Olympus SZ-30MR: The Perfect Camera for All Your Photography Needs

The Olympus SZ-30MR is a top-notch camera that is both affordable and versatile. With its outstanding features and specifications, such as its impressive 16-megapixel resolution, 24x optical zoom, and dual image stabilization, this camera is ideal for anyone seeking professional-quality photos without breaking the bank.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Olympus SZ-30MR article cover photo

Key Features

Mar 02 2011

Announced

16 megapixels

Resolution

BrandOlympus
Sensor Type1/2.3-inch
SensorCMOS
Weight226g
MSRP$399USD

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Overview of the SZ-30MR

Between family gatherings, special events, or just everyday life, we all enjoy taking photos to capture memories that we can cherish for a lifetime. However, sometimes the photos we snap with our smartphones simply don't cut it. If you're looking for a camera that is both accessible and professional to meet your photography needs, then the Olympus SZ-30MR is the perfect choice for you. Keep reading to learn more about this fantastic camera and why it's worth investing in for your photography projects.

Olympus SZ-30MR Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Olympus SZ-30MR camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

High-resolution (16-megapixel)
Powerful zoom (24x)
Multi-recording mode (4:3, 16:9, and 3D)
Big, bright LCD screen
Fast autofocus
Dual image stabilization
Face detection
Low-light performance
Lots of creative filters
GPS tracking

Cons

No touchscreen
No manual controls
No RAW support
Average battery life
No hot shoe
No viewfinder
Mediocre video quality
Slow burst mode
Limited ISO range
Not the most user-friendly interface.

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Olympus SZ-30MR

Weather sealed
Dimensions106 x 69 x 40mm
Weight226g
Thickness40mm
Weight
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Max
Thickness
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Weather Sealing

The Olympus SZ-30MR is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution460k dots
Body typeCompact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 460k dots. This makes the Olympus SZ-30MR not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Olympus SZ-30MR does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the SZ-30MR camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Olympus SZ-30MR has a 16MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 16 pixels. Olympus SZ-30MR has a native ISO range of 80 - 3200 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Mar 02 2011

Announced

80 - 3200

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3-inch
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4608 x 3456 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Olympus SZ-30MR camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the SZ-30MR is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1/2.3-inch

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC
Battery Life220 shots
Battery ModelLI-50B
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Olympus SZ-30MR supports SD/SDHC/SDXC with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Olympus SZ-30MR uses the LI-50B model of battery pack. This is rated for 220 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Olympus SZ-30MR has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.

Shutter

The Olympus SZ-30MR boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/1700s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Olympus SZ-30MR includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with null number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Olympus SZ-30MR?

The Olympus SZ-30MR features a CMOS sensor

Is the Olympus SZ-30MR weather sealed?

No the SZ-30MR does not have weather sealing.

When was the Olympus SZ-30MR announced?

The Olympus SZ-30MR was announced on Mar 02 2011

Does the Olympus SZ-30MR have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the SZ-30MR does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Olympus SZ-30MR?

The SZ-30MR has a native ISO range of 80-3200, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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