Canon SX510 HS vs Olympus TG-310

Canon SX510 HS vs Olympus TG-310: A Thorough Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

When it comes to selecting the right compact camera, the choices can be a dizzying array. Today, we delve deep into two intriguing models that sit in rather different niches yet appeal to photographers who want more than just smartphone snapshots: the Canon PowerShot SX510 HS and the Olympus TG-310. Both cameras were introduced in the early 2010s, but they cater to distinct shooting approaches and user priorities.

Having tested thousands of cameras across genres - from wildlife safaris to urban street scenes - I’ll walk you through a comprehensive, side-by-side assessment of these two compacts. We’ll tackle design, image quality, usability, and performance across photography disciplines, all to equip you with practical insights for your next camera decision.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: Compact Convenience or Rugged Portability?

The Canon SX510 HS and Olympus TG-310 share a compact body type, but their handling philosophies diverge significantly.

The Canon SX510 HS measures roughly 104 x 70 x 80 mm and weighs about 349 grams, giving it a substantial hand presence for a superzoom compact. In contrast, the Olympus TG-310 is sleeker and lighter - 96 x 63 x 23 mm and only 155 grams - designed for pocketability and outdoor adventures.

The SX510 HS feels more like a traditional compact camera with a pronounced grip and more deliberate button placement. Canon opted for a fixed 3-inch TFT screen, sufficient for composing but without touchscreen capabilities. The build is all plastic, lacking any weather sealing, which limits outdoor toughness.

The TG-310, on the other hand, showcases a ruggedized, waterproof, and freeze-proof design, clearly targeting on-the-go photographers who may bring the camera poolside or on mountain climbs. Its slimmer form factor makes it easy to stash, though it sacrifices some handling comfort due to minimal grip contours.

In terms of controls, the Canon’s top plate reveals a classic Canon layout optimized for quick shooting mode toggles and manual exposure options. Olympus’s control scheme is far simpler, reflecting the TG-310’s more point-and-shoot orientation.

For those who prize ergonomics and command flexibility, the Canon pulls ahead, offering more customizable buttons and shooting modes. But if you want a camera ready to endure harsh environments while staying lightweight and pocket-friendly, Olympus TG-310 wins on ruggedness and portability.

Sensor and Image Quality: Digic 4 CMOS Meets TruePic III+ CCD

At the core of any camera’s image quality lie its sensor and processor. Canon’s SX510 HS integrates a 1/2.3" CMOS sensor with 12 megapixels, processed by Canon’s venerable DIGIC 4 engine. Olympus pairs a similar 1/2.3" sensor size, but with a 14-megapixel CCD sensor driven by the TruePic III+ processor.

From a theoretical standpoint, larger resolution in the Olympus suggests more detail potential. However, CMOS sensors generally outperform CCDs, especially in high-ISO noise handling and dynamic range - areas where DIGIC processors excel. My laboratory and real-world tests reinforce this: the Canon SX510 HS produces cleaner images at ISO 800 and above, with better retention of shadow detail and more natural skin tones.

Olympus’s CCD sensor offers pleasant color rendition but struggles with noise more quickly as ISO climbs, limiting low-light versatility. The SX510 HS’s CMOS sensor grants a wider sensitivity range up to ISO 3200, though usable image quality tapers around ISO 1600.

In dynamic range tests involving a high-contrast mountain landscape, the Canon pulled slightly ahead in preserving detail from highlights to shadows - a boon for landscape and travel photographers who want vibrant yet balanced images without heavy post-processing.

Display and Interface: Eyes on the Prize

Being usable in challenging shooting conditions requires a reliable display. Both cameras sport fixed TFT color LCDs; the Canon SX510 HS’s 3-inch panel boasts a sharper resolution (461k dots vs. the Olympus’s 2.7-inch 230k dots).

The SX510 HS’s larger and sharper screen lends itself better to precise focusing confirmation and menu navigation. Olympus’s lower resolution screen is serviceable but less detailed, especially in sunlight. Neither camera offers a touchscreen, which is a quirk worth noting in an era when tactile controls are increasingly common.

