Olympus E-30 4/3 system Digital SLR

Finally a decent camera from Olympus!

Pluses

Bright prism (98%, 1/1 magnification - 1,02)

Image stabilization in camera body

Decent resolution (12 Mpix)

Metering system: 49 zones multipattern - choice of highligh or shadows spot - sound good

Movable videocam style LCD

Good announced shooting rate (5 fps)

Shadow adjustment - Olympus dynamic range optimiser seems limited to shadows brigthening

Built in level, live view, sonic anti-dust system etc.

Also can vary aspect ratios that include: 16:9, 3:2, 7:5, 4:3, 5:4, 6:5, 7:6, 7:5 and 6:6. This would be interesting if you can shoot the same picture in various formats.

Doesn't weight a ton (655g empty no battery)

Question marks:

Price tag - hope lower than competition , if not what's the point?

Movie mode - where is it ?

High ISO performance - if same sensor as Lumix G1 don't be too optimistic

Raw 14 bits ?

Not so convincing:

Multiple exposure (any camera from 40 years ago does that);

So called "art styles", not sure why this is number one marketing argument for Olympus. Ok like I am going to spend around 1000 $/Eur price to take pictures in low quality pinhole mode everyday...

Body is stated "Glass fibre reinforced plastics", humm... this doesn't sound as good as say... "Titanium".

Remarks

I actually like this camera looks and ergonomics.

It offer a lot of controls either directly through dedicated function buttons on the back or through the menu. Viewfinder and movable LCD are clear pluses. The body rigidity and solidity seem to have been sacrificed in the overall equation.

4/3 sensor is always going to be noiser than other sensors as it packs its pixels over a smaller surface. It is interesting in an approach that aims to achieve compactness and smaller lenses. The Lumix G1 carry this principle even further by adopting the micro 4/3 format. However, in a full blown SLR this may lead to compromises in terms of optical/mechanical facilities (prism, bayonet, shutter and chassis).

Therefore, if the image quality is not there, especially at higher ISOs, then one may wonder why choose this camera over similar or more capable ones from the Sony/Pentax/ikon/Canon competition.

The camera gives you access to a wide range of 4/3 system lenses, including a specially made Leica 25mm f1.4 auto focus. In addition via special adapter rings you can mount M42 screw lenses, old (but good!!!) Olympus Zuiko lenses, Pentax K, Leica R lenses and even Nikon AIS/AFD lenses - of course with limitations: no AF for sure, no metering and no infinite, depending on type of adapter ring, but you may actually benefit from image stabilisation which is in camera. Of course apply crop factor x2 - so great with tele lenses less with wideangles (20mm is a normal), but you will be using the center of the image which will provide better definition.

So the challenge for Olympus is to propose a well designed (although not as tought) body with a convincing image quality. If priced competitively, it may be a winner for Olympus if not maybe wait for a possible next generation E-40.