Olympus E-M10 III vs Olympus TG-320: A Deep Dive into Two Very Different Cameras

Selecting the right camera is never a one-size-fits-all decision - especially when the models under consideration are as diverse as the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III (E-M10 III) and the Olympus TG-320. These two cameras cater to vastly different photographic styles and demands. Today, we’ll unpack every facet of both to help you decide which aligns best with your creative ambitions.

Whether you’re a street photographer seeking compactness, a landscape artist hungry for dynamic range, an adventurer needing waterproof durability, or a vlogger requiring solid video capabilities, this comparison offers practical insights drawn from extensive hands-on testing.

1. Understanding the Cameras at a Glance: Entry-Level Mirrorless vs Compact Waterproof

At first blush, the Olympus E-M10 III and TG-320 appear to serve polar-opposite purposes. The E-M10 III is an entry-level mirrorless camera with an interchangeable lens system, aiming to provide creative control and excellent image quality. Conversely, the TG-320 is a rugged, waterproof compact designed for casual shooting under challenging environmental conditions.

Size and ergonomics reveal the E-M10 III’s more substantial grip and control layout compared to the pocket-friendly TG-320.

2. Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Imaging Performance

Sensor Size & Technology

At the core, sensor quality profoundly influences image fidelity, low-light performance, and creative depth.

• E-M10 III boasts a Micro Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.4 x 13 mm, delivering a sensor area of approximately 226 mm². This sensor size strikes a balance between compactness and image quality allowing effective noise control and superior dynamic range.

• TG-320 uses a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor, about 28 mm² in area, significantly smaller with less light-gathering surface. This size inherently limits performance in noise and dynamic range, which you’ll notice particularly in low light or high-contrast scenes.

Visualizing sensor sizes explains why the E-M10 III delivers superior image quality, especially under challenging lighting.

Resolution and Image Detail

While the TG-320 offers 14 megapixels, the E-M10 III’s 16 MP, combined with superior sensor technology, yields noticeably sharper and cleaner images with more detail retention and better color depth.

Our practical tests demonstrate:

• The E-M10 III consistently produces punchy, color-accurate images with an excellent dynamic range. Its anti-aliasing filter is optimized for balancing moiré with resolution.

• The TG-320 struggles with noise beyond ISO 400 and presents lower dynamic range, producing softer images with less latitude in post-processing.

ISO Performance

The E-M10 III’s ISO range extends up to 25,600, allowing you to shoot confidently in dim environments, while the TG-320 maxes out at 1,600 ISO - with visible grain above ISO 400.

These specs mean:

• The E-M10 III suits night, indoor, and fast-action photography without heavy noise.

• The TG-320 is best for well-lit environments, casual snapshots, or underwater scenes where natural light suffices.

3. Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Capturing Moments with Precision

Autofocus System and Accuracy

The E-M10 III employs a contrast-detection autofocus system with 121 focus points, including face detection and continuous AF tracking. Though no phase detection autofocus, the camera’s processor and algorithms enable responsive and reliable AF performance.

The TG-320 offers a basic contrast-detection AF system with limited focus points and no continuous AF mode, designed primarily for simple point-and-shoot usage.

Live view AF: Available on the E-M10 III with touch capabilities improving quick focusing. The TG-320 lacks touchscreen AF and live view sensitivity.

Burst Shooting and Frame Rates

• E-M10 III: 8.6 fps continuous shooting, excellent for sports or wildlife bursts.

• TG-320: Audio-limited to 1 fps, unsuitable for action photography.

Real-World Testing Notes

• In handheld wildlife or sports scenarios, the E-M10 III locks focus quickly and sustains it effectively.

• The TG-320, while usable for kids’ play or casual scenes, is unreliable for fast-moving subjects.

4. Ergonomics, Design, and User Interface: Handling and Control Experience

Notice the pronounced control dials and buttons on the E-M10 III versus TG-320’s minimalistic top panel.

Physical Build & Handling

• Olympus E-M10 III: SLR-style body with robust grip, appropriately positioned dials, and plenty of customizable buttons easing operation for manual shooters.

• TG-320: Tiny, lightweight compact with a slim profile ideal for portability but limited physical controls.

Environmental Durability

Only the TG-320 provides weatherproofing:

• Waterproof up to certain depths.

• Dustproof and shockproof.

• Freezeproof, suited for harsh outdoor use.

The E-M10 III lacks sealing, requiring caution around moisture or dust.

Display and Viewfinder

The E-M10 III sports a 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD with 1,040,000 dots resolution, alongside a bright electronic viewfinder (EVF) at 2,360k dots offering 100% coverage.

In contrast:

• TG-320 includes a fixed 2.7-inch LCD with only 230k dots and no EVF.

• No touchscreen on TG-320.

The E-M10 III’s much higher-resolution screen and EVF make composing shots and checking focus much easier, especially in sunlight.

5. Lens Ecosystem: Interchangeability and Optics Availability

A critical distinction lies in lens compatibility.

• E-M10 III utilizes the Micro Four Thirds mount, opening access to an extensive library of over 100 high-quality lenses, from ultra-wide-angle to super-telephoto primes, macro optics, and fast aperture zooms.

• The TG-320 features a fixed 28-102mm (3.6x zoom) lens, sufficient for casual shooting but restrictive for specialized photography.

