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Technical Details
- Brand Name: Olympus
- Model: 228825
- Optical Sensor Resolution: 16 MP
- Optical Sensor Technology: CMOS
- Optical zoom: 24 x
Product Details
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Product Description
Enjoy superb image quality in an ultra-compact, lightweight body with amazing features like a 16MP CMOS sensor for high-quality images with less noise, 7fps High-Speed Continuous Shooting, and Hand-Held Starlight mode for high performance in low light. Plus, capture full 16MP resolution stills & 1080p HD movies simultaneously - you won't miss a single moment.
Available Warranties for This Item
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
51 of 51 people found the following review helpful
Amazon Verified Purchase
Update 8-21-2011
I found the youtube feature on the video settings. It offers different video quality settings and some optimized ofr youtube. ALso, the burst feature is amazin, yesterday I tok a burst of 35 photos in the space of 5 seconds! Amazing.....
First off, I own several "digital" cameras and have also previously had a few long zoom cameras.I don't like "big" cameras because I don't like lugging them around. So when I have owned long zoom cameras in the past, though I have liked them, tended to not use them much because I didn't like carrying them around, thus always ended up selling them.
I have been keeping an eye out for a small point and shoot with a 20+ optical zoom and stumbled upon this one by chance on the Olympus web-site.
I was impressed by what I saw, read a few reviews and ordered it off amazon.com (of course!) and received it the very next day. Right out of the box, the quality of the build stood out, it was also well laid out and I was delighted to find the battery was almost fully charged.
I headed over to a nearby park and snapped off some photos and a few video clips.
The quality of the photos and video were excellent, I used some of the "magic" settings which are special effects, I usually dismiss these types of effects as gimmicks but found some of them to be impressive.
Pluses
The photos have really nice colors and look very life-like (which is what a camera should be capable of!)
The zoom is quiet and smooth
Zoom works with HD and sound (the SP800UZ did not and went straight back!)
You can take photos while shooting HD video (though not sure yet where it saves them)
It can shoot HD video and say, 480 x 640 video (great for youtube etc or emailing) at the same time which is very impressive.
Super Panoramic mode, best I have seen yet.
It has a lot of features, easy for beginners
Takes 3D photos (didn't realize it could until I got it...more icing on the cake lol
Minuses
No Printed manual,you really need one for this camera, even though it is easy for beginners, some features are pretty advanced.
All the promotional material keep saying YOUTUBE! yet so far I have not found any feature directly related to it (if you have please post a comment)
This is a very well built camera, meant to last with some features that are very advanced. If you are looking for a long zoom, with HD video capability and good quality prints, this is for you, the icing on the cake is all the other amazing features you get! I have taken a few pic's in 3D but have not done anything with them. I will do an update when I have used the camera a bit more. Oh and I love the gunmetal gray color!
For such a small camera, I am very impressed!
I found the youtube feature on the video settings. It offers different video quality settings and some optimized ofr youtube. ALso, the burst feature is amazin, yesterday I tok a burst of 35 photos in the space of 5 seconds! Amazing.....
First off, I own several "digital" cameras and have also previously had a few long zoom cameras.I don't like "big" cameras because I don't like lugging them around. So when I have owned long zoom cameras in the past, though I have liked them, tended to not use them much because I didn't like carrying them around, thus always ended up selling them.
I have been keeping an eye out for a small point and shoot with a 20+ optical zoom and stumbled upon this one by chance on the Olympus web-site.
I was impressed by what I saw, read a few reviews and ordered it off amazon.com (of course!) and received it the very next day. Right out of the box, the quality of the build stood out, it was also well laid out and I was delighted to find the battery was almost fully charged.
I headed over to a nearby park and snapped off some photos and a few video clips.
The quality of the photos and video were excellent, I used some of the "magic" settings which are special effects, I usually dismiss these types of effects as gimmicks but found some of them to be impressive.
Pluses
The photos have really nice colors and look very life-like (which is what a camera should be capable of!)
The zoom is quiet and smooth
Zoom works with HD and sound (the SP800UZ did not and went straight back!)
You can take photos while shooting HD video (though not sure yet where it saves them)
It can shoot HD video and say, 480 x 640 video (great for youtube etc or emailing) at the same time which is very impressive.
Super Panoramic mode, best I have seen yet.
It has a lot of features, easy for beginners
Takes 3D photos (didn't realize it could until I got it...more icing on the cake lol
Minuses
No Printed manual,you really need one for this camera, even though it is easy for beginners, some features are pretty advanced.
