FujiFilm F300EXR vs Olympus TG-810: A Technical and Practical Comparison for Discerning Photographers

In the competitive compact camera segment, two models from FujiFilm and Olympus offer intriguing propositions to enthusiasts and professionals seeking durable superzooms with practical utility. The FujiFilm FinePix F300EXR and Olympus TG-810 emerge from adjacent yet distinct categories - superzoom compact and rugged waterproof respectively - with tangible differences rooted in sensor technology, lens design, environmental resistance, and user interface.

Drawing from extensive hands-on testing methodologies, including side-by-side image capture, lab-controlled sensor benchmarks, and in-field usability trials under varied photographic conditions, this analytical comparison dissects the strengths, limitations, and real-world application viability of both cameras. We systematically evaluate design, sensor and image quality attributes, operational ergonomics, autofocus precision, shooting versatility across genres, and system-level support - guiding readers to informed decisions aligned with their photographic ambitions.

Form Factor and Ergonomics: Compactness Versus Durability

Beginning with physical design, both cameras weigh identically at 215g, facilitating easy handheld use over extended periods. However, their dimensional profiles reveal notable divergences designed for contrasting usage scenarios:

• F300EXR: Measuring 104 x 59 x 33 mm, it follows a classic compact superzoom outline with an elongated lens barrel accommodating a 24-360mm (15× optical zoom) range. The body prioritizes a standard grip that balances pocketability with steady handhold.
• TG-810: More squat and robust at 100 x 65 x 26 mm, the TG-810 embraces a ruggedized chassis to endure harsh outdoor environments. Its dimensionally optimized body integrates shockproof, dustproof, waterproof, and freezeproof construction without unnecessary bulk.

Ergonomically, FujiFilm’s F300EXR adopts a no-frills classic layout with a fixed 3-inch, 460k-dot LCD and lacks any dedicated manual focus rings, relying predominantly on programmed controls for exposure settings. Olympus’ TG-810 introduces a higher resolution 3-inch, 920k-dot HyperCrystal III TFT LCD, boosting on-the-fly image assessment clarity with sharper preview fidelity.

The fixed lens on the F300EXR extends further, which may affect handling balance compared to the shorter lens tube integration of the TG-810, designed for ruggedness. Both bodies omit electronic viewfinders, steering composition to their rear LCDs.

Control Scheme and Interface: Exposure and Focusing Flexibility

The two cameras present markedly different approaches to exposure control:

• The FujiFilm F300EXR supports semi-manual modes, including shutter priority, aperture priority, and manual exposure. Exposure compensation is also available, showing the camera’s slant toward providing direct creative control despite its compact classification.
• The Olympus TG-810 restricts users to fully automatic exposure handling, lacking dedicated priority or manual modes. The absence of exposure compensation and manual override reflects its design for simplicity and rugged casual use.

Regarding autofocus (AF), both utilize contrast-detection CCD sensor-based focusing, but their systems differ in sophistication:

• F300EXR autofocus locks primarily on single AF with no tracking, face detection, or multiarea functionality. This limitation curtails precision in dynamic subjects and lowers reliability in complex scenes.
• TG-810 improves with inclusion of face-detection AF and multiarea AF, although continuous AF and tracking functions remain limited - likely a consequence of its rugged compact design.

Live view operation is standard on both, although touch input is absent, a drawback for rapid AF acquisition, especially in field conditions.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: CCDs in 2010-2011 Context

Both cameras rely on 1/2-inch-class CCD sensors, non-CMOS, which at their release were common in compact cameras but offer inherent trade-offs:

• FujiFilm F300EXR: Employs a 12MP sensor measuring 6.4 x 4.8 mm (30.72 mm²) with an EXR processor designed to optimize dynamic range and noise reduction via pixel grouping. Native ISO ranges from 100 to 3200, maximum boosted ISO extends to 12800.
• Olympus TG-810: Features a 14MP sensor at 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28.07 mm²), also CCD, using TruePic III+ for noise management with a narrower native ISO ceiling of 1600 and no ISO boost.

From technical evaluation of sensor output in controlled-lit scenes, the F300EXR’s larger sensor area combined with EXR processing yields marginally better dynamic range recovery and shadow detail retention at base ISO compared to the TG-810. However, noise levels increase noticeably beyond ISO 800 on both models, limiting low-light performance.

Additionally, the FujiFilm’s sensor integrates an anti-aliasing filter, which reduces moiré at the expense of slight softness, whereas the TG-810 shows higher resolution potential at 14MP but with grainier high-ISO images owing to limited noise suppression.

Monitoring Tools: LCD Clarity and Usability in Field Conditions

Examining the rear displays under various lighting scenarios reinforces the Olympus TG-810’s lead with a 920k-dot screen that renders colors and details with more vibrancy and precision. This is especially valuable for framing in bright sunlight or reviewing detailed macro work.

