I’ve used both the E-3 and E-30, and I found the E-3’s durability a huge plus for outdoor shoots, especially in tough weather. The E-30, though, impressed me with its flexibility and ease of use for everyday photography.
The Olympus E-3 and E-30 are two cameras that serve different needs. The E-3 is built for professionals with its tough design, while the E-30 is lighter and has extra features for hobbyists. Both cameras offer great performance but cater to different users.
E-3 or E-30 – Which Olympus camera suits you best? Whether you’re into outdoor photography or creative shots, we’ll help you understand the differences so you can make the right choice for your next camera purchase.
What are the main differences between the Olympus E-3 and E-30? – Explore the Differences!
The main differences between the Olympus E-3 and E-30 are in their design, build quality, sensor resolution, and features:
Sensor Resolution:
- The E-3 has a 10.1 MP sensor, which provides excellent image quality but is slightly lower in resolution compared to the E-30.
- The E-30 has a 12.3 MP sensor, offering higher resolution, which can result in more detailed images, especially when printing at large sizes or cropping.
Build and Durability:
- The E-3 has a more rugged design, featuring a magnesium alloy body with weather sealing, making it more durable and better suited for tough outdoor conditions.
- The E-30, on the other hand, has a more compact and lighter build, without the same level of weather sealing, making it less durable for extreme weather conditions.
Autofocus System:
- Both cameras feature 11 autofocus points, but the E-30 offers face detection and more advanced autofocus modes, which can improve focus accuracy for portrait and group shots.
- The E-3’s autofocus system is slightly faster due to its more professional-grade design, making it better for action or wildlife photography.
Creative Features:
- The E-30 includes several creative features, such as Olympus’s Art Filters (e.g., Pop Art, Grainy Film, etc.) that allow photographers to apply creative effects directly in-camera.
- The E-3 lacks these built-in creative filters, making the E-30 a more flexible option for photographers who enjoy experimenting with different looks.
Price and Target Audience:
- The E-3 is positioned as a more professional camera due to its durability and weather sealing, which makes it a better choice for demanding photographers.
- The E-30, while still a capable camera, is more affordable and aimed at enthusiasts who want high-quality images without needing professional-grade durability.
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Olympus E-3 vs. Olympus E-30 Key Features at a Glance – Compare Features!
To better grasp what diff E-3 and E-30, here’s a quick overview of their specifications:
| Feature | Olympus E-3 | Olympus E-30 |
| Sensor Resolution | 10.1 MP | 12.3 MP |
| ISO Range | 100-3200 | 100-3200 |
| Weather Sealing | Yes | No |
| Autofocus Points | 11 | 11 (with face detection) |
| Weight | 810g | 655g |
| Continuous Shooting | 5 fps | 5 fps |
| Build Material | Magnesium Alloy | Plastic with metal frame |
While the E-3 boasts a rugged build and weather sealing, the E-30 offers a slightly higher resolution and additional features tailored for creativity.
Real-World Applications of Olympus E-3 and E-30 – See How They Perform!
Portrait Photography
The E-30’s face detection and Art Filters provide versatility for capturing stunning portraits. However, the E-3’s better viewfinder magnification is advantageous for precise manual focusing.
Street Photography
With its lighter weight, the E-30 is easier to carry, making it a great choice for street photographers. However, the E-3’s durability may appeal to those seeking a more robust option.
Landscape Photography
The weather-sealed E-3 is ideal for shooting landscapes in challenging conditions. On the other hand, the E-30’s higher resolution ensures greater detail in scenic shots.
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Does the Olympus E-30 offer Better image Quality than the E-3? – Compare Image Quality!
The Olympus E-30 and E-3 both offer excellent image quality, but there are a few differences to consider:
- Image Sensor: Both cameras use a 4/3-inch live MOS sensor, so their base image quality is quite similar. However, the E-30 benefits from newer processing technology, which might give it a slight edge in terms of noise reduction and color accuracy, especially at higher ISO settings.
- Image Processing Engine: The E-30 features the newer TruePic III+ image processor, which provides better noise control and more vibrant colors compared to the E-3’s older TruePic III processor.
- Other factors: While both cameras deliver sharp, vibrant images, the E-30 may have a bit more flexibility in post-processing due to slightly improved dynamic range and lower noise performance.
Olympus E-3 vs E-30 – Quick Comparison!
| Feature | Olympus E-3 | Olympus E-30 |
| Sensor Resolution | 10.1 MP | 12.3 MP |
| ISO Range | 100-3200 | 100-3200 |
| Weather Sealing | Yes | No |
| Weight | 810g | 655g |
| Continuous Shooting | 5 fps | 5 fps |
| Build Material | Magnesium Alloy | Plastic with metal frame |
Autofocus Systems – E-3 vs E-30!
