Fujifilm S8100fd vs Olympus TG-310: An In-Depth Comparison for the Curious Shooter

There’s something quite charming about compact cameras that pack more punch than their size suggests. Whether you’re a casual enthusiast looking to upgrade from a smartphone or a seasoned photographer in search of a dependable secondary camera, small-sensor superzooms and rugged compacts offer unique utility. Today, we pit two such cameras against each other: the Fujifilm FinePix S8100fd - a superzoom juggernaut from 2009 - and the more recent Olympus TG-310, a tough and waterproof compact introduced in 2011. Both might look modest on paper, but each has its niche and quirks, making this an intriguing matchup.

Having personally put both through their paces over dozens of shooting sessions - in everything from dimly-lit cafes to sun-drenched parks to watery dives - I’m here to guide you through the specs, strengths, and limitations, peppered with real-world impressions and technical insights you won’t find in bare spec sheets. Let’s dive in.

Size, Handling, and Design: Comfort Meets Purpose

Looking at the physical footprint and ergonomics of these two cameras, they play on very different design philosophies. Take a glance at them side by side:

The Fujifilm S8100fd is a somewhat bulky compact superzoom - it feels substantial in the hand with a sculpted grip that clearly invites some serious zooming action. This camera favors shooting stability over pocketability, weighing in at about 405 grams and boasting dimensions roughly 111x78x79 mm. Not tiny, but manageable for day trips or casual hikes.

On the flip side, the Olympus TG-310 is all about ultracompact ruggedness. Weighing just 155 grams and measuring a slender 96x63x23 mm, it slips easily into a jacket pocket or even some jeans pockets. Importantly, it’s waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof - ready to tag along on rough adventures, wet environments, or dusty trails without worry.

If you’re after ergonomics that favor long zoom reach and decent in-hand grip for deliberate shooting, the Fuji’s heft and shape will please you. But if compactness and durability are paramount - say you’re hiking, kayaking, or generally getting hands-on with mother nature - the Olympus proves it can take a beating while still delivering respectable image capabilities.

And in case you’re wondering how these controls line up:

Both cameras keep things straightforward, but the Fuji offers dedicated exposure modes like shutter and aperture priority, plus manual exposure - a rare commodity in this price and category bracket - while the TG-310 simplifies shooting to mostly automatic modes, trading manual controls for ease of use and ruggedness.

Peering Through the Sensor: Image Quality and Resolution Realities

Let’s talk image quality - a domain governed largely by sensor technology and resolution. I’ve spent late nights at editing stations, pixel peeping for noise character, sharpening artifacts, color depth, and dynamic range differences. Here’s the baseline data:

• Both cameras share the same 1/2.3" CCD sensor size (6.17x4.55mm sensor area), which is standard for compacts in this class. This size inherently limits light-gathering ability and dynamic range compared to APS-C or larger sensors.
• The Fujifilm S8100fd sports a 10MP resolution, max native ISO 6400 (though likely noisy above 400 or 800), and a traditional anti-aliasing filter.
• The Olympus ups the megapixel count to 14MP, but with a slightly narrower zoom range and a max native ISO capped at 1600.

In practical terms, the Fuji’s sensor tends to render a bit smoother color gradation and less aggressive noise, owing to the lower pixel density and slightly older CCD design. However, its maximum ISO of 6400 is mostly theoretical; shots beyond ISO 800 quickly become grainy.

Olympus’ sensor trades off pixel size for resolution, delivering more pixel detail in good light and sharper images at base ISO. However, under dim lighting, noise becomes more apparent, and the image softness creeps in due to smaller pixels and higher pixel count crowding.

Neither camera supports shooting in RAW, which is a pity for the pros or enthusiasts who prefer maximum post-processing latitude. You’re generally committed to JPEG here - so getting the exposure and white balance right in-camera is essential.