While the FujiFilm F300EXR’s 460k-dot LCD is serviceable, it lacks the crispness and color breadth that enhance in-situ image judgment.

Neither camera offers touchscreen functionality, a shortfall by modern usability standards. Physical controls remain the sole means to access menus, limiting rapid adjustments especially in challenging environments.

Lens Reach and Optical Quality: Superzoom Versatility Versus Rugged Constraints

The FujiFilm FinePix F300EXR sports a wide-ranging 15× 24-360mm equivalent zoom, aligning with classic superzoom demands for flexible framing from broad landscapes to distant wildlife.

The Olympus TG-810 provides a 5× zoom from 28 to 140mm equivalent - a relatively modest telephoto reach but acceptable for travel and underwater shooting where extensive zoom is less critical.

Optical apertures show close ranges: F3.5-5.3 (F300EXR) versus F3.9-5.9 (TG-810). Expect slightly brighter maximum apertures on the FujiFilm at the wide end, beneficial in low light or depth-of-field sensitive photography.

In lab-tested resolution charts, the FujiFilm lens resolves finer detail at mid-zooms; however, at maximum zoom, softness and chromatic aberrations appear noticeably in both. The Olympus lens shows good edge-to-edge sharpness at the shorter focal lengths with some softness creeping in beyond 100mm equivalent.

For macro work, the TG-810 edges ahead with a close focus distance of 3 cm versus 5 cm on the F300EXR, assisting photographers seeking greater detail extraction in small subjects.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting Speed: Responsiveness Under Stress

Neither camera targets high-speed continuous shooting, crucial for sports and wildlife motion capture:

• FujiFilm F300EXR manages 2.0 frames per second (fps) continuous shooting.
• Olympus TG-810 is slower at 1.0 fps.

Autofocus speed, tested across various light levels, is moderate for both, with the FujiFilm often hunting longer in low-contrast scenes. Olympus benefits from face detection capabilities which improve subject lock-on in portraits and casual street photography.

Neither camera supports phase detection AF, and continuous AF tracking is absent. These characteristics limit action photography applications, where rapid focus adaptability is paramount.

Environmental Durability: Weatherproofing and Build Resilience

This domain strongly favors the Olympus TG-810, explicitly designed as a rugged camera for outdoor adventurers:

• Certified waterproof to 3 meters.
• Dustproof and shock resistant.
• Freezeproof to -10°C.

The FujiFilm F300EXR lacks any environmental sealing, constraining its use in adverse weather or physically demanding settings.

This durability directly influences workflow reliability, with the TG-810 able to accompany photographers into environments prohibitive to the less protected F300EXR.

FujiFilm F300EXR front FujiFilm F300EXR screen back Olympus TG 810 front Olympus TG 810 screen back

Image Output Comparison: Real-World Photographic Scenarios

Evaluating JPEG outputs under matched conditions reveals:

• Portraiture: The TG-810’s face-detection AF yields sharper eyes and better skin tone reproduction, particularly in natural light. The FujiFilm struggles without face detection, often missing focus on eyes and over-saturating hues.
• Landscapes: The F300EXR captures richer dynamic range and deeper detail in shadow recovery due to the EXR sensor, advantageous for high-contrast scenes like sunrise and sunset. The TG-810 offers good color fidelity but lower tonality gradation.
• Wildlife: The FujiFilm’s longer focal length benefits framing distant subjects, but limited AF speed and burst rate reduce keeper frames. Olympus has faster AF lock aided by face detection but shorter reach impedes versatility.
• Street: TG-810’s sturdy build and fast, face-tracking AF are advantageous in spontaneous urban conditions. Its quieter operation and smaller size contribute to discretion.
• Macro: The Olympus yields crisper, closer macro images thanks to 3 cm focusing distance and stabilization, delivering superior subject isolation.
• Night/Astro: Both exhibit high noise levels above ISO 800, restricting quality in dim scenes. The FujiFilm’s expanded ISO boost facilitates experimentation but at the cost of unusable noise.
• Video: Both are limited to 720p HD recording; the Olympus provides 30 fps and MPEG-4/H.264 encoding for more efficient file sizes than the Motion JPEG format of the FujiFilm at 24 fps.

Stabilization and Exposure Control: Impact on Image Sharpness

Both utilize sensor-shift image stabilization, critical for handheld telephoto and low-light shots:

• The FujiFilm F300EXR stabilization performs adequately, reducing blur effectively across normal zoom ranges but struggles at full telephoto.
• The Olympus TG-810’s system similarly aids handheld clarity but with slight edge in macro and close-up stability.

Exposure control versatility favors FujiFilm with manual and semi-manual modes allowing nuanced creative input and bracketing absent on the TG-810, limiting experimental HDR or exposure ramping.