All the promotional material keep saying YOUTUBE! yet so far I have not found any feature directly related to it (if you have please post a comment)
This is a very well built camera, meant to last with some features that are very advanced. If you are looking for a long zoom, with HD video capability and good quality prints, this is for you, the icing on the cake is all the other amazing features you get! I have taken a few pic's in 3D but have not done anything with them. I will do an update when I have used the camera a bit more. Oh and I love the gunmetal gray color!
For such a small camera, I am very impressed!
36 of 37 people found the following review helpful
By John
Amazon Verified Purchase
I have had this camera for about a week now and so far I am very satisfied. I got this camera because I don't like caring around my digital camera for photos and my HD Camcorder for video. While this is in no way a complete replacement for my Digital SLR and my HD Camcorder, it does the job well quite well and is well worth having an all in one in my pocket. I will still use my stand alone devices for those planned events when I want the very best. For general day to day shots of family and fun times it is perfect and at a fair price.
PROS:
You can operate the zoom while shooting video. Not all cameras do this.
You can take full res snap shots while recording video. Again, the Multi-Recording is why I bought this.
You can shoot multi sized photos or videos simultaneously. This is great for a having a lower res copy ready for upload instantly.
The zoom is 24x optical and it fits in my pocket. The speed of the glass is very good considering the focal range of this unit.
You can capture about 29 minutes continuos video at full 1080 (4GB limit on file size for SD cards)
I was concerned about not having a view finder, but so far I can see the display well enough in daylight.
CONS
The noise of the zoom and auto-focus motor is picked up when recording video, not very noticeable when there are other sounds being recorded, but very noticeable when there's relative silence.(my old canon camera produced a constant high pitch whine throughout all videos. This is only when zooming and focus and less noticable.(Again, this is not a true replcement for a dedicated camcorder.)
There seems to be a 2 snapshot limit of still pics while recording video. I'm not certain if that is a setting I can change or what the deal is. Even if it is just 2, that's workable for me. I would typically be taking stills and then decide to have video as well, which this camera makes effortless to do. There's a dedicated record button and off you go.
Some pics will have "soft" details when viewed close up at full res. This is fairly common though on most point and shoots. (Again, not a true replacement of high DSLR) However, most shots can have nice sharp detail when you take some time to properly compose the shot.
Maybe this is just me, but I always think that if something feels heavy it's built better. This feels too light in that regard, but like I said, maybe that's just me. :)
I highly reccomend this for the reasons and purpose that I have stated using it for. All cameras have some drawbacks, but none of those I listed prohibit me from reccomending it. They are relatively minor considering.
PROS:
You can operate the zoom while shooting video. Not all cameras do this.
You can take full res snap shots while recording video. Again, the Multi-Recording is why I bought this.
You can shoot multi sized photos or videos simultaneously. This is great for a having a lower res copy ready for upload instantly.
The zoom is 24x optical and it fits in my pocket. The speed of the glass is very good considering the focal range of this unit.
You can capture about 29 minutes continuos video at full 1080 (4GB limit on file size for SD cards)
I was concerned about not having a view finder, but so far I can see the display well enough in daylight.
CONS
The noise of the zoom and auto-focus motor is picked up when recording video, not very noticeable when there are other sounds being recorded, but very noticeable when there's relative silence.(my old canon camera produced a constant high pitch whine throughout all videos. This is only when zooming and focus and less noticable.(Again, this is not a true replcement for a dedicated camcorder.)
There seems to be a 2 snapshot limit of still pics while recording video. I'm not certain if that is a setting I can change or what the deal is. Even if it is just 2, that's workable for me. I would typically be taking stills and then decide to have video as well, which this camera makes effortless to do. There's a dedicated record button and off you go.
Some pics will have "soft" details when viewed close up at full res. This is fairly common though on most point and shoots. (Again, not a true replacement of high DSLR) However, most shots can have nice sharp detail when you take some time to properly compose the shot.
Maybe this is just me, but I always think that if something feels heavy it's built better. This feels too light in that regard, but like I said, maybe that's just me. :)
I highly reccomend this for the reasons and purpose that I have stated using it for. All cameras have some drawbacks, but none of those I listed prohibit me from reccomending it. They are relatively minor considering.
