal in low light situations and you may find it difficult to capture a shallow depth of field. You might also need to up your ISO causing noisy images. At the long end, 600mm is amazing zoom and comes to f6.9 making it pretty sluggish and you will have to go with slower shutter speeds.

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Olympus SZ-30MR Connectivity

The SZ-30MR has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • Wireless Yes
  • HDMI Yes

Digital cameras that incorporate NFC or Bluetooth compatibility are able to be controlled wirelessly with smartphones. You can easily copy files and in some cases adjust settings without the hassle of connecting straight with the camera.

Many apps also provide a Liveview and release the shutter whenever you are not close to the camera. If the camera has a HDMI out, it can easily be hooked up to an external display. A lot of cameras enable you to charge the battery pack using the USB port.

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Olympus SZ-30MR Video features

The highest possible video quality in the Olympus SZ-30MR is 1920 x 1080 and it can save in MPEG-4 file format. 1080p quality gives a great balance in video quality and file size but 1080p won't leave you with much room to crop. The body does not offer a mic or headphone jack which means you have got zero control over your audio. It is probably a better idea to purchase an alternative model in case you need good audio in your videos.

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Olympus SZ-30MR Weather Sealing

There is no environment proofing on the Olympus SZ-30MR so you have to be careful in wet or dusty conditions.

Olympus SZ-30MR Screen and Viewfinder

The Olympus SZ-30MR has got a 3 inch fixed display screen with a resolution of 460 thousand dots.

Sadly the display screen isn't a touch screen.

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The ViewFinder specifications regarding Olympus SZ-30MR are below:

  • ViewFinder None

In those sunny outdoor conditions that make the camera displays washed out and challenging to view, viewfinders are quite helpful.

Olympus SZ-30MR Shutter features

Olympus SZ-30MR has the capability to shoot continuously at 2.0 fps. The max shutter speed is 1/1700 seconds.

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Olympus SZ-30MR Flash and Hot shoe features

Olympus SZ-30MR includes just integrated flash lacking external flash support.

Olympus SZ-30MR Autofocus features

Olympus SZ-30MR includes only Contrast Detect AF and is missing Phase Detect AF. Phase Detection autofocusing is a lot faster & accurate compared to Contrast Detect autofocusing. The camera has got Face detection which can be helpful for portraits.

It also includes Tracking AF for objects on the move. Olympus SZ-30MR has no manual focus. Manual focus is good in low light situations or you want more exact control on focus.

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Olympus SZ-30MR Battery life

The battery life (LI-50B) on the Olympus SZ-30MR is fashioned to last for 220 images according to the CIPA benchmarks which is less as compared to its rivals. The average Small Sensor Superzoom camera battery life is 316. Fujifilm HS35EXR features the best (600) battery life in this kind of cameras.

Underneath is a collection of Small Sensor Superzoom cameras with the best battery life:

Olympus SZ-30MR for different styles of photography

The following bar chart presents a rundown of the Olympus SZ-30MR for different styles of photography. To find out more, check out the specific section underneath.

Olympus SZ-30MR Portrait photography details

The Olympus SZ-30MR has a points tally of 34 which is terrible, and means the camera is not appropriate for portraits. Taking portraits leans greatly towards sensor dimensions, support for RAW photos together with the option to use external lighting.

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megapixel count good (16MP)
includes face detect focus
lack of manual focus
manual exposure not available
can't use external flash
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
no RAW files

Olympus SZ-30MR Street photography factors

Getting a decent score of 60, the Olympus SZ-30MR is reasonably adequate to use in street photography. A decent street photography camera features a perfect balance of image quality and portability.

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has image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
lighter than competition (226 grams)
screen does not articulate
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
does not have RAW support

Olympus SZ-30MR Sports photography info

A terrible sports photography score of 41 means the Olympus SZ-30MR is not appropriate for shooting sports. A camera really should have good focusing and fast shutter speeds for sports photography.

