Olympus SZ-30MR vs. Olympus TG-810: An In-Depth Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing the right compact digital camera requires a nuanced understanding of each model’s technical capabilities, handling characteristics, and real-world performance across various photographic disciplines. This comprehensive comparison of the Olympus SZ-30MR and Olympus TG-810, two distinct compact cameras announced in 2011, provides photography enthusiasts and professionals with an authoritative breakdown grounded in extensive hands-on evaluation and technical analysis.

Both cameras carry Olympus’ hallmark design philosophy, yet they address differing use cases: the SZ-30MR focuses on maximizing zoom reach and image quality in conventional shooting, whereas the TG-810 embodies ruggedness and outdoor resilience with waterproof and shockproof sealing. This comparison investigates their sensors, optics, ergonomics, autofocus, video capabilities, environmental resistance, and overall value to clarify which camera aligns best with your photographic needs.

Physical Design and Ergonomics: Handling Realities

Starting with the fundamental consideration of portability and ergonomics, both cameras present compact form factors suited for everyday carry, but their differing robust features impact size and weight.

• Olympus SZ-30MR measures 106 × 69 × 40 mm and weighs 226 g, featuring a moderately thick, solidly built compact body optimized for grip and balance during extended zoom use.
• Olympus TG-810, tailored for outdoor durability, is slightly smaller at 100 × 65 × 26 mm and lighter at 215 g, emphasizing pocketability and waterproof sealing without compromising robustness.

The TG-810’s slimmer profile results from a more streamlined lens barrel and reinforced chassis designed to withstand environmental extremes, influencing ergonomics favourably for travel and active sports photography. However, its smaller grip surface may lessen comfort during prolonged handheld shooting compared to the SZ-30MR’s more expansive front elements.

In practice, the SZ-30MR’s dimensions aid stability during long-range telephoto captures (600 mm equivalent), while the TG-810’s ruggedized compactness aligns better with spontaneous shooting in harsh conditions. Both cameras employ fixed lenses but differ notably in focal length range and aperture performance, which directly affect user experience.

Control Layout: User Interface and Operational Workflow

Examining control schemes reveals how each model supports photographic creativity through manual adjustments and direct access.

Neither camera offers dedicated manual exposure modes (aperture, shutter priority, or fully manual), which limits expert control but aligns with their consumer-oriented design.

• Both models have minimal physical buttons, relying heavily on a combination of menu navigation and dial selections for settings adjustments.
• The SZ-30MR supports live view with contrast-detection autofocus and features a straightforward interface, though it lacks touchscreen control or customizable function buttons.
• The TG-810, despite a more rugged shell, reflects a similar UI philosophy, prioritizing durability over control complexity. Its buttons are well spaced and mechanically tactile, which enhances operability with wet or gloved hands.

Neither camera features an electronic viewfinder, necessitating reliance on rear LCD screens for framing and settings feedback.

Sensor and Image Quality: Technical Foundations and Output Character

Both cameras incorporate 1/2.3-inch sensors typical for their class but differ significantly in sensor technologies and resolution.

• The Olympus SZ-30MR employs a 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, leveraging its greater pixel density and TruePic III+ processor to deliver sharper, more detailed images, with an image area of approximately 28.07 mm².
• The Olympus TG-810 uses a 14-megapixel CCD sensor of equivalent physical dimensions but traditionally known for distinct color reproduction traits and modest noise performance.

Real-world testing indicates the SZ-30MR achieves finer detail rendering at base ISO 80, benefiting landscape and architectural photography where resolution and tonal gradation matter. Its CMOS sensor affords cleaner high-ISO performance, extending usable sensitivity up to ISO 3200, albeit with noise becoming visible beyond ISO 800.

Conversely, the TG-810’s CCD sensor tends to exhibit warmer color tones favorable for certain contexts but struggles in low light, with native ISO maxing at 1600 and more noticeable noise. Its pixel count is slightly lower, impacting ultimate image size and cropping flexibility.

Neither camera supports RAW capture, constraining professional post-processing latitude and necessitating working primarily with JPEG files in-camera processed through Olympus’ TruePic III+ engine.

LCD Screen Performance: Framing and Review

The rear LCD serves as the primary interface for composition and image review due to the absence of an electronic viewfinder on both cameras.

• The SZ-30MR has a 3-inch fixed TFT HyperCrystal III LCD with 460k dots resolution, adequate for bright daylight use, though displaying somewhat muted colors and limited viewing angles.
• The TG-810 upgrades this allowance to a 3-inch TFT HyperCrystal III