Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Olympus TG-320: A Detailed Comparison for Discerning Photographers

Choosing between compact and bridge cameras requires careful evaluation of key parameters across multiple photographic disciplines and real-world scenarios. In this authoritative comparison, we will dissect the Olympus SP-590 UZ and Olympus TG-320 - both released within a few years, yet tailored for distinct user priorities. Drawing on extensive hands-on experience and technical scrutiny, this article offers a comprehensive evaluation of these two small-sensor Olympus models. We will address sensor and image quality, autofocus, ergonomics, stabilization, video, and genre-specific performance. The goal is to empower photography enthusiasts and professionals alike with a nuanced understanding to inform their purchasing decisions.

First Impressions and Ergonomic Realities

At the outset, the SP-590 UZ and TG-320 appeal to different user archetypes: the SP-590 UZ is a bridge-style superzoom with manual controls and typically SLR-like handling, whereas the TG-320 is a rugged, waterproof compact designed for straightforward operation in challenging environments.

Physical Size and Handling

The SP-590 UZ measures approximately 116 x 84 x 81 mm and weighs 413 g, giving it a substantial grip and presence, suitable for photographers who value control and stability. Its SLR-like form factor naturally lends itself to traditional hand positions, facilitating manual focus rings and exposure dial usage.

The TG-320 is considerably smaller (96 x 63 x 23 mm) and lighter at 155 g, prioritizing portability and ruggedness. Its slim profile and compactness ensure ease of pocketability, ideal for travel or active outdoor use where bulk is a liability.

Control Layout

The SP-590 UZ features an array of dedicated manual exposure controls including aperture priority, shutter priority, and exposure compensation, which align well with advanced photoworkflows. Dedicated manual focus and zoom rings enrich tactile feedback and precision.

Conversely, the TG-320 adopts a more simplified control scheme. The absence of manual focus and exposure modes indicates a design focus on ease-of-use for casual shooting, with an emphasis on automated adjustments to capture moments quickly.

Sensor Technologies and Imaging Capabilities

Sensor performance remains the foundational determinant of image quality. Both models use 1/2.3" CCD sensors but differ in resolution and processing capabilities, impacting detail, noise performance, dynamic range, and tonal rendering.

Resolution and Sensor Dimensions

• Olympus SP-590 UZ: 12 MP (3968x2976), 6.08 x 4.56 mm sensor area (27.72 mm²)
• Olympus TG-320: 14 MP (4288 x 3216), 6.17 x 4.55 mm sensor area (28.07 mm²)

The TG-320 offers 2 MP more resolution on a virtually identical sensor size, yielding marginally higher pixel density. This can provide additional detail rendering when lighting conditions and processing permit.

ISO Sensitivity and Noise Performance

• SP-590 UZ: Native ISO range 64–6400 with raw support.
• TG-320: Native ISO range 80–1600 without raw support.

The SP-590 UZ’s wider ISO range and raw shooting capability places it ahead for users seeking flexibility in post-processing and better performance in low light. The TG-320’s maximum ISO 1600 is more limiting, and RAW is not supported, restricting editing latitude.

Image Stabilization

Both cameras feature optical/stabilization systems:

• SP-590 UZ utilizes optical image stabilization.
• TG-320 offers sensor-shift stabilization.

Operationally, sensor-shift stabilization in the TG-320 is effective for handheld shooting but generally less powerful than lens-based stabilization for superzoom ranges. The SP-590 UZ’s optical system is optimized for its longer zoom reach, aiding sharper telephoto captures.

Focusing Systems and Autofocus Performance

Autofocus precision, speed, and modes substantially influence real-world performance, especially in fast-paced or detailed work.

AF Technologies

• SP-590 UZ: Contrast-detection AF only, single AF mode, with multi-area selection.
• TG-320: Contrast-detection AF with face detection and AF tracking.

The TG-320’s inclusion of face detection and tracking offers an advantage for portraits and moving subjects. However, single AF with no continuous autofocus limits responsiveness in action photography.

