Olympus E-30

	Olympus E-30 versus Nikon D90 Comparison Summary
• The D90 is considerably less expensive for much better performance at the same resolution • D90 has a video mode, which the • E-30 has better shutter and burst speeds, and an articulated but lower-resolution LCD
	Speed and Timing	Page 14 of 19	Canon 50D Comparison

	Comparison Specifications
	Olympus E-30	Nikon D90
Price	$1299.99 (body only)	$999 (body only)
Dimensions	5.6 in/141.5 mm (W) x 4.23 in/107.5mm (H) x 2.95 in/75 mm (D), 23.1 oz/655g	5.2 x 4.1 x 3.0 in./132 x 103 x 77mm 22 oz./ 620g
Resolution	12.3-megapixels	12.3-megapixels
Processor	TruePic III+ Image Processor	EXPEED
Sensor size/type	Four Thirds, 17.3 mm (H) x 13.0 mm (V)	15.8 x 23.6mm CMOS
Kit Lens	No	AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
Viewfinder	98% field of view, 1.02x magnification	.094x magnification, 96% coverage
LCD	230,000 pixel, 2.7 inch articulated LCD	Super density, 3 inch, 920,000 pixels
Live View	Manual focus Autofocus: High speed imager AF, Phase-difference detection AF	Manual focus Autofocus: Face-priority, wide area, normal area
Shutter Speed	60 - 1/8000 sec, bulb up to 30 minutes	1/4000 to 30 sec., bulb
Burst Speed	1-5 frames per second	Max. approx. 4.5 shots/sec.
Autofocus	TTL phase-difference detection system, 11 points	11 focus points (including 1 cross-type sensor)
Exposure Compensation	±5 EV in 1/3, 1/2, 1 EV steps	±5EV
Noise Reduction	High ISO (three levels), Long Exposure	High ISO (three levels), Long Exposure
ISO range	ISO 100-3200 in 1/3 or 1 EV	ISO 200-3200 (in 1/3, 1/2 or 1-stop increments), expandable to ISO 100-6400 equivalent
Flash	Retractable flash, GN=18 @ISO200, (GN=13 @ISO 100.m)	Retractable, auto pop-up flash
Media Format	JPEG, RAW	Still: JPEG, RAW (12-bit NEFl) RAW+JPEG Video: AVI
Movie Mode	No	Yes
Media Type	CF (UDMA compatible), xD	SD memory card, SDHC memory card
Connections	Proprietary USB, DC in	HDMI NTSC Hi-speed USB
Other Hardware	No	No

Performance
Apart from resolution and burst speed (and that only barely), the D90 is the superior camera hands down. The Nikon runs circles around the Olympus, especially in long exposure and dynamic range. It's worth noting, though, that we don't have image stabilization test results for the D90, and the Olympus scored very well in that test. The D90 is one of the few SLRs available that offers video, and while it's not exactly amazing quality, it's still a worthwhile feature.

Components
The two cameras are more or less on-par in terms of hardware. The Nikon has a higher-quality LCD screen, but the Olympus display is articulated to allow greater shooting flexibility. The E-30 also has a better Live View system, and an overall faster autofocus system. Of course, the big components area where the Nikon pulls ahead is in the substantially larger image sensor, which helps keep noise levels down and dynamic range up. The D90 uses SDHC cards where the E-30 can take CF; the latter has a faster maximum transfer rate.

Handling
Both the Olympus and Nikon are alike in size, shape and weight. The button layout on the D90 feels slightly better, but that's very much up to personal preference. Both cameras feel well made and balanced, and have a good heft to them. We prefer the Nikon's menu system, partly due to the higher resolution screen, but both are perfectly usable.

Controls
The Nikon D90 and Olympus E-30 have a similar degree of control, with a wide range of options. Both have the same level of exposure compensation, similar autofocus systems and burst rates. The E-30 has a better range of speeds for continuous shooting, and wider range of shutter speeds, but the Nikon can extend its ISO range up to 6400 for lower light performance.

	ISO Examples
	Olympus E-30	Nikon D90
ISO 100
	Olympus E-30	Nikon D90
ISO 200
	Olympus E-30	Nikon D90
ISO 400
	Olympus E-30	Nikon D90
ISO 800
	Olympus E-30	Nikon D90
ISO 1600
	Olympus E-30	Nikon D90
ISO 3200
	Olympus E-30	Nikon D90
ISO 6400	Not Available

This section of the review was updated with revised results and scores on July 15, 2009. These changes did not affect the relative ratings of the reviewed cameras.

Speed & Timing	Page 13 of 18		Canon 50D Comparison
Olympus E-30 Digital Camera Review Navigation
Intro	Product Tour	Color	Noise
Resolution	White Balance	Sample Photos	Playback
Hardware	Controls	Design & Handling	Speed & Timing
Nikon D90 Comparison	Canon 50D Comparison	Canon Rebel XS Comp	Pentax K2000 Comparison
Conclusion	Specs & Ratings