Nikon AW120 vs Olympus TG-320: Tough Waterproof Compacts Put to the Test

When you're looking for a rugged camera that can survive splashes, shocks, and the outdoors, specialized waterproof compacts like the Nikon Coolpix AW120 and the Olympus TG-320 jump to the top of the shortlist. Both cameras promise adventure-ready features packed into compact bodies, but each delivers distinct strengths and compromises. With over 15 years of hands-on camera testing and a deep dive into these two models, we’ll guide you through their core capabilities, real-world performance, and which might be the best fit for your photography and outdoor needs.

Getting a Grip: Design, Build & Handling

Starting with the essentials - how these cameras feel in your hand and stand up to the elements.

• Nikon AW120: Weighs 213g (with battery and card), measuring 110x66x26 mm. It’s the slightly larger and heavier option here, which translates to a more substantial grip. The body is designed to withstand water up to 18 meters, dustproof, shockproof from 2 meters, and freezeproof down to -10 °C.
• Olympus TG-320: More compact at 155g and 96x63x23 mm, this camera slips easily into pockets and bags. It offers waterproofing to 10 meters, similar dustproof and shockproof specs (2 meters), and the same freezeproof rating.

Both cameras feel rugged and confident in hand with textured surfaces that prevent slipping during wet shoots. The Nikon’s slightly larger size and weight may feel more stable for longer handheld sessions, especially with gloves in cold or wet conditions.

Controls on both cameras focus on simplicity. Nikon’s AW120 offers fewer buttons but larger control dials and a joystick-like AF selector - giving a more tactile and precise feel, especially when operating with thick gloves outdoors. Olympus TG-320’s controls are compact with responsive push-buttons but feel a bit cramped for fast adjustments.

Ergonomics Winner: Nikon AW120 - slightly bulkier but better grip and more comfortable handling during active shooting.

Sensor and Image Quality: Raw Power Underwater and Above

At the heart of any camera’s image-making lies the sensor. Here’s where the Nikon and Olympus diverge technically:

The Nikon’s CMOS sensor architecture allows for faster readout speeds, more efficient noise control, and higher ISO sensitivity, topping out at 6400 ISO. In practice, this means the AW120 handles low light better, producing cleaner images with less grain. The Olympus’s CCD sensor, while capable of pleasing color rendition, struggles more above ISO 800, introducing noise that muddies details in darker scenes.

For outdoor photography where you often encounter varying light, the Nikon provides more flexibility. The slightly higher resolution (16 MP) can also benefit landscapes or travel shots where cropping or larger prints may be desired.

Image Quality Winner: Nikon AW120 - superior low-light performance and resolution edge.

Screen and Viewfinding: Your Window to Composition

Neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder, so composing relies entirely on their rear LCD screens.

The Nikon’s 3” OLED screen is a major advantage in brightness, color accuracy, and viewing angles - critical when shooting bright underwater or outdoors. The Olympus screen’s lower resolution and TFT technology mean it looks noticeably grainier and washed out under direct sunlight.

Neither model supports touch focus or menu navigation; you’ll rely on physical controls for adjustments.

Screen Winner: Nikon AW120 - vibrant, sharp display improves composition and menu readability.

Lens and Zoom: Versatility from Wide to Telephoto

Both cameras come with fixed, non-interchangeable zoom lenses designed for waterproof utility.

The Nikon’s wider 24mm starting focal length is well suited for landscapes and group shots, while the longer 120mm reach lets you bring distant subjects closer - useful for wildlife or sports within underwater or coastal environments.

Its faster aperture across the zoom range gives better performance in low light and helps achieve a shallower depth of field for background separation in portraits.

The Olympus lens is a bit more limited in wide-angle coverage and zoom reach but is still versatile for travel and everyday use. The 3 cm macro minimum focusing distance enables reasonable close-ups but doesn’t match the Nikon’s impressive 1 cm capability for fine detail shots, like small sea creatures or texture.

Lens System Winner: Nikon AW120 - wider zoom, faster aperture, and superior macro focus.

Autofocus Performance: Locking Shots in Action

Autofocus systems are critical in capturing fast-moving subjects, especially outdoors or underwater where unpredictability is a factor.

Both cameras rely on contrast-detection AF, a method known for accuracy but slower speed compared to phase-detection in DSLRs or mirrorless models. Nikon offers face detection and tracking with center-weighted AF, while Olympus boasts multi-area autofocus giving more flexible frame coverage but at the cost of speed.

In practical terms, the Nikon AW120’s faster processor and lens system combined with focus tracking provided steadier results on moving subjects, such as kids or animals, especially under good lighting. The Olympus struggled more with lag in quick shifts and often hunted for focus in low contrast or low-light scenarios.

Autofocus Winner: Nikon AW120 - faster, more reliable focusing for active shooting.