Photography Glossary
excellent zoom range (25-600mm 24.0 x zoom)
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
good MP (16 megapixels)
provides tracking autofocus
max frames per second very slow (2.0 frames per second)
no shutter priority mode
small sensor size (1/2.3")
bad battery power (220 CIPA)
no phase detect auto focus

Olympus SZ-30MR Travel photography features

Size is super important in choosing a travel camera. In general, the Olympus SZ-30MR gets a very good 65 for a travel camera which makes it a respectable option to take with you on your travels.

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lighter than average in class (226 grams)
MP count good (16MP)
flash built-in
relatively wide (25mm)
long zoom (600mm)
missing Time Lapse mode
bad battery pack (220 shots)
does not contain selfie friendly display
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.0)

Olympus SZ-30MR Landscape photography info

When you're looking to purchase a camera for landscape photographs, the biggest aspect will be image quality. The Olympus SZ-30MR and it's terrible score of 41 as a landscape camera is not appropriate among it's rivals.

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fairly wide (25mm)
good sized screen (3 inches)
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
resolution is good (16 megapixels)
no manual focus
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.0)
no manual control
very small sensor (1/2.3")
does not have RAW files
terrible battery pack (220 per charge)
doesn't have Timelapse recording

Olympus SZ-30MR Vlogging highlights

A camera for vlogging really should come with a moving screen, mic port and preferably image stabilization. Taking everything into account, the Olympus SZ-30MR is not appropriate for vlogging as it comes to a terrible rating of 34.

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reasonably wide (25mm)
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
includes face detect focus
high res video (1920 x 1080 resolution)
lighter than competitors (226g)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.0)
screen is not selfie friendly
missing mic jack

Olympus SZ-30MR Alternatives

If you are searching for alternatives to the SZ-30MR, here is a number of the highest ranked cameras that fall under the category of Small Sensor Superzoom.

The diagram just below gives you a bird's eye view of the SZ-30MR vs it's highest rated competitors mentioned above.

Here are a handful of other cameras you may consider as alternatives. To check out a detailed comparison, just click on the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Manufacturer
Olympus
Model
Olympus SZ-30MR
Type
Small Sensor Superzoom
Launched
2011-03-02
Body design
Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CMOS
Processor
TruePic III+
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions
6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area
28.1mm²
Sensor resolution
16MP
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio
4:3 and 16:9
Highest Possible resolution
4608 x 3456
RAW images
Maximum native ISO
3200
Lowest native ISO
80
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Autofocus touch
Autofocus continuous
Autofocus single
Autofocus tracking
Selective autofocus
Center weighted autofocus
Multi area autofocus
Autofocus live view
Face detection focus
Contract detection focus
Phase detection focus
Cross focus points
0
Lens
Lens mounting type
fixed lens
Lens focal range
25-600mm (24.0x)
Largest aperture
f/3.0-6.9
Macro focus range
1cm
Focal length multiplier
5.8
Screen
Range of screen
Fixed Type
Screen diagonal
3"
Screen resolution
460 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch display
Screen technology
TFT Hypercrystal III Color LCD
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
None
DXO scores
DXO Overall score
not tested
DXO Color Depth score
not tested
DXO Dynamic range score
not tested
DXO Low light score
not tested
Features
Minimum shutter speed
4 seconds
Fastest shutter speed
1/1700 seconds
Continuous shutter speed
2.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash range
4.00 m
Flash modes
Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in
Hot shoe
AE bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Supported video resolutions
1920 x 1080 (30 fps)1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 180 (30fps)
Maximum video resolution
1920x1080
Video file format
MPEG-4
Mic input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless
Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight
226 grams (0.50 lb)
Dimensions
106 x 69 x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6")
Other
Battery life
220 shots
Style of battery
Battery Pack
Battery model
LI-50B
Self timer
Yes (2 or 12 sec)
Time lapse recording
Storage media
SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage slots
One
Launch cost
$279