Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV vs Olympus TG-310: A Real-World Comparison for the Pragmatic Photographer

When it comes to choosing a camera, photographers often face the classic question: should I opt for an all-around versatile mirrorless system like the Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV, or a rugged, point-and-shoot waterproof like the Olympus TG-310? Both share the Olympus badge but are worlds apart in design, intention, and photographic capability. After spending weeks putting both through their paces - from controlled lab tests to unpredictable outdoor shoots - I’m here to give you a down-to-earth, hands-on comparison that goes far beyond spec sheets. Think of this as your friendly guide to figuring out which camera suits your photography style, budget, and expectations best.

Let’s dive in.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling - Comfort in Your Hands

When I first picked up both cameras, the contrast was immediately clear. The OM-D E-M10 IV feels like a sleek little DSLR-style mirrorless, with a solid, well-balanced body designed to feel natural during prolonged use. The TG-310, by contrast, is a compact bubble of toughness, tiny and light - almost pocket-sized for easy grab-and-go.

The E-M10 IV measures a manageable 122×84×49 mm and weighs a respectable 383 grams - nothing too heavy but noticeably heftier than most compacts. The TG-310 is a downright featherweight at 155 grams and just 96×63×23 mm thick, underscoring its design as a casual, rugged companion. This difference shapes the entire user experience.

Ergonomically, the E-M10 IV offers a substantial grip, thoughtfully placed dials, and an intuitive button layout that clubs well for your thumbs - something I appreciate during fast-paced shoots. The TG-310’s slim, minimalist design trades off comfort for portability and environmental resistance (more on that later).

If you’re a photographer who enjoys holding a camera that's both responsive and stable during shooting, the E-M10 IV wins hands down here. But for beach days, hikes, or any activity where you want worry-free durability, the TG-310's size and form factor come into their own.

The Control Room: Design and User Interface

Examining the top controls and design philosophy reveals two very different approaches aimed at distinct users.

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV sports traditional SLR-style dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and shooting modes - a boon for photographers who like tactile, manual control. The rear is dominated by a tilting touchscreen and a comprehensive array of buttons, customizable in many cases. I found this setup accelerates work flow, especially when swapping between shooting modes or quickly adjusting focus options.

Meanwhile, the TG-310 features a pared-down control scheme. The limited buttons and dials reflect its casual shooting intent. The camera leans heavily on auto modes and minimal user intervention, which is fine for beginners or those wanting straightforward operation without fuss.

For anyone who craves hands-on control and wants a flexible interface for different scenarios (especially manual exposure modes), the E-M10 IV is a no-brainer. The TG-310 feels like a point-and-shoot from a bygone era where complexity was intentionally shunned.

A Clash of Sensors: Size, Resolution, and Image Quality

This camera battle is fundamentally a duel of sensor technology and image output quality - a crucial area for serious photographers.

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV sports a 20-megapixel Four Thirds CMOS sensor (17.4 x 13 mm), coupled with the efficient Accelerated TruePic VIII processor. This sensor size is significantly larger than what the TG-310 offers, capturing more light, delivering better dynamic range, and producing cleaner images at higher ISO settings.

The TG-310 relies on a tiny 1/2.3” CCD sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm) with 14 megapixels, typical of compact waterproof cameras from its generation. This sensor real estate limitation translates to increased noise, lower detail, reduced dynamic range, and less flexibility in post-processing.

In practical terms, images from the E-M10 IV exhibit richer colors, finer detail, and noticeably better low-light performance. The TG-310’s photos often look softer and noisier beyond ISO 400, with visible blur in shadows and limited dynamic range to recover highlights.

For anyone serious about image quality - portraits, landscapes, or detailed macros - the OM-D E-M10 IV’s sensor delivers a definitive edge.

Viewing Experience: The LCD and Viewfinder Showdown

Long shoots and quick framing depend heavily on how a camera communicates visual data to you.

The E-M10 IV boasts a 3-inch, 1,040k-dot tilting touchscreen LCD coupled with a sharp OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) boasting 2,360k-dot resolution. The EVF coverage is 100% with decent magnification (0.62x), providing a bright, responsive framing experience, ideal under harsh sunlight. The tilting screen improves flexibility for low- or high-angle shots and self-portrait framing.

On the flip side, the TG-310 features a fixed 2.7-inch 230k-dot TFT LCD and no viewfinder at all. The screen resolution is low by modern standards, resulting in less crisp image previews - sometimes a challenge in bright outdoor conditions.

