Here is another example of the accelerating improvements in compact cameras – The Olympus SZ-30MR. Utilizing better optical sensor technology, optics improvements and enormous CPU power, the Olympus SZ-30MR comes crammed with features. And given the pressure from tablets and smartphones with their cameras, one can see why. Here is the the feature list:
Core camera features:
– 16 MPixel images and 1080P video recordings
– a whopping 25-600mm optical zoom range
– BSI-CMOS sensor delivers better images in low light or high contrast settings
– 9 frames/sec burst exposure mode
– dual image stabilizations operations
– 3 auto-focus modes plus macro, super-macro[1cm] settiings
– flash in 3 modes: auto geared to zoom setting, red eye reduction, fill-in flash
Several optional recording modes including:
– Intelligent auto mode adjusts ISO and focus for lighting conditions changes
– 3D mode captures two offset images for 3D playback
– panorama mode captures panoramic scene up to 360 degree sweep
– multi-mode captures video and still images at the sametime
– multi-mode with magic-filters captures 2 images both with and without user selected filters
– Pop Art, Pinhole, Fisheye, Drawing, Soft Focus, Punk, Sparkle, Watercolor are filter choices
Oodles of optional features:
– auto-face detection+tracking keeps subject in focus in video and burst mode
– beauty mode does simple face enhancements/corrections
– shadow light image enhancement
– eye-fi support for wifi delivery of images to PCs or Web
– in-camera browsing and editing of images
– helps is on-board so you you can how to adjust settings
– 30 scene modes for preset exposure settings
– self timer 2 or 12sec, or pet motion into scene
This is a very impressive list of features for a compact camera. The camera should be available by end of April and the price at $400US is competitive with other top notch compact cameras.
So far the only drawbacks prior to testing for image quality when the camera becomes available are two things. There is no manual mode settings so users can chose their shutter and aperture settings – useful for changing lighting conditions and creative work. The battery supports taking 200 images. In burst mode and multi-mode operation users could run out of power in a hurry – having an extra battery pack will be essential.
Bottom line, this is a must see camera when it becomes available and thePhotoFinishes shall offer a final test report then. And see what the arrival of camera enabled smartphones and tablets has done – forced the camera makers to offer new features that are hard to duplicate. The 25-600mm zoom and multi-mode operation immediately come to mind. In sum, watch for even better picture taking features like touch screen operation, remote control, GPS location+mapping, vastly improved image stabilization and sweep panorama shooting to come to compact as well as SLR cameras as camera-makers inevitably become more smartphone-like in defense of their markets.