Want CNET to notify you of price drops and the latest stories?
X
CNET logo Why You Can Trust CNET

Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission. Reviews ethics statement

Photos: Olympus E-30

A tour of the design and features of the Olympus E-30.

33370266_DT1_440.jpg
1 of 5 Sarah Tew/CNET Networks

Rear controls

For the most part, the controls on the E-30 are pretty well laid out and easy to differentiate by feel. However, some people might find themselves tripping over the on/off switch when using the left and down navigation buttons. The programmable Fn button is useful, but rather than make the My Mode custom presets available via the mode dial or its Super Control Panel (the interactive back display), you have to assign it to the Fn button, which is frustrating if you prefer to operate with custom modes and something else assigned to the custom button.

33370266_DT2_440.jpg
2 of 5 Sarah Tew/CNET Networks

Button and dial combos

You select settings, such as metering and AF mode, via button/dial combinations. I prefer the direct switches, like those offered by Nikon and Sony, especially for metering.
33370266_DT3_440.jpg
3 of 5 Sarah Tew/CNET Networks

Camera front

On the camera grip is a sensor for an optional remote control. There's also an external flash connector on the top right front, which (disappointingly) uses a screw-in cover rather than a tethered rubber one.
33370266_DT4_440.jpg
4 of 5 Sarah Tew/CNET Networks

Status LCD

Olympus provides a full-size status LCD, which is very nice--especially since so many of the controls require viewing on either that LCD or the rear control panel while you scroll through the options.
33370266_DT5_440.jpg
5 of 5 Sarah Tew/CNET Networks

Mode dial

I'd gladly sacrifice some of those scene modes on the dial for access to custom settings.

More Galleries

Yamaha motorcycle and instrument designers trade jobs (pictures)
yamaha01.jpg

Yamaha motorcycle and instrument designers trade jobs (pictures)

16 Photos
CNET's 'Day of the Dead Devices' altar (pictures)
dia-de-los-muertos-3318-001.jpg

CNET's 'Day of the Dead Devices' altar (pictures)

9 Photos
2007 Los Angeles Auto Show: concept cars
conceptss01_440.jpg

2007 Los Angeles Auto Show: concept cars

14 Photos
Best sound bars under $300
polk-magnifi-mini-15.jpg

Best sound bars under $300

18 Photos
2018 Ford F-150 Power Stroke reports for diesel duty
2018 Ford F-150 diesel

2018 Ford F-150 Power Stroke reports for diesel duty

22 Photos
Music-friendly cell phone accessories

Music-friendly cell phone accessories

11 Photos
Cosplay at Comic-Con 2016: From Stormtroopers to Sansa Stark
dsc0515.jpg

Cosplay at Comic-Con 2016: From Stormtroopers to Sansa Stark

34 Photos