If you value accurate framing, detailed previews, and intuitive touch focus or menus, the OM-D E-M10 IV is superior. The TG-310’s simpler screen suffices for casual snapshots but lacks the sophistication for compositional precision, especially in challenging light.

Autofocus and Speed: Keeping Up with Your Subject

Autofocus is where the tech differences really amplify in real-world usage.

The OM-D E-M10 IV features a 121-point contrast-detection AF system with face and eye detection - something I personally tested with models in a bustling street photography session. The AF locks quickly and tracks subjects smoothly through continuous modes (~8.7 fps burst), especially in decent light.

The TG-310’s AF relies on basic contrast detection with manual focus not available, and only single AF mode (no continuous tracking). Its maximum continuous shooting is 1 fps, inadequate for movement-intensive photography like sports or wildlife.

For instance, in a casual birdwatching walk, the OM-D E-M10 IV rapidly acquires and tracks moving birds, enabling multiple keepers in a burst. The TG-310 struggles to lock focus quickly, often resulting in soft or missed shots with fast-moving subjects.

For wildlife, sports, or event shooters, the added speed and accuracy in AF with the E-M10 IV is a game-changer.

Photographic Disciplines: How Each Camera Holds Up

Let’s break down the cameras’ suitability across major genres, accompanied by some image samples I shot in real environments.

Olympus E M10 IV front Olympus E M10 IV screen back Olympus TG 310 front Olympus TG 310 screen back

Portraits

The E-M10 IV creates pleasing skin tones and natural bokeh, aided by interchangeable lenses with wide apertures. I tried the 45mm f/1.8 in a few sessions - the eye detection AF nailed focus, and background separation was crisp without being harsh.

The TG-310’s fixed 28-102mm equivalent lens has limited aperture (F3.9-5.9) and relatively shallow depth of field control, resulting in flatter portraits lacking subject isolation. Still, it’s fine for casual portraits with good lighting.

Landscapes

Here the E-M10 IV shines with its larger sensor, raw file support, and impressive dynamic range. In mountain and sunset scenes, the camera captured impressive highlight-to-shadow separation and layer detail.

The TG-310 delivers decent snapshots but falls short in shadow detail and overall sharpness, making it less ideal for large prints or fine art use.

Wildlife

Fast AF and burst rate on the E-M10 IV let me capture well-defined bird-in-flight images; meanwhile, the TG-310’s slow burst and focus lag meant many blurred wildlife shots.

Sports

With tracking AF and 8.7 fps, the E-M10 IV is capable in slower-paced sports. The TG-310 is unsuited here due to slow responsiveness.

Street Photography

Both cameras have pros and cons here. The TG-310’s small size aids discreet shooting but sacrifices control and image quality. The E-M10 IV, while more conspicuous, delivers superior detail and dynamic range. With the right compact prime lens, it can perform admirably on the street.

Macro Photography

E-M10 IV wins again. Its Micro Four Thirds mount opens access to a wealth of close-focusing primes and stabilization aids. The TG-310 focuses as close as 3 cm at widest angle but with less clarity and control.

Night/Astro Photography

Thanks to its low-noise sensor and manual exposure modes, the E-M10 IV shoots night and astro images with long exposures and good high-ISO performance. TG-310’s max ISO 1600 and limited manual control hinder usability here.

Video

The E-M10 IV records 4K UHD at 30 fps with clean 8-bit 4:2:0 internally and has electronic stabilization - valuable for casual video creators. Unfortunately, it lacks microphone or headphone ports, which will frustrate pros.

The TG-310 can only capture 720p video at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format, generally low quality by modern standards, and stabilization is more limited.

Travel Photography

Given the combination of size, versatility, and battery life, the E-M10 IV is an excellent travel companion - though not pocket-sized. The TG-310’s ruggedness and portability make it great for rough environments where you wouldn’t want to risk the E-M10 IV.

Professional Use

For professionals seeking raw files, expansive lens ecosystems, precise manual control, and integration into workflows, the E-M10 IV is the obvious choice. The TG-310 is simply not designed for serious workflows.

Technical Insights Worth Knowing

Sensor Technology

The shift from a CCD sensor in the TG-310 to CMOS in the E-M10 IV signifies leaps in speed and image quality. CMOS sensors enable faster readout, better noise management, and superior live view, translating to remarkable improvements in autofocus and video.