Neither model features any form of electronic or optical viewfinder, pushing all composition to the rear screen - something to keep in mind if you shoot under bright outdoor conditions where glare could hamper framing.

Versatility Across Photography Genres - How Do They Measure Up?

Let’s analyze how these two cameras perform across key photography disciplines based on both technical specs and extensive field experience.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh Drama

Portrait shooters demand accurate skin tones and effective subject isolation. The SX510 HS’s 30x zoom and f/3.4–5.8 max aperture range allow for more creative framing and moderate background blur compared to the TG-310’s 3.6x zoom and slightly narrower lens.

The Canon’s autofocus includes face detection and basic eye detection, which helps maintain sharp focus on faces in varying lighting. Olympus’s face detection works but is hampered by slower autofocus response and lack of manual focus.

Bokeh quality on the SX510 HS is modest but acceptable for an APS-C class sensor if you’re shooting at longer focal lengths, though don't expect DSLR-level smoothness. The TG-310’s shorter zoom range and smaller aperture limit background separation.

Landscape: Resolution and Dynamic Range in Natural Light

Due to its higher dynamic range and better ISO latitude, the SX510 HS is my pick for landscape enthusiasts. Although its sensor resolution is slightly lower, pixel-level detail retention is comparable thanks to advanced image processing.

Olympus lags behind in highlight recovery and often requires more aggressive post-processing. Its ruggedness, however, means you can shoot in challenging weather without fear, which is an invaluable asset for landscape photographers who brave the elements.

Wildlife and Sports: Speed, Autofocus, and Burst Rates

Wildlife and sports demand speed - both in autofocus and burst shooting. Canon’s continuous shooting mode clocks at a reasonable 4 fps, adequate for casual action shots. Olympus offers a pedestrian 1 fps burst, which is limiting for fast-moving subjects.

Autofocus on the SX510 HS relies on contrast detection, with a single focus point supplemented by basic tracking. It locks focus noticeably faster and more reliably on moving subjects than the TG-310, which suffers hesitation and missed opportunities in dynamic scenes.

Olympus’s rugged armor might tempt wildlife photographers who need a durable body, but the TG-310’s modest zoom range caps reach, while Canon’s 30x telephoto gets you closer without added bulk.

Street Photography: Discretion Meets Quick Capture

Street photographers often prize discretion and responsiveness. The TG-310’s smaller, subdued body and lower weight make it inconspicuous, while the Canon - larger and chunkier - stands out more in candid settings.

However, the SX510 HS’s faster startup and quicker autofocus tip the scale in favor of the Canon for spontaneous street shooting where precious moments evaporate quickly.

Macro Photography: Close-Up Capabilities and Focusing Precision

Olympus claims a closer macro focusing distance (3 cm vs Canon’s close focus of effectively zero with super-macro capabilities), complemented by sensor-shift stabilization that assists in handheld shots.

Canon’s lens isn’t specialized for macro, although its longer zoom allows for some creative close-up work. Nevertheless, neither camera matches dedicated macro cameras or lenses, so these options remain somewhat supplementary.

Night and Astro: Low-Light Performance and Exposure Control

Canon’s wider ISO range (up to ISO 3200) and superior noise management lend it an edge for night and astrophotography in this compact category. Manual exposure modes with slower shutter speeds (up to 15 seconds) open creative possibilities rarely found in small-sensor compacts.

Olympus tops out faster at ISO 1600 and offers a maximum 4-second shutter - restrictive for star trails or low-light landscapes.

Video Capabilities: Resolution, Stability, and Audio Options

Canon SX510 HS offers Full HD 1080p at 24fps using the H.264 codec, with MPEG-4 as a fallback. The Olympus TG-310 maxes out at 720p HD at 30fps with Motion JPEG format.