The SP-590 UZ’s manual focus option caters to macro and landscape shooters requiring exact focus placement unavailable on the TG-320.

Image Presentation and Viewfinder Experience

Hands-on use demonstrates the significance of visual feedback via displays and viewfinders.

• SP-590 UZ: 2.7", 230k pixel fixed LCD with electronic viewfinder (resolution unspecified).
• TG-320: 2.7", 230k pixel TFT fixed LCD only; no EVF.

The SP-590 UZ’s electronic viewfinder offers framing precision in bright outdoor conditions where LCD legibility is compromised, a practical advantage for landscape and wildlife photographers. Though the EVF resolution is modest, its utility surpasses the TG-320’s reliance on LCD alone.

Zoom Lenses and Optical Reach

Lens focal length and aperture profile significantly shape photographic versatility.

• SP-590 UZ: 26–676mm equivalent zoom (26x), max aperture f/2.8–5.0.
• TG-320: 28–102mm equivalent zoom (3.6x), max aperture f/3.5–5.1.

The SP-590 UZ’s extensive telephoto range is a key strength, enabling wildlife and sports shooters to capture distant subjects effectively. Its relatively fast maximum aperture at the wide end (f/2.8) also benefits indoor and low-light situations.

By contrast, the TG-320’s limited zoom range prioritizes compactness over reach and is geared more toward general snapshot and underwater use.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Capabilities

Fast action photography demands robust burst modes and responsive shutter mechanics.

• SP-590 UZ: 6 fps continuous shooting; minimum shutter speed 15s, maximum 1/2000s.
• TG-320: 1 fps continuous shooting; minimum shutter speed 4s, maximum 1/2000s.

The SP-590 UZ’s 6 fps burst at full resolution outperforms the TG-320’s limited single frame per second speed, providing better capture rates of fleeting moments, critical for sports, wildlife, and street photography.

Weather Sealing and Durability

Physical resilience dictates suitability in adverse or challenging environments.

• Both cameras implement environmental sealing.
• The TG-320 is waterproof (yes), dustproof (yes), shockproof (yes), and freezeproof (yes).
• The SP-590 UZ is environment-sealed but not waterproof or shockproof.

Olympus SP 590 UZ front Olympus SP 590 UZ screen back Olympus TG 320 front Olympus TG 320 screen back

The TG-320 is engineered for rugged conditions including underwater excursions and rough handling, making it ideal for adventure and travel photographers requiring a tough companion.

The SP-590 UZ, while somewhat protected, is not suitable for water immersion or rugged abuse; it is better suited to controlled outdoor conditions.

Video Performance and Audio Inputs

Video capabilities are increasingly an essential consideration.

• SP-590 UZ: Motion JPEG video at 640x480 pixels, 30fps maximum, no microphone or headphone ports.
• TG-320: MPEG-4 and H.264 video at 1280x720 pixels (HD), 30fps; again no external audio connectivity.

TG-320 delivers markedly better video resolution (720p HD) compared to the SD-level video of the SP-590 UZ. However, neither offers external microphone inputs, limiting serious videography. The SP-590 UZ’s lower-res video is acceptable for casual use but not competitive against more modern standards.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Operational longevity and flexible storage can influence extended shoot viability.

• SP-590 UZ: Battery details unspecified; uses xD Picture Card and microSD (unusual dual support).
• TG-320: Battery Pack LI-42B, approx 150 shots per charge; standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.

The SP-590 UZ’s compatibility with microSD cards allows convenient memory expansion, yet xD cards are an outdated format posing logistical challenges. The TG-320’s support of SD cards aligns better with industry norms.

Battery life in the compact TG-320 is modest (~150 shots), with no data for the SP-590 UZ, though bridge cameras generally have longer endurance due to larger batteries.

Genre-Specific Performance Analysis

Assessing these cameras across photography genres elucidates the best fit based on operational strengths and compromises.