Autofocus Details

The E-M10 IV’s 121 contrast-detection AF points, face and eye detection, and continuous AF modes reflect Olympus’s refined AF algorithm in the TruePic VIII processor. The TG-310 offers a more rudimentary system limited by sensor and processing technology of its time.

Build Quality and Durability

While the E-M10 IV lacks weather-sealing, it boasts a sturdy magnesium and polycarbonate build suited for most conditions but must be shielded from rain and dust. The TG-310, certified waterproof (up to 3 meters), dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof, was purpose-built for rugged use - an undeniable advantage for specific users.

Ergonomics and Interface

The E-M10 IV’s articulating touchscreen responsive interface is a standout feature, easing navigation and focusing. In contrast, the TG-310’s fixed low-res LCD and button interface is dated but straightforward.

Lens Ecosystem

As a Micro Four Thirds camera, the E-M10 IV gains access to over 100 lenses, from budget primes to pro-level zooms. The TG-310 is fixed lens, limiting creativity and flexibility.

Battery Life and Storage

The BLS-50 battery in the E-M10 IV offers around 360 shots per charge, respectable but may require spares on long days. The TG-310’s smaller battery supports ~150 shots, adequate for casual use.

Both accept SD cards with UHS-II support for the E-M10 IV, which is critical for faster buffering and file saves.

Connectivity

The E-M10 IV includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enabling easy remote control and instant sharing - a big win for social shooters. The TG-310 has Eye-Fi card compatibility (obsolete today) but no modern wireless features.

Pricing and Value Assessment

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV is priced around $699, which positions it as an affordable entry-level mirrorless camera with features punched well above its class.

The TG-310 doesn’t have a current retail price (it’s discontinued), but historically sat lower as a niche waterproof model. Its value proposition today lies mostly in secondary markets or specific rugged-use contexts.

If budget constraints force a choice, the TG-310 offers a specialized, durable solution. If image quality, versatility, and futureproofing matter, the E-M10 IV becomes worth every penny.

Scoring the Showdown: Objective Ratings

I compiled scores based on controlled tests and field use to quantify overall performance:

The clear winner across the board is the OM-D E-M10 IV, which scores substantially higher for image quality, autofocus, video capabilities, and professional features. The TG-310 remains relevant only in waterproof and extreme conditions.

For specific genres, here’s a visual breakdown:

Who Should Pick Which?

Let me be candid. Both cameras fill very different niches.

Pick the Olympus OM-D E-M10 IV if:

• You want a serious yet affordable mirrorless camera to grow with your skills.
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, macro, travel, or video regularly.
• You appreciate manual controls, interchangeable lenses, and technical flexibility.
• You need reliable autofocus and burst rates for wildlife, sports, or street photography.
• You want modern connectivity - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and 4K video.
• You’re ready to invest slightly more for much better image quality and versatility.

Choose the Olympus TG-310 if:

• You want a simple, no-nonsense, rugged point-and-shoot for outdoor adventures.
• Waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof features are a priority.
• You don’t care about interchangeable lenses or manual exposure modes.
• Your budget is very tight, and you mainly want snapshots or vacation photos.
• Portability and durability outweigh image finesse.

In Summary: Final Thoughts From the Field

I get it - cameras aren’t one-size-fits-all, and Olympus offers these two models to cater to very distinct crowds. The OM-D E-M10 IV is clearly the more capable tool for enthusiasts and semi-pros looking for excellent image quality, manual control, and a thriving lens ecosystem. Its balance of performance and price makes it a standout recommendation in the entry-level mirrorless market.

The TG-310, while technologically dated by today's standards, remains a champion for those who prize ruggedness and simplicity above all else - think casual beachgoers, hikers, or parents who just want a camera that’ll survive a splash or a fall without worrying.

Ultimately, the decision hinges on your photography ambitions, aesthetic priorities, and lifestyle needs. If you want a camera you can grow with, learn on, and rely upon for a variety of creative projects, the E-M10 IV will be your faithful companion. If you’re the cheapskate adventurer who needs indestructibility and ready-to-shoot ease, the TG-310 will serve you well.

Whichever you pick, always remember: the best camera is the one that fits your hands, your budget, and your creative heart - and that you actually take out and use.

Happy shooting!

Note: All evaluations are based on extensive hands-on testing and reflect experiences curated over hundreds of hours with these cameras, supporting an informed choice grounded in real-world photography workflows.