If you aim to explore portrait bokeh, landscape ultra-wides, or wildlife telephotos, the E-M10 III provides the flexibility needed.

6. Image Stabilization: Keeping Shots Sharp

Both cameras provide in-body image stabilization (IBIS):

• E-M10 III offers 5-axis sensor-shift stabilization, remarkably effective for handheld photography and video work, significantly reducing blur.

• TG-320 employs basic sensor-shift stabilization, helpful but limited due to sensor size and design.

Our experience:

• The E-M10 III allows blur-free shots at shutter speeds multiple stops slower than usual handheld limits.

• The TG-320 helps smooth minor shakes during casual shooting but can’t compensate for fast movements.

7. Video Capabilities: From Full HD to 4K UHD

Olympus E-M10 III

• Records in 4K UHD (3840x2160) at 30fps, using efficient H.264 encoding.

• Supports slow-motion and timelapse video.

• Audio captured via built-in microphone; no external mic input.

• Lacks headphone jack, less ideal for professional video monitoring.

• IBIS translates well into handheld smooth footage.

Olympus TG-320

• Maximum video resolution of 720p at 30fps only.

• Basic MPEG-4 H.264 codec.

• No microphone input or advanced video features.

In Practice

• The E-M10 III enables hobbyist vloggers and content creators to produce high-quality video with decent stabilization.

• The TG-320 covers simple home videos but won’t meet demanding multimedia projects.

8. Battery Life and Storage Options: Working Duration in the Field

The E-M10 III’s battery life is respectable for an interchangeable lens mirrorless. With spare batteries, day-long shoots are manageable.

TG-320’s battery runs out faster due to smaller capacity but suffices for casual users.

Both cameras use widely available SD cards simplifying media management.

9. Connectivity and Extras: Wireless, Flash, and More

Wireless Features

• E-M10 III: Built-in Wi-Fi for remote control, image transfer, and tethering with Olympus smartphone apps. No Bluetooth or NFC.

• TG-320: No wireless connectivity options.

Flash Systems

• E-M10 III: Built-in pop-up flash with various modes plus support for external flashes - great for bounce and fill lighting.

• TG-320: Fixed flash with limited modes, no external flash port.

Other Useful Features

• Both cameras include self-timers, but E-M10 III offers more advanced customizations including exposure bracketing and white balance bracketing.

• The E-M10 III supports focus bracketing but not focus stacking or post-focus - features generally absent on such an entry-level model but useful for more precise macro work.

10. Performance Across Photography Genres: Where Each Camera Shines

Let’s break down how these cameras handle major photography disciplines:

11. Real-World Image Comparisons: Seeing Is Believing

Viewing sample images side by side helps ground this in reality.

Olympus E M10 MIII front Olympus E M10 MIII screen back Olympus TG 320 front Olympus TG 320 screen back

• The E-M10 III photos exhibit sharper details, better color reproduction, and more refined bokeh.

• The TG-320 performs well outdoors in bright conditions but shows lower sharpness and increased noise in shadows.

For photographers focused on quality and creative control, E-M10 III’s results stand out.

12. Overall Performance and Expert Ratings

After running extensive tests including resolution charts, AF speed trials, dynamic range measurements, and user experience scoring, the summary ratings are:

13. Your Camera Match: Recommendations by User Type

• Beginner photographers eager to grow and learn: The Olympus E-M10 III is ideal. Its advanced features, lens system, and excellent image quality provide room to expand skills and styles.

• Casual shooters and outdoor enthusiasts: The Olympus TG-320 offers simplicity, ruggedness, and convenience for snapshots and adventures where weather sealing matters most.

• Travel photographers needing versatility and quality: E-M10 III fits best if you don’t mind carrying lenses, but TG-320 is an excellent secondary option for rugged exploration.

• Vloggers and video creators on a budget: E-M10 III offers a meaningful upgrade with 4K video and stabilization.

• Specialized photographers (wildlife, sports, macro, night): E-M10 III with tailored lenses and accessories will significantly outperform the TG-320.

Final Thoughts: Choosing Innovation vs Simplicity

When we consider these cameras, it’s not just specs but matching tool to task that matters. The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III is a commendable entry point into serious mirrorless photography that delivers professional-grade results with an accessible user experience. Its sensor, autofocus, and lens flexibility offer endless creative possibilities.

Meanwhile, the Olympus TG-320 shines as a reliable, compact companion for active lifestyles, excelling in harsh conditions where durability trumps image quality.

By evaluating what you prioritize - be it artistic control or ready-for-anything convenience - you can select confidently.

Ready to explore? If you lean toward advanced mirrorless photography, check out the Olympus E-M10 III with a fast prime or zoom lens and get started mastering your craft. Or if your goal is stress-free adventure photography, the rugged TG-320 is a trusty partner waiting to capture your next journey.

Appendix: Technical Specifications Summary

Choosing between these two Olympus models boils down to your creative aspirations and shooting environment. The E-M10 III equips you for serious photographic exploration with optical excellence and configurability. The TG-320 offers no-frills rugged convenience perfect for the casual adventurer.

With this expert comparison in hand, you’re empowered to make an informed decision and take your photography journey into the exciting next chapter. Happy shooting!