Both deliver respectable color reproduction for their era - Fuji slightly warmer and punchier; Olympus more neutral. Overall, these cameras suit snapshots to casual printing sizes but aren’t aiming to rival interchangeable-lens offerings or mirrorless giants.

LCDs and Viewfinders: Framing Your Shots in the Moment

Composing and reviewing shots is crucial, especially with cameras that lack interchangeable lenses and have fixed zooms. Here’s a look at their display and framing tools:

The Fuji FinePix S8100fd’s 2.5” LCD screen is fixed and carries a modest 230,000-dot resolution - fairly basic by today’s standards, but enough for general framing and review. It combines this with a small electronic viewfinder, albeit of rudimentary quality (no resolution or magnification data available). The EVF can help in bright conditions but feels cramped and pixelated compared to modern standards.

Conversely, the Olympus TG-310 doesn’t have a viewfinder at all - relying solely on its slightly bigger 2.7” TFT color LCD screen, also at 230,000 dots. While the larger screen is welcome, it suffers similarly under harsh sunlight with glare and limited viewing angles.

Both cameras lack touchscreen functionality - which means navigation through menus and focusing has to be done via physical buttons, sometimes leading to less intuitive control than today’s touch-enabled interfaces.

In practical use, I found Fuji’s EVF marginally helpful for quick shots in strong light, but it’s a bit of a compromise. Olympus’s larger display is nicer for reviewing images but struggles under bright outdoor lighting.

Lens and Zoom: Stretching Perspectives and Close-up Performance

Zoom range and maximum aperture play vital roles in determining a camera’s versatility across photography disciplines.

The Fujifilm S8100fd impresses with a whopping 18x optical zoom (27–486mm equivalent) at a relatively bright F2.8–4.5 aperture range. This lens opens doors for everything from wide environmental shots to distant wildlife or architecture. Additionally, its close-focus macro of 1cm lets you shoot remarkably near, useful for flower or product shots.

The Olympus TG-310 features a 3.6x zoom (28–102mm equivalent) - much more limited telephoto reach - and a slower maximum aperture range of F3.9–5.9. Its macro focus distance is 3cm, still respectable but not as aggressively close as the Fuji.

Zooming in on the Fujifilm’s lens is where it reveals its charm for telephoto and nature enthusiasts. The downside? At max telephoto, you’ll start seeing image softness soften due to atmospheric distortion and lens diffraction, especially at slower apertures.

The Olympus’s shorter zoom is more suited to casual snapshots, street photography, and travel where you prioritize wide environments over towering zoom reach. The smaller zoom range, paired with the rugged, waterproof design, hints that Olympus expects users to be outdoorsy and spontaneous rather than painstaking telephoto snipers.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment or Missing It?

One of the more critical areas that separate a frustrating camera from a truly functional one is AF performance and continuous shooting capability.

The Fujifilm S8100fd uses contrast-detection AF only, with single AF mode only - no continuous or tracking AF support, and no face detection (common for 2009). Autofocus speed is decent indoors and outdoors in contrasty scenes but can struggle with faster or erratically moving subjects.

The Olympus TG-310 improves upon this with face detection and AF tracking, and reportedly supports multi-area focusing, albeit with an unknown number of focus points. It still uses contrast-detection AF without phase detection or sophisticated hybrid systems, so low light or fast-moving subjects remain a challenge.

Both cameras cap continuous shooting at a rather leisurely 1 frame per second, which is slow by any standards - pros shooting action or wildlife will find this restrictive.

In real-world use, Fuji’s AF feels a bit slower and more “hunt-y” especially in dim lighting, but glass sharp shots can be achieved when patience is applied. Olympus’s face detection made portraiture more convenient and dependable in casual settings, but rapid movement tracking is limited.

Burst Modes and Video: Modest Movie Making and Continuous Action

Regarding video, the Fujifilm S8100fd offers basic VGA video at 640x480 pixels at 30fps - essentially standard-definition quality, and no HD modes. Its video capabilities aren’t a major selling point and are better suited to casual clips than anything professional.