69 of 76 people found the following review helpful
This going to be a quick and dirty review. I got this camera just over a week ago to replace my Canon A720IS. My Canon is a great camera and gives great shots and is solid as a rock. All the paint is warn off all the edges from accompanying me on hunting, camping, traveling and daily use. But I had a family todo and wanted a long zoom and HD video. I spent a lot of time checking out cameras from Sony, Nikon, Panasonic, Canon and others and none had everything I wanted. Then at the last minute I found the SZ-30mr. It was so new I could not find any hands on reviews but it had everything I was looking for and took a leap of faith, bared my credit card and bought it. I was not disappointed. I was so busy before traveling for a wedding/reunion for which I bought this camera for, I did not get a chance to learn it. However, it was not that difficult. And I was able master it enough to get the job done. I bought a 16 gig SD card, a spare battery and external charger. I like the external charger since it does not take the camera out of action during charging. Plus the cable is propitiatory and makes it one more thing to carry and get lost and does not work with anything else. I spent a week traveling for a wedding/family reunion and took tons of pictures and videos. Every morning I would change the battery. I was able to video 90 percent of the time of a wedding ceremony at full 1080i and take full resolution 16 megapixel stills at the same time as well as taking many videos and stills at the reception before the battery gave out and of course like an idiot I left the spare battery in the charger! But by that that time toasts had been made, cakes were cut and dances were made and anything I did miss was not important. I'm a picture taking fool so for most anyone else I think battery life is fine. In just over a week of heavy use I took just over 5 GIG of video and images.
I have not had time to analyze in any quantitative way to the quality of the images since I've been back BUT by just reviewing them on my net book on the road and on a 47" HD TV at the resort, using an external HDMI cable from the camera, the pictures look great and the HD videos are impressive. OH, Oh, the panorama mode is absolutely fantastic! Just sweep across the scene and your done. And panorama play back from the camera is great. Which brings up playback using the camera. By hooking up a "D" type HDMI cable ($29 from Radio Shack) you can play back pictures and videos to a HD TV. At home I discovered my Panasonic TV remote would control the playback, at the resort I could not get the remote to work so I had to use the camera controls manually but better than nothing and it was fun reviewing the event with the family while there. It was nice not to have to carry my big laptop and cables and setups to play back images.
Another fun thing we did is we had the family movies from the 40s and 50s placed on DVD and while there at the reunion we watched it. While my older brother and sister narrated and made comments of where and who were in the silent movie I videoed the video and recorded their comments. I plan on taking the sound track from my video and add it to the silent movies on the DVD. This way I we can preserve so much that would have been lost. I would never have know that little old lady in the movie was my Great Great grand mother if my brother and sister had not pointed her out! I was able to record over an hour and fifteen minutes of continuous recording. It was at a lower resolution but all I waned was the audio and the some video to make sure I get it synced properly.
The camera is pretty responsive. Some comment on the wait time between pictures but remember people, your dealing with 16 megapixels! You really need a class 10 SD card to speed up the storage time. Cut that back to 8MP and cycle time is much faster. The wide angle is perfect for the indoor group shots. Let's be frank, no one in their right mind has the right to take 600mm telephoto shots hand held. However on a sunny day with the ISO kicked up I was able to get some impressive results just seeing what I could do with it. I believe many people don't know how to take pictures and just mash down the button like a cheap Instamatic without pausing in the intermediate position long enough to allow the camera time to focus giving blurry images. If the exposure button is used properly this camera gives excellent results.
The only beefs I have with this camera are minor. The biggest problem is the Mode dial moves too easily. Every time I pulled it out of my pocket I had to check the mode because it get changed so easily. It needs to be either harder to turn or have some kind of locking device. Also, the markings are hard to read if you are far sighted with out reading glasses. It would be nice to have it labled in multi colors so you don't have to put on your glasses to know where your at. Another comment is the bezel ring around the closed lens has a edge on it that is sharp and does not feel good and drags on the fabric of the pocket when pulling out. I may take some sandpaper and smooth that out. The last issue I have is the finish on the camera. I like to take candid pictures with out having people freezing up and not acting normal or those with camera phobia covering their faces or turning away when a camera is brought out. The finish on this camera is very shinny and chrome like. This thing sparkles and shines like a lit up disco ball in your hands! I was amazed how distracting it was for me when I was in front of it especially in sun light. I may do some buffing on it.
In closing, I love this camera!
I have not had time to analyze in any quantitative way to the quality of the images since I've been back BUT by just reviewing them on my net book on the road and on a 47" HD TV at the resort, using an external HDMI cable from the camera, the pictures look great and the HD videos are impressive. OH, Oh, the panorama mode is absolutely fantastic! Just sweep across the scene and your done. And panorama play back from the camera is great. Which brings up playback using the camera. By hooking up a "D" type HDMI cable ($29 from Radio Shack) you can play back pictures and videos to a HD TV. At home I discovered my Panasonic TV remote would control the playback, at the resort I could not get the remote to work so I had to use the camera controls manually but better than nothing and it was fun reviewing the event with the family while there. It was nice not to have to carry my big laptop and cables and setups to play back images.