Portraits

• SP-590 UZ: Lacks face or eye detection but offers manual focus and aperture control for precise depth of field control. Optical zoom facilitates framing versatility and shallow depth rendering (bokeh) at tele ends.
• TG-320: Includes face detection autofocus, aiding casual portrait sharpness. Limited zoom and aperture range restrict creative depth work.

Landscapes

• SP-590 UZ: Higher control over exposure, manual focus, and raw output deliver superior detail and tonal range capture for landscape. Electronic viewfinder enhances composition in daylight.
• TG-320: Compactness and waterproof nature support outdoor landscape shooting in adverse conditions but sacrifices resolution and dynamic range.

Wildlife

• SP-590 UZ: 26x zoom and 6 fps burst stand out for distant and fast wildlife capture. Lack of continuous AF limits tracking, though manual focus can assist.
• TG-320: 3.6x zoom and single fps offer limited wildlife utility; better suited to casual snapshots.

Sports

• SP-590 UZ: Burst rate and shutter priority mode support sports shooting with manual control needed for consistent exposure.
• TG-320: Limited burst and lack of manual controls reduce sports photography aptitude.

Street

• SP-590 UZ: Size and weight detract from discretion; typically slower AF.
• TG-320: Slim silhouette, quick start-up, and face detection aid candid street captures.

Macro

• SP-590 UZ: Focusing down to 1cm enables versatile macro work, supported by manual focus.
• TG-320: Macro focus at 3cm is less precise; no manual focus limits creative macro control.

Night and Astro

• SP-590 UZ: Extended shutter speeds to 15 seconds and raw capture aid night and astro photography.
• TG-320: Max 4-second shutter limits exposure duration; no raw constrains post-processing.

Video

• TG-320: HD video with modern codecs is preferable for casual videographers.
• SP-590 UZ: Lower resolution video suitable only for very casual use.

Travel

• TG-320: Compactness, waterproofing, and ruggedness are ideal for travel photography.
• SP-590 UZ: Bulky but versatile lens; less suitable for travel requiring portability.

Professional Workflows

• SP-590 UZ: Raw support and manual controls provide integration with professional editing pipelines.
• TG-320: Lacks raw output, limiting professional usage.

Overall Performance Evaluations

Comprehensive testing shows SP-590 UZ excels in manual control, optical zoom, and advanced photographic features, justifying its higher price bracket and appeal to enthusiasts valuing creative freedom. The TG-320 scores highly for durability, compactness, and straightforward usability, targeting outdoor enthusiasts and casual users prioritizing ruggedness.

Technical Summary and Practical Recommendations

Final Verdict: Which Olympus to Choose?

The decision ultimately hinges on your primary photographic needs, operational style, and shooting environments.

• For Enthusiasts prioritizing creative control, telephoto reach, and raw editing:
  The Olympus SP-590 UZ is the superior choice. Its extensive zoom, manual exposure modes, raw support, and EVF support more deliberate photography and post-production work. It performs well across landscapes, portraits, macro, wildlife, and night photography scenarios. However, its bulk and lack of rugged waterproof sealing constrain usage in harsh environments.

• For Adventurers and Casual Shooters valuing ruggedness, portability, and ease of use:
  The Olympus TG-320 shines with waterproof, shockproof, and freezeproof credentials. Its compact frame and face detection autofocus support versatile shooting in challenging outdoor or travel situations, including underwater. Video capabilities and rugged features outperform the SP-590 UZ, but sacrifices are made in zoom range, manual controls, and image quality versatility.

Photography professionals and serious hobbyists will appreciate the SP-590 UZ’s greater creative latitude and image fidelity, while active users requiring resilience and convenience should gravitate toward the TG-320.

Selecting between these Olympus models involves deliberate trade-offs balancing creative control against environmental resilience and compactness. Armed with this detailed comparative analysis and real-world insights, photographers can confidently align their purchase with their shooting style and intended photographic endeavors.