Olympus E-M5 III vs TG-310: An Expert Comparison for Real-World Photography

Choosing the right camera is a pivotal step in your photography journey. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or an adventurous beginner, understanding how each camera performs across disciplines and scenarios helps you invest wisely. Today, we’ll examine two Olympus models from distinctly different segments: the advanced mirrorless Olympus OM-D E-M5 III and the rugged, waterproof compact Olympus TG-310.

These cameras were announced eight years apart - E-M5 III in 2019 and TG-310 in 2011 - so their core technologies reflect wide generational differences. Yet both embody Olympus’ commitment to innovation, portability, and ease of use. Through hands-on experience and thorough technical evaluation, we’ll help you identify which model suits your creative style and shooting needs best.

Let’s dive into this comprehensive comparison, covering the technical specs, real-world performance in multiple photography genres, usability, and value for money.

First Impressions: Design, Size, and Handling

Physical Dimensions and Ergonomics

When choosing a camera, how it feels in your hands is as important as specs on paper. The Olympus E-M5 III sports a classic SLR-style mirrorless body with substantial grip and robust controls. In contrast, the TG-310 is a small, pocketable waterproof compact designed for casual and rugged outdoor shooting.

• Olympus E-M5 III
  Dimensions: 125 × 85 × 50 mm
  Weight: 414 g (body only)
  Body Style: SLR-style mirrorless with textured grip
  Weather sealing: Yes (dust and splash resistant)
  Buttons: Dedicated dials and customizable buttons

• Olympus TG-310
  Dimensions: 96 × 63 × 23 mm
  Weight: 155 g
  Body Style: Compact, rugged, no grip
  Weather sealing: Yes (waterproof to ~3 m, dustproof, freezeproof, shockproof)
  Buttons: Simplified interface, fewer dedicated controls

The E-M5 III's form offers better ergonomics for extended shooting, manual controls, and lens swapping - a win for advanced users. The TG-310’s rugged compact design fits in your pocket and withstands harsh treatment, perfect for travel or active lifestyles, but less comfortable for prolonged use.

Control Layout and Interface

The tons of customizability on the E-M5 III’s top plate add to professional appeal. Let’s contrast the detailed control layouts:

• E-M5 III features multiple control dials including exposure compensation, shutter speed, and aperture controls.
• TG-310 is more minimalistic with basic zoom rocker, shutter button, and mode dial.

This stark difference reflects the intended users: E-M5 III empowers you with granular control, whereas TG-310 emphasizes simplicity.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Under the hood, sensor technology largely dictates final image quality and versatility.

The E-M5 III’s Four Thirds sensor is significantly larger and newer, delivering:

• Better dynamic range for preserving shadow and highlight details - essential for landscape and portrait work.
• Improved color depth and noise control at high ISO, enabling low-light shooting.
• Raw image support for comprehensive post-processing - a critical feature for professionals and enthusiasts who want creative control.

In comparison, the TG-310’s smaller 1/2.3" CCD sensor limits image quality with lower resolution, less light sensitivity, and no raw output. This sensor size is typical for point-and-shoot cameras optimized more for casual photography than professional-grade imagery.

Versatility Across Photography Genres

Portrait Photography: Rendering Skin Tones and Bokeh

Portraits thrive on accurate color rendition, smooth skin tones, and controlled background blur.

• E-M5 III strengths:

  • 20 MP sensor captures fine skin textures and subtle tonal gradations.
  • 121-point hybrid AF system with facial and eye detection ensures tack-sharp focus on subjects’ eyes.
  • Interchangeable lens system lets you pick fast-prime lenses (e.g., f/1.8 or f/1.2 equivalents) for creamy bokeh and subject isolation.

• TG-310 limitations:

  • Smaller sensor struggles with shallow depth of field; background blur is minimal even at longest focal lengths.
  • Fixed, slow zoom lens (F3.9-5.9) limits creative control.
  • Contrast-detection AF is slower and less precise, making eye focus challenging.

For portrait enthusiasts aiming for professional results - especially in natural light - the E-M5 III is head and shoulders above the TG-310.

Landscape Photography: Detail and Durability

Landscape shooters look for resolution, dynamic range, and environmental toughness.

• E-M5 III:

  • Higher resolution and wider dynamic range capture nuanced skies and foliage.
  • Weather sealing protects against moisture and dust, permitting shooting in challenging conditions.
  • Articulated screen helps compose high- and low-angle shots.
  • Sensor-based 5-axis image stabilization enables handheld handheld shots at slow shutter speeds.

• TG-310:

  • Lower resolution and sensor size results in less detailed imagery.
  • Truly waterproof and shock-resistant capabilities mean you can shoot underwater or in harsh environments without extra protection.
  • Limited manual control may hamper creative landscape expression.

If you seek a balance between environmental resiliency and image quality for hiking or underwater adventures, the TG-310 excels in survivability but not in image fidelity. The E-M5 III satisfies landscape enthusiasts prioritizing image quality and weather resistance but needs care below water.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Autofocus, Speed, and Responsiveness

Capturing fast-moving subjects requires cameras with precise autofocus and rapid burst shooting.

The E-M5 III’s hybrid AF and 30 fps burst mode (silent electronic shutter) allow you to track and freeze wildlife or sports action with greater accuracy. In contrast, the TG-310 lacks these performance numbers, with a modest 1 fps burst and slower AF, better aimed at casual snapshots rather than professional sports or wildlife photography.

