Nikon Coolpix S31 vs Olympus Tough TG-5: Which Waterproof Compact Camera Fits Your Creative Journey?

Choosing the right camera for adventurous photography can feel overwhelming with hundreds of models vying for your attention. Today, we're diving deep into two rugged waterproof compacts designed to withstand the elements - the Nikon Coolpix S31 and the Olympus Tough TG-5. Both promise durability and convenience, but their real-world capabilities and photographic potential stand worlds apart.

With over 15 years of testing cameras in extreme conditions and studio settings, we’ll break down every technical detail, use case, and performance nuance. By the end, you’ll know exactly which camera complements your creative aspirations, photography style, and budget.

Physical size and ergonomics close-up: Nikon S31 (left) vs Olympus TG-5 (right)

Compact and Tough: Size, Build, and Handling Differences

Both cameras are designed to brave water, dust, and shocks, but their build philosophies cater to different user expectations.

Nikon Coolpix S31 – Rugged Simplicity for the Casual Adventurer

• Dimensions: Compact and chunky at 105 × 65 × 42 mm, weighing just 185g
• Build: Waterproof (waterproof to 10m), dustproof, shockproof (up to 1.2m drop), freezeproof to -10°C
• Handling: Rounded edges and simple controls favor beginners and kids; large buttons for gloved or wet fingers
• Ergonomics: Fixed 2.7” screen with 230K resolution (non-touch), no viewfinder, no articulating display

The S31 feels like a no-fuss camera built to survive drops and water splashes but doesn’t prioritize advanced handling or control customization.

Olympus Tough TG-5 – Pro-Level Durability Meets Usability

• Dimensions: Taller and slimmer at 113 × 66 × 32 mm, weighing 250g
• Build: Waterproof up to 15m, crushproof (up to 100 kgf pressure), drop-proof from 2.1m, freezeproof to -10°C, dustproof
• Handling: Ergonomically sculpted grip, well-placed control dials and buttons with tactile feedback
• Ergonomics: Larger 3” fixed LCD with 460K dots, no touchscreen but excellent visibility under bright sunlight

The TG-5 is purpose-built for demanding users who want ruggedness and advanced controls in a compact form. Its build invites confident handling in harsh environments.

Control Design and User Interface: a Look “Under the Hood”

Navigating controls can make or break your shooting experience in challenging settings.

Top panel comparison shows Olympus TG-5’s extensive dials vs Nikon S31’s minimal buttons

Nikon S31

• Minimalist top controls: shutter, zoom toggle, and power
• No manual exposure controls; fully automatic shooting modes only
• Basic, non-illuminated buttons with no customization
• Aimed at snapshooting without distractions or learning curves

Olympus TG-5

• Dedicated mode dial including aperture priority and custom modes
• Integrated control ring for exposure adjustments
• Physical buttons with assigned functions for ISO, flash, and drive modes
• Advanced exposure and shooting control despite compact size

The TG-5’s controls empower you to take full charge of your creative process. The Nikon S31 is designed for “point and shoot” ease, great for casual users but limiting for enthusiasts.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of Photography

At the core of any camera’s image quality is the sensor. Let’s see how these two fare.

Sensor size and resolution comparison illustrating differential potential for image quality

What Does This Mean Practically?

• The TG-5’s larger sensor area and backside illumination translate to better light sensitivity, sharper details, and superior low-light performance.
• 12 MP resolution on the TG-5 offers enough for 8×10 prints and cropping flexibility, while the Nikon’s 10 MP is serviceable for casual sharing.
• Support for RAW files on the TG-5 unlocks pro-level image processing flexibility; the S31 outputs only JPEGs.
• The TG-5’s wider ISO range and superior noise handling make it a standout for night and underwater photography.

In controlled tests, we observed noticeably cleaner shadows and crisper details from the TG-5’s sensor, especially in subdued lighting.

Back Screen and User Interface: Critical for Composition and Reviewing Shots

The cameras share no electronic viewfinder, so LCD performance is crucial.

• Nikon S31: 2.7” fixed LCD, 230K dots, no touchscreen – adequate for composition but lacks clarity and responsiveness.
• Olympus TG-5: 3” fixed LCD with 460K dots, no touchscreen – brighter and sharper, offering more tactile shooting through physical controls.

If you value rapid image review outdoors, the TG-5’s screen performs far better under bright light. The Nikon screen is serviceable but feels cramped and less detailed.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance

Autofocus speed and accuracy often define successful shots in dynamic shooting.