The autofocus systems of the Olympus E-3 and E-30 differ in several ways that can impact your shooting experience.
- E-3: Offers a faster and more reliable autofocus, especially in low light, thanks to its superior phase-detection system. It has an 11-point AF system, including cross-type points for better accuracy in varied lighting conditions.
- E-30: While also featuring 11 AF points, the E-30 focuses well but is slightly slower than the E-3 in low light and moving subjects. It has 9 cross-type points, offering flexibility for a variety of photography styles.
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Choosing the Right Olympus Camera – E-3 vs E-30!
Deciding between the Olympus E-3 and E-30? Here’s a simple comparison to help you choose:
Olympus E-3:
Best for experienced photographers who need a tough, durable camera. It’s built to handle challenging weather and environments. It’s heavier and costs more but offers faster autofocus and better build quality.
Olympus E-30:
Great for hobbyists or casual photographers who want a quality camera at a lower price. It’s smaller, lighter, and easy to use. While it doesn’t have the advanced features of the E-3, it still takes great photos.
Display Technology – E-3 vs E-30 Screen Quality!
Both the Olympus E-3 and E-30 have good screens, but they are a little different:
- E-3 Screen: The E-3 has a 2.5-inch screen with clear resolution. It’s tough and weather-resistant, making it good for outdoor shoots. However, the screen doesn’t move, so you can’t adjust it to different angles.
- E-30 Screen: The E-30 has a slightly bigger 2.7-inch screen with a higher resolution. It can tilt, which makes it easier to shoot from different angles. While not as rugged as the E-3’s screen, it offers more flexibility.
Which Olympus camera is better for beginners, the E-3 or the E-30? – Find Your Fit!
The Olympus E-30 is generally a better choice for beginners due to its user-friendly interface and more affordable price. It’s easy to handle, especially for those just starting out, and offers a simpler setup that doesn’t overwhelm new photographers.
The E-30 is also lighter and more compact compared to the E-3, making it more comfortable for beginners to use. While the E-3 has more advanced features, the E-30 provides enough flexibility to help newcomers learn and grow in their photography skills without the complexity of higher-end options.
How does the autofocus speed of the E-3 compare to the E-30? – Speed Comparison!
The autofocus speed of the Olympus E-3 and E-30 is quite similar, but the E-3 has a slight edge in terms of its overall performance. Here’s a breakdown of their autofocus features:
- E-3: The E-3 has a fast and accurate autofocus system with 11 autofocus points. It uses an advanced system known as the “Live MOS” sensor, allowing for better focus tracking, especially in action shots. This makes it more suitable for fast-moving subjects, such as sports photography.
- E-30: The E-30 also features a good autofocus system, but it has fewer autofocus points (11 points). While it still performs well in most scenarios, the autofocus system isn’t as fast as the E-3 in challenging or high-speed environments.
User Reviews – Olympus E-3 vs E-30!
The Olympus E-3 is liked for its tough build and weather-resistant features, making it perfect for outdoor shooting. Users enjoy its fast autofocus and great image quality, though some find it a bit heavy to carry around. The screen is good but not as clear or adjustable as newer models.
The Olympus E-30 is praised for being smaller and more affordable. It takes sharp 12.3-megapixel photos and has a flip-out screen, which many find useful. While its autofocus isn’t as quick as the E-3, it still works well for most users. It’s a good choice for those wanting a quality camera without spending too much.
FAQs:
Which camera is better for action photography, the E-3 or the E-30?
The Olympus E-3 is better for action photography due to its faster autofocus and more rugged design, which can handle tougher environments.
Does the Olympus E-30 have a touch screen?
No, the Olympus E-30 does not have a touch screen, but it has a high-quality flip-out LCD screen that makes it easier to take creative shots from different angles.
Which camera is better for video, the E-3 or the E-30?
While both cameras can shoot video, the Olympus E-30 provides better overall video quality with its advanced processing features compared to the E-3
Can I use the same lenses on the E-3 and E-30?
Yes, both the Olympus E-3 and E-30 are compatible with the same range of Olympus Four Thirds lenses, so you can switch lenses between the two without issues.
Is the Olympus E-3 more durable than the E-30?
Yes, the E-3 is more durable, offering better weather resistance and a stronger build, which is ideal for photographers who often shoot outdoors in tough conditions.
Conclusion:
The Olympus E-3 is built for professionals who need more durability, advanced features, and weather resistance. It’s ideal for those who often shoot in challenging environments. On the other hand, the E-30 is a more affordable option that still provides excellent performance for enthusiasts and hobbyists.
While it might not have all the ruggedness of the E-3, the E-30 offers great value for the price. Ultimately, your choice depends on your specific needs—whether you prioritize robustness or budget-friendly performance.
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