On the other hand, the Olympus TG-310 brings 1280x720 HD video at 30fps, recorded in Motion JPEG - which is functional but leads to large file sizes and limited video editing flexibility.

Neither camera supports microphone or headphone ports, so expect basic onboard audio recording without much control.

Neither supports 4K or photo modes that grab ultra-high-res stills from video clips, which aligns with their era and market segment.

Video enthusiasts or hybrid shooters should look beyond these two options, but for casual home movies or travel vlogs without complex editing needs, Olympus’s HD video is a noticeable upgrade.

Durability: The Olympus Advantage in Ruggedness

If we pivot to durability and weatherproof qualities, here the TG-310 shines - it's designed for those unpredictable outings.

• Certified waterproof to around 10 feet (3 meters) - great for snorkeling or rainy hikes.
• Dustproof and shockproof - can survive drops and dusty environments better than the average compact.
• Freezeproof - a quirky but practical feature for cold-weather shooters.

The Fujifilm S8100fd, by contrast, lacks any form of weather sealing or ruggedization, and attempts to expose it to anything beyond mild splashes or bumps will likely shorten its lifespan.

If you’re the type of photographer who ruins gear every other trip or you want a carefree camera for beach, pool, river, or mountain adventures, Olympus’s build is a significant advantage.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Can You Shoot?

Battery life is a practical concern when you’re out shooting for extended periods.

• Fujifilm S8100fd runs on 4 AA batteries - convenient as you can find replacements easily anywhere. However, AA alkaline batteries typically provide shorter lives and heavier carry weight. Rechargeables are advisable for longer sessions.
• Olympus TG-310 uses a proprietary Li-ion battery (LI-42B) rated around 150 shots per charge based on CIPA standards (a bit modest by modern standards).

Storage-wise, both accept SD cards, but Fuji also supports xD Picture Card and MMC cards - now mostly obsolete standards. The Olympus supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, which are widely available in higher capacities.

I personally appreciated Fuji’s flexibility with AA batteries when traveling without power sources, but the TG-310 feels more compact and lightweight, compensating for its battery bulklessness.

Connectivity and Extras: Sharing and Interface

Some niceties here and there, but both cameras are fairly basic.

The Olympus TG-310 includes Eye-Fi wireless card compatibility - which allows (if you have the right card) for Wi-Fi transfer of photos to computers or phones. It also includes a micro HDMI port for easy viewing on TVs.

Fuji’s S8100fd offers just USB 2.0 connectivity - no HDMI or wireless options.

Neither supports Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS.

So if easy photo sharing on the go or TV playback is a must, Olympus has a slight edge.

Performance Summaries and Genre Suitability

Now, let’s see how these cameras stack up across popular photography genres and use cases based on my hands-on tests and photographing various subjects:

Fujifilm S8100fd screen back Olympus TG 310 front Olympus TG 310 screen back

Portrait Photography

• Fujifilm S8100fd: Skin tones are warm and pleasant, though lack of face detection means you'll need vigilance on focus. The wide aperture (F2.8 at wide) helps isolate subjects with a subtle background blur, but sensor size limits bokeh smoothness.
• Olympus TG-310: Face detection aids focus lock on people but the narrower aperture and smaller zoom range limit background separation.

Landscape Photography

• Fujifilm S8100fd: Superior dynamic range rendering and a longer zoom assist in capturing varied scenes, but no weather sealing demands caution.
• Olympus TG-310: Waterproof ruggedness suited for adventurous landscapes but narrower zoom and higher noise at ISO >400 restrict fine image quality.

Wildlife Photography

• Fujifilm S8100fd: Long 486mm telephoto equivalent and sensor-shift stabilization help get shots at a distance, but slow AF and 1fps burst rate make fast action tricky.
• Olympus TG-310: Limited zoom to 102mm hampers distant subjects, though AF tracking and face detection aid ease of use for closer wildlife.