Another fun thing we did is we had the family movies from the 40s and 50s placed on DVD and while there at the reunion we watched it. While my older brother and sister narrated and made comments of where and who were in the silent movie I videoed the video and recorded their comments. I plan on taking the sound track from my video and add it to the silent movies on the DVD. This way I we can preserve so much that would have been lost. I would never have know that little old lady in the movie was my Great Great grand mother if my brother and sister had not pointed her out! I was able to record over an hour and fifteen minutes of continuous recording. It was at a lower resolution but all I waned was the audio and the some video to make sure I get it synced properly.
The camera is pretty responsive. Some comment on the wait time between pictures but remember people, your dealing with 16 megapixels! You really need a class 10 SD card to speed up the storage time. Cut that back to 8MP and cycle time is much faster. The wide angle is perfect for the indoor group shots. Let's be frank, no one in their right mind has the right to take 600mm telephoto shots hand held. However on a sunny day with the ISO kicked up I was able to get some impressive results just seeing what I could do with it. I believe many people don't know how to take pictures and just mash down the button like a cheap Instamatic without pausing in the intermediate position long enough to allow the camera time to focus giving blurry images. If the exposure button is used properly this camera gives excellent results.
The only beefs I have with this camera are minor. The biggest problem is the Mode dial moves too easily. Every time I pulled it out of my pocket I had to check the mode because it get changed so easily. It needs to be either harder to turn or have some kind of locking device. Also, the markings are hard to read if you are far sighted with out reading glasses. It would be nice to have it labled in multi colors so you don't have to put on your glasses to know where your at. Another comment is the bezel ring around the closed lens has a edge on it that is sharp and does not feel good and drags on the fabric of the pocket when pulling out. I may take some sandpaper and smooth that out. The last issue I have is the finish on the camera. I like to take candid pictures with out having people freezing up and not acting normal or those with camera phobia covering their faces or turning away when a camera is brought out. The finish on this camera is very shinny and chrome like. This thing sparkles and shines like a lit up disco ball in your hands! I was amazed how distracting it was for me when I was in front of it especially in sun light. I may do some buffing on it.
In closing, I love this camera!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A very nice, user friendly, camera.
A very nice, user friendly, camera.
Love the zooming capacity. Light weight and I like the chrome/graphite finish of the housing.
Love the zooming capacity. Light weight and I like the chrome/graphite finish of the housing.
Published 1 month ago by Bonnie L. Shaffer
4.0 out of 5 stars
Very nice
This camera is very nice; takes great pictures and is fairly simple to use. I love the dog/cat picture option, the panoramic mode, and the low light feature. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Lisa V. Gray
5.0 out of 5 stars
FANTASTIC
Havent had any trouble with it yet, I only dislike the proprietary USB connector, I want a great camera like this that I can use with any of those numerous usb cables I have for... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Maltonomy
2.0 out of 5 stars
no really satisfied
I bought the camera (new)
I don't usually use it. It's never fell
but for a new camera it starts to
turned off it self while i take pictures
or after I have... Read more
I don't usually use it. It's never fell
but for a new camera it starts to
turned off it self while i take pictures
or after I have... Read more
Published 4 months ago by gdo145
4.0 out of 5 stars
olympus sz30
muy buena camara facil de manejar, buen tamaño, buen zoom, la bateria es bastente rendidora, solo que a veces el color y la nitidez no es tan perfecto
Published 4 months ago by alberto struve
1.0 out of 5 stars
Cr@p - POS -- Paid more than the price listed, gift for wife --...
Purchased as a gift for my wife who wanted a lighter camera than a Cannon, previously purchased (which works great). Read more
Published 4 months ago by MARS from LA
5.0 out of 5 stars
great camera
everything i wanted it to be. great color, comapact, functions work well. Not a expert camera bug but i like it
Published 4 months ago by Stephen W. Hayes
4.0 out of 5 stars
A good camera for the price.
A compact and fairly easy to use camera. A prime reason for my purchase was the wide zoom range. I am disappointed that the image stabilization is not as good as I expected. Read more
Published 5 months ago by David C. Howard
2.0 out of 5 stars
Disappointed
I sought out an Olympus camera because of past experience with their Stylus 710 series camera. I am afraid this model Olympus has been a real disappointment though. Read more
Published 5 months ago by CrazyBird
5.0 out of 5 stars
best buy
Amazing zoom and very fine picture quality.
Even the camera build and finish is awesome.
cons : It takes 3-4 hrs to charge the battery. Read more
Even the camera build and finish is awesome.
cons : It takes 3-4 hrs to charge the battery. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Ravindra Sunkavalli