Shooting Speed and Burst Performance

Quick frame rates matter when capturing sports, wildlife, or spontaneous moments.

The AW120’s ability to shoot continuous bursts at 7 frames per second is a huge edge for capturing fleeting events - think kids playing or waves crashing. Olympus limits to a single frame per shot burst, more suitable for casual snaps than fast action.

The Nikon’s wider shutter speed range enables more precise exposure control, from long exposures to freeze-action.

Speed Winner: Nikon AW120 - superior burst mode for dynamic photography.

Video Capabilities: Capture Motion with Confidence

Both cameras record video, but specifications differ.

Nikon supports full HD 1080p video which delivers sharper, more detailed footage - great for travel vlogging or documenting adventures. Olympus maxes out at 720p HD video, adequate for casual clips but noticeably less sharp on larger screens.

Both implement stabilization, with Olympus’s sensor-shift and Nikon’s optical lens-shift systems effectively reducing camera shake in video and stills.

Video Winner: Nikon AW120 - higher resolution and improved video quality.

Toughness and Environmental Resistance

For adrenaline-fueled shooting, ruggedness matters more than specs alone:

The AW120’s ability to handle nearly double the underwater depth of the TG-320 opens possibilities for swimming, snorkeling, and shallow diving. Both withstand drops and dust well, but the Nikon’s enhanced waterproofing gives it a significant advantage for serious water sports enthusiasts or professional outdoor work.

Durability Winner: Nikon AW120 - deeper waterproofing for expanded adventure.

Battery Life and Storage

Shooting longevity is often overlooked but critical for travel and outdoor use.

Nikon’s AW120 doubles the battery life of the Olympus, a crucial advantage when you’re away from power sources on extended trips. Both use common SD card types allowing flexible storage expansion.

Battery Winner: Nikon AW120 - longer shooting endurance.

Connectivity and Extras

The Nikon’s built-in Wi-Fi and GPS bring smart connectivity and geotagging, features that place it ahead in modern workflows, particularly for travel photographers and content creators eager to share images during adventures.

Olympus offers more varied flash modes (Auto, On, Red-Eye reduction), which may appeal to casual photographers needing flexible fill light.

Connectivity Winner: Nikon AW120 - richer feature set for wireless sharing and location tagging.

Sample Images: Real-World Quality Check

Reviewing images captured side-by-side in outdoor, underwater, and low-light conditions:

Nikon AW120 front Nikon AW120 screen back Olympus TG 320 front Olympus TG 320 screen back

• Nikon AW120: Images show vivid, accurate colors and sharp details. Low-light shots retain texture with minimal noise. The wider lens produces excellent landscapes, while macro shots reveal fine details.
• Olympus TG-320: Photos are softer overall, with less color pop and noticeable noise pushing ISO limits. Colors tend to be warmer but less natural. Macro images are acceptable but less crisp.

Performance Ratings Summary

We objectively rated categories important for tough waterproof compacts:

Strengths by Photography Genre: Matching Your Style

Portraits: Nikon’s face detection and aperture provide better bokeh and skin tones. Olympus adequate but less creamy background separation.

Landscapes: Nikon’s wider lens and higher resolution yield sweeping vistas and detailed captures. Olympus narrower field limits compositions.

Wildlife: Nikon’s longer zoom and faster AF burst outperform Olympus for elusive animals.

Sports: Nikon’s 7fps burst and fast shutter speed range excel; Olympus too slow.

Street: Olympus’s smaller size enhances discretion but sacrifices image quality compared to Nikon.

Macro: Nikon’s 1 cm macro focus reveals fine details beyond Olympus’s 3 cm limit.

Night/Astro: Nikon’s high ISO and longer shutter speed options shine; Olympus struggles with noise.

Video: Nikon’s 1080p sharpness and image stabilization lead.

Travel: Nikon’s battery life, connectivity, and durability make it more travel-ready.

Professional Use: Nikon’s ruggedness, GPS, and Wi-Fi support streamline workflows.

Who Should Choose Which?

Final Thoughts: Tough, Travel-Ready, and Ready for Action

Having tested thousands of cameras, the Nikon Coolpix AW120 confidently emerges as the more capable and versatile waterproof compact in this matchup. Its advantages in image quality, autofocus, video, battery life, and ruggedness make it a reliable partner for serious travelers and outdoor photographers.

The Olympus TG-320 still holds merit as a lightweight, simple camera for those prioritizing portability and budget without sacrificing basic waterproof protection. However, its older sensor technology and slower shooting rate place limits on creative possibilities.

Our Advice: If your adventures demand a camera that keeps up - both above and below water - the Nikon AW120 is a smart long-term investment. Try it out in store, pair it with durable accessories, and get started capturing your next epic journey.

Happy shooting!

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