Sports Photography

Neither camera fits modern sports demands. Slow autofocus, low burst rate, and modest sensor limit performance severely. The Fuji subs in slightly better due to some manual exposure modes but still not ideal.

Street Photography

• Fujifilm S8100fd: Bulky size makes it less discreet; manual exposure helps in tricky lighting.
• Olympus TG-310: Compact, rugged, and lightweight. Its silent operation and waterproofing make it great for casual street or travel snaps.

Macro Photography

• Fujifilm S8100fd: Excellent close-focus distance (1cm) combined with zoom and image stabilization offers more creative control.
• Olympus TG-310: Decent macro at 3cm will satisfy casual shooters but won’t match Fuji's flexibility.

Night / Astro Photography

Both cameras struggle here. Limited ISO performance, no bulb mode, no sensor-based star tracking. The Fuji’s higher ISO ceiling might eke out some urban night shots with stabilization.

Video Capabilities

• Fujifilm S8100fd: VGA only, largely outdated.
• Olympus TG-310: HD video with HDMI output, better suited for casual video capture.

Travel Photography

Olympus TG-310 stands out with its combo of ruggedness, portability, and decent image quality for journaling adventures. Fuji is bulkier and more fragile but offers longer optical reach.

Professional Work

Neither camera matches professional-grade demands - no RAW support, limited lenses, modest sensors. Use these more as casual companions or backups.

Summative Ratings: Who Wins?

Here’s a snapshot of overall assessments based on my lab and outdoor tests and usability scores:

And a breakdown of how each camera tackles particular photography disciplines:

• Fujifilm S8100fd scores highest in zoom versatility, manual control, and image quality in good light.
• Olympus TG-310 shines in durability, portability, user-friendliness, and video performance.

Final Verdicts and Recommendations

Who Should Buy the Fujifilm FinePix S8100fd?

• You crave superzoom reach (18x) for wildlife, school plays, or distant subjects.
• You want more manual exposure control, like shutter and aperture priority.
• You prioritize slightly better low-light image quality and longer battery flexibility (AA).
• You mostly shoot in controlled environments indoors or outdoors with stable conditions.
• You’re okay with a bulkier, heavier camera and don’t need rugged sealing.

In my experience, the S8100fd feels like a great bridge camera for those wanting more creative freedom without jumping into interchangeable lenses. It’s a bit of a dinosaur in other respects but capable when used thoughtfully.

Who Should Pick the Olympus TG-310?

• You live an active, outdoor lifestyle where ruggedness and weather resistance are must-haves.
• You favor a small, pocketable camera that won’t mind drops, splashes, sand, or cold.
• You want decent HD video and basic face detection for casual portraits.
• You’re happy to rely on mostly automatic modes and don’t need manual exposure tweaking.
• You demand easy photo sharing (with Eye-Fi cards) or TV HDMI output.

If you intend to take your camera kayaking, hiking, or beachcombing, the TG-310’s toughness and simplicity make it a fantastic companion.

Final Thoughts: Matching Cameras To Real Uses

These two cameras represent distinct philosophies, reflecting shifts in compact camera design from 2009 to 2011, and the diversification caused by the smartphone era. Neither competes with today’s flagship mirrorless systems or even mid-range compacts in speed or image quality, but their niche qualities still offer value.

Personally, I reached for the Fuji S8100fd during controlled family outings, sports spectator moments, or macro experiments - its flexibility rewarding patient shooters. Meanwhile, I preferred the Olympus TG-310 for weekend hikes, river travel, and any scenario where gear safety was paramount.

In the end, choosing one depends on what you prioritize: zoom versatility and manual control (Fuji) or durability and portability (Olympus). Both hold up as dependable bonding partners for adventurous photographers on a budget.

If you enjoyed this detailed hands-on comparison or have experiences with these models, I’d love to hear your stories and thoughts. After all, the best camera is the one you carry and shoot joyfully, whatever its specs say.

Happy snapping!