Olympus SZ-30MR review – Features

The new SZ-30MR is pitched as a multi-purpose compact well suited to a host of shooting situations, and as such is the perfect travel companion. The specification to back up such a claim is certainly strong – the model features a 16MP, 1/2.3in backlit CMOS sensor that also supports HD video capture at full 1080p resolution. Olympus’s Dual Engine TruePic III+ supports the aforementioned sensor and offers three eye-catching features -a Multi Recording mode which gives the camera its ‘MR’ label, as well as continuous shooting speed of up to 15fps in reduced resolution and 3D image capture, albeit of the lesser stereoscopic variety. The Multi Recording mode allows the photographer to shoot with different framing, different file sizes or with and without Magic Filters simultaneously, as well as supporting both stills and movie capture at the same time.

Another feature that will no doubt appeal to the travel photographer is the large focal range of the SZ-30MR. The model’s 24x optical zoom features a wide-angle of some 25mm, extending to 600mm in equivalent terms and featuring dual image stabilisation. Outside of these core features, the SZ-30MR offers a feature set suited to those looking to pick up and shoot. Alongside the Multi Recording shooting mode is an Intelligent Auto mode as well as a host of scene modes, whilst shutter and aperture priority are missing.