Street and Travel Photography: Discreteness and Portability

For street photographers and travelers, key factors include size, stealth, and battery life.

• TG-310:

  • Ultra-compact and lightweight, fits easily in a jacket pocket or small bag.
  • Waterproof and rugged, great for travel where conditions can be uncertain.
  • Simple and quick point-and-shoot operation.

• E-M5 III:

  • Larger than a compact but still pocketable in larger coat pockets or small bags.
  • Weather-sealed for shooting in rain or dust.
  • Higher battery life (310 shots versus 150), useful for long exploration days.
  • Fully articulated touchscreen useful for discreet angles or vlogging.

Overall, while the TG-310 beats in portability, the E-M5 III provides a more versatile skill set without being overly bulky.

Macro, Night, and Astro Photography: Specialized Performance

• Macro:
  The E-M5 III supports focus stacking and bracketing, combined with its precise AF system and compatible close-up lenses for crystal-clear macro shots. The TG-310 can focus as close as 3 cm but lacks advanced macro tools or fine focus control.

• Night and Astro:
  The larger sensor and ISO range of the E-M5 III (up to 25600) yield cleaner images in low light, essential for night scenes and astrophotography. Its 5-axis IBIS system allows longer handheld exposures. The TG-310’s max ISO 1600 and smaller sensor produce noisier results, limiting night shooting quality.

Video Capabilities: Resolution, Stabilization, and Mic Support

Video is a vital consideration for many content creators today.

The E-M5 III offers professional-grade 4K video with high bit rates and internal 5-axis stabilization, which smooths handheld footage impressively. It supports external microphones, a hallmark for quality audio capture during interviews or on-location shoots.

The TG-310’s video features are basic - 720p resolution and no mic jack - suitable for casual clips but not serious video work.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Durability

Both cameras offer weather sealing but differ in degree and type:

• E-M5 III: Robust magnesium alloy body, dust- and splash-proof but not fully waterproof.
• TG-310: Fully waterproof (up to 3 m), freezeproof, shockproof, and dustproof - purpose-built for adventure.

This distinction clarifies their design philosophy: professional equipment versus robust tough compact.

Battery Life and Storage

• E-M5 III: Approximately 310 shots per charge using LCD, supports SD UHS-II cards (fast read/write).
• TG-310: Approximately 150 shots per charge, supports SD/SDHC/SDXC but no UHS-II.

If prolonged sessions and rapid file writing are priorities, the E-M5 III clearly leads.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration

• E-M5 III: Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enabling remote control, image transfer to smartphones, and tethered shooting possibilities. USB 2.0 and HDMI ports support data offload and external monitoring.
• TG-310: Connectivity limited to Eye-Fi card support (legacy wireless SD card), USB 2.0 and HDMI out.

The E-M5 III offers a modern, flexible workflow ideal for professional photographers.

Price-to-Performance Analysis

• Olympus E-M5 III retail: approximately $1,199 (body only).
• Olympus TG-310: budget-friendly (~discontinued, very low market prices).

While the TG-310 was a niche waterproof compact with very limited imaging capabilities, the E-M5 III is a fully-fledged hybrid camera offering professional features in a lightweight body.

Sample Image Comparison

To visualize differences, here are sample shots from each camera under controlled conditions:

Olympus E M5 III front Olympus E M5 III screen back Olympus TG 310 front Olympus TG 310 screen back

Notice the E-M5 III’s superior detail, dynamic range, and color fidelity in portraits and landscapes, compared to the comparatively flat, noisy, and lower resolution TG-310 files.

Overall Performance Ratings and Genre Scores

Here is a summary of the cameras’ overall and genre-specific scores based on our tests:

The E-M5 III scored highly across most image-based disciplines, while the TG-310 performs best in durability and casual use cases.

Who Should Choose Which?

Choose the Olympus E-M5 III if you:

• Are an enthusiast or pro seeking a lightweight, weather-sealed advanced mirrorless with excellent image quality.
• Want versatility to shoot portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, macro, and video with professional-grade AF and image stabilization.
• Value modern connectivity for streamlined workflows and creative flexibility.
• Are ready to invest in a system with a rich lens ecosystem (Micro Four Thirds).
• Aim for future-proofing and serious photographic growth.

Choose the Olympus TG-310 if you:

• Need a rugged, waterproof camera for adventure travel, hiking, or underwater fun.
• Prioritize ultra-portability and shock resistance over image quality and manual controls.
• Desire a simple point-and-shoot experience without the complexity of interchangeable lenses.
• Have a limited budget or are starting with casual photography.

Final Thoughts and Getting Started

Both cameras highlight Olympus’ innovative approach from different eras and target groups. The Olympus E-M5 III stands out as a highly capable tool pushing creative boundaries, suitable for serious photography and video. The TG-310 remains a charming, hardy companion for carefree, on-the-go moments with basic image capture needs.

We encourage you to handle both cameras in person, try their controls, and imagine workflows for your specific needs. Check out compatible lenses and accessories when considering the E-M5 III to enhance your capabilities further.

Explore your photographic passions with a camera that empowers your vision - not just one that ticks boxes on paper. Olympus offers options tailored to diverse creative journeys, so choose the one that inspires you to get out shooting and creating.

Ready to dive in? Start with lens recommendations for the E-M5 III if you go mirrorless, or pack the TG-310 for your next outdoor escapade. Your next photographic adventure is just a shot away!