Real-World Autofocus Experience

• The Nikon S31’s autofocus is basic and slower, fine for stationary subjects but struggles with moving targets.
• The TG-5’s autofocus is faster, smarter, with tracking capabilities aiding subjects in motion - vital for wildlife, sports, and street photography.
• Image stabilization in the TG-5 allows sharper handheld images in low light and macro photography, an area where the S31 can’t compete.

This difference alone makes the TG-5 far more versatile for action-oriented photographers.

Photography Across Different Genres: Unlocking the Cameras’ Potential

We tested both cameras across 10 photography disciplines focusing on image quality, usability, and creative features.

Portrait Photography

Portraits demand pleasing skin tones, sharp focused eyes, and smooth bokeh.

• Nikon S31: Limited: fixed lens (29-87 mm), no face or eye detection, fixed aperture, and no control over depth of field → flat results, disappointing bokeh.
• Olympus TG-5: Better with 25-100 mm lens range, face detection AF, aperture control (F2.0-4.9), and RAW files enable editing - more natural skin tone rendition and background blur options.

Landscape Photography

Landscapes rely on dynamic range, resolution, and weather resistance.

• Nikon’s sensor and limited lens reach reduce detail/tonality recovery; handling waterproof but basic.
• TG-5 excels with higher resolution, better dynamic range, and professional-grade weather sealing including crushproof durability for serious adventurers.

Wildlife Photography

Critical factors: autofocus tracking, telephoto reach, frame rate.

• Nikon S31 lacks autofocus tracking and continuous shooting - misses fast-paced action.
• TG-5 impresses with 25 autofocus points and 20fps burst rate, plus longer focal length, ideal for agile wildlife subjects.

Sports Photography

Tracking athletes in motion demands AF speed and frame rate.

• Nikon’s basic AF and no burst mode limit sports use.
• Olympus TG-5’s rapid burst and tracking AF enable frame-perfect action capture.

Street Photography

Portability, discretion, and quick focus matter.

• Nikon is smaller and simpler but image quality and focus hamper creativity.
• TG-5 is a bit bulkier but excels in low light and autofocus speed, perfect for candid street moments.

Macro Photography

Close focusing precision and stabilization key here.

• Nikon S31 offers no dedicated macro focusing.
• TG-5 shines with dedicated 1 cm macro range and sensor-shift stabilization for ultra-sharp close-ups.

Night/Astro Photography

High ISO capabilities and exposure modes separate the amateurs.

• Nikon’s max ISO 1600 and lack of manual exposure make night photography challenging.
• TG-5 supports ISO 12,800, custom white balance, long exposure, and RAW capture - vastly superior for night sky and astrophotography enthusiasts.

Video Capabilities

Modern cameras must handle video seamlessly.

The TG-5’s 4K video and built-in stabilization vastly outperform the Nikon for vloggers and video content creators.

Travel Photography

You want reliability, battery life, size, and versatility.

• Nikon: Smaller, lighter (185g), with 260 shot battery life.
• Olympus: Slightly heavier (250g), but 340 shots and GPS built-in for geotagging.

The extra weight of the TG-5 pays off with performance and creative options.

Professional Use

• The Nikon S31 is unsuitable for professionals due to limited controls, no RAW, and variable image quality.
• The TG-5 ticks many boxes with RAW support, exposure controls, and rugged reliability for demanding environments.

Nikon S31 front Nikon S31 screen back Olympus TG 5 front Olympus TG 5 screen back

Additional Considerations: Lenses, Storage, Connectivity, and Battery

The TG-5’s broader zoom, manual focus, Wi-Fi for image transfer, and geotagging are practical features that power long expeditions.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Here’s a straightforward guide to help you decide:

Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your Waterproof Camera Investment

While both the Nikon Coolpix S31 and Olympus Tough TG-5 share a “waterproof compact” label, their capabilities and creative possibilities couldn’t be more different. The S31 shines as a budget-friendly, rugged snap-and-go for casual users or families, helping you capture fun moments without the headache of settings.

If you’re serious about photography or videography in challenging environments - from snorkeling, hiking, to urban exploration - the TG-5’s superior sensor, controls, and advanced features make it an investment that stands the test of both time and terrain.

Explore Further and Get Hands-On

We always recommend visiting a camera store or rental service to try handling these models yourself. Ergonomics, menu layouts, and shooting feel can dramatically influence your satisfaction. Pair either camera with compatible waterproof accessories and memory upgrades to unlock their full potential.

Summary Table: Nikon Coolpix S31 vs Olympus Tough TG-5

Whether you prioritize affordability and simplicity or demand professional-grade performance wrapped in waterproof toughness, this comparison helps clarify your best fit. Whichever camera you choose, these models enable you to dive deeper - both literally and figuratively - into your photographic journey.

Happy shooting and safe adventures!