Battery Life and Storage: Endurance and Capacity Considerations

The TG-810 specifies an approximate 220-shot battery life rating on a Li-ion battery pack (LI-50B), realistically supporting full-day travel activities without frequent swaps.

No explicit battery life specifications for the F300EXR exist, but real-world usage trends suggest similar performance, relying on the NP-50 battery.

Both support SD/SDHC cards, with the Olympus adding SDXC compatibility, permitting larger single cards for extensive shooting sessions.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration: Modern Features Status

Connectivity is minimal on both cameras:

• Olympus TG-810 supports Eye-Fi wireless SD cards enabling remote image transfer and online sharing, a nod towards nascent wireless workflows.
• FujiFilm F300EXR lacks any wireless interface.
• Both cameras include HDMI output and USB 2.0 connectivity for data transfer.
• Neither supports Bluetooth, NFC, or microphone/headphone jacks, severely limiting video production workflows.

The absence of raw file capture (RAW support) in both models restricts post-processing latitude, confining photographers to lossy JPEGs impeding advanced retouching.

Performance Summary and Ratings

While no formal DxOMark data exists for these models, practical evaluation situates their strengths and weaknesses within contextual performance ratings:

Use-Case Suitability: Choosing the Right Tool for the Job

Portrait Photography: The Olympus TG-810’s face detection autofocus and macro reach facilitate portraits with accurate eye focus and pleasing backgrounds in casual settings. The FujiFilm F300EXR, lacking PDAF and face detection, requires precise manual framing and exposure setting, recommended only for more deliberate shooting.

Landscape Photography: FujiFilm’s broader zoom and superior dynamic range make it preferable for vivid landscape captures where framing flexibility and tonal depth are essential. TG-810’s rugged build suits harsh outdoor locations, but sensor size and lens restrict image quality potential.

Wildlife and Sports: FujiFilm’s extensive zoom range is advantageous for distant subjects, but slow AF and 2 fps burst rate limit action capture efficacy. TG-810’s build protects against environmental hazards but restricts telephoto reach and speed, making both less optimal than dedicated DSLRs or mirrorless systems for intensive wildlife or sports shoots.

Street Photography: Olympus’s ruggedness, face-detect AF, and discreet size lend itself to urban environments, with its high-res rear screen aiding quick composition. FujiFilm with slower AF and lower LCD resolution is less suited for spontaneous street work.

Macro Photography: The TG-810 offers a closer minimum focusing distance and stabilization, important for sharply rendering small subjects, putting it ahead of the FujiFilm in this specialty.

Night and Astro Photography: Neither camera excels here; limited ISO performance and absence of long exposure capabilities restrict astrophotography potential.

Video Recording: Both offer modest HD video with 720p resolution, but Olympus’s H.264 compression provides more practical recording and file handling, albeit without microphone input or advanced movie features.

Travel Photography: Portability is comparable. FujiFilm’s longer zoom benefits travel scenarios demanding image diversity, while Olympus’s environmental sealing is critical for adventure travel where weather resistance is non-negotiable.

Professional Workflows: Neither camera supports RAW, external microphone input, or offers wide compatibility with professional tethering setups. Their utility in professional environments is minimal, best regarded as secondary or situational tools.

Final Verdict and Recommendations

Selecting between the FujiFilm FinePix F300EXR and the Olympus TG-810 hinges fundamentally on the user’s prioritized photographic environment and creative control appetite.

• Choose the FujiFilm F300EXR if:

  • You desire extensive zoom capabilities for general-purpose photography including landscapes and casual wildlife shots.
  • Semi-manual exposure control and a modestly better sensor performance are key to your creative process.
  • Environmental sealing is non-critical and you prefer slightly more conventional handling dynamics.

• Choose the Olympus TG-810 if:

  • Your photographic activities include rugged outdoor adventures requiring waterproof, shockproof, dustproof, and freezeproof protection.
  • Face detection autofocus and macro photography are important.
  • You accept limited manual control in exchange for robust environmental durability and a finer rear LCD screen.

Both cameras represent aging CCD-based compact technology with inherent limitations in sensor performance and autofocus sophistication. Their appeal lies in specific niches - FujiFilm targeting the generalist enthusiast seeking a versatile superzoom, Olympus appealing to rugged outdoor users requiring durability above all.

Prospective buyers should weigh lack of raw format support, limited video features, and modest burst rates against pricing and availability, noting often obsolete support for both models in 2024 market contexts.

This nuanced examination integrates direct comparisons, image samples, and tested specifications aimed at photographers seeking granular manufacturer-to-photographer insights, reflecting cumulative hands-on experience across thousands of imaging devices.

For a visual summary and in-depth image evaluation, see the included sample galleries and score charts integrated throughout this analysis.

Thank you for reading this comprehensive comparison. Your photographic objectives, environment, and workflow requirements remain quintessential to choosing the optimal camera between these two contenders.