Neither camera supports 4K recording or external audio input, but Canon’s superior bitrates and compression offer noticeably cleaner video. Optical image stabilization on the Canon also contributes to smoother handheld footage compared to Olympus’s sensor-shift.

Durability, Battery Life, and Connectivity: The Practical Side of Things

The Olympus TG-310’s standout feature is environmental sealing: waterproof to 10 feet, dustproof, shockproof against drops, and freeze-proof. This makes it a carefree companion for outdoor photographers venturing into rugged or wet situations.

Canon SX510 HS offers no such protection and demands more cautious handling. Battery life favors the Canon substantially: rated at about 250 shots per charge versus Olympus's 150 shots. This likely reflects the power demands of their respective processors and displays.

Both cameras use single SD/SDHC/SDXC slots and USB 2.0 connectivity but lack modern wireless options like Bluetooth or NFC. The Canon does include built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer, the Olympus relies on Eye-Fi compatibility, which has waned in relevance over time.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability

Both cameras have fixed lens mounts, meaning no lens swapping. Canon SX510 HS’s robust 30x zoom lens (24-720mm equivalent) offers versatile framing from wide-angle landscapes to distant subjects. Olympus TG-310’s shorter 3.6x zoom (28-102mm equivalent) is more limiting but acceptable for casual shooting.

Neither camera supports RAW image capture, restricting photographers to JPEGs, which limits post-processing latitude especially for professionals.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Canon SX510 HS front Canon SX510 HS screen back Olympus TG 310 front Olympus TG 310 screen back

Who Should Buy Which: Context-Driven Recommendations

Choose the Canon PowerShot SX510 HS if:

• You want a versatile zoom range for travel, wildlife, or street photography.
• You need manual control modes and better video capabilities.
• Image quality in low light and dynamic range fidelity are priorities.
• You value quicker autofocus and better burst speed for action.
• You can handle a bigger, heavier camera without requiring environmental sealing.

Choose the Olympus TG-310 if:

• You need a rugged camera that can survive the pool or hiking trip without worry.
• Your photography is casual or family oriented, where simplicity and portability matter most.
• You want a very lightweight camera that's easy to carry everywhere.
• Outdoor durability and weather resistance outweigh top-tier image quality.
• You are willing to accept limited zoom and less advanced controls.

Final Thoughts: A Tale of Two Compacts - Portability and Versatility Clash

In the early 2010s, compact cameras had to carve out niches amidst encroaching smartphone cameras and emerging mirrorless systems. The Canon SX510 HS and Olympus TG-310 embody two distinct philosophies addressing different photographer lifestyles.

The Canon SX510 HS is, from a technical and ergonomic standpoint, the more complete all-around compact superzoom. It offers competent image quality, versatile zoom, manual controls favored by photography enthusiasts, and video recording that still holds value today. However, it demands care against water and rough handling.

The Olympus TG-310 is the rugged companion for those lifestyle moments and outdoor exploration where durability trumps pixel peeping. It feels more like a point-and-shoot that can withstand bumps and splashes but doesn’t compete head-to-head in image quality or speed.

If you seek a multi-discipline camera for portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or street photography with occasional video and manual options, Canon’s SX510 HS is the smarter pick. But toss it in water? That’s a bad idea. If you want peace of mind shooting by the beach or the trail, Olympus TG-310 is your dog - a reliable, tough friend ready for adventure when your priorities shift away from resolution to ruggedness.

Testing Methodology Notes

My evaluation draws from controlled lab testing of ISO scaling, dynamic range via standardized stepcharts, autofocus benchmarking using high-speed repeatability protocols, and real-world shooting scenarios across seasons and subjects. Both cameras were tested side-by-side with consistent exposure settings, supporting batteries fully charged and using their default JPEG settings to mirror typical user experience.

For enthusiasts exploring a compact zoom or a go-anywhere rugged shooter with hands-on shooting control, this comparison should clarify the trade-offs. Both cameras shine in their respective realms - but knowing what you shoot, where, and how will lead you straight to the better fit.

Until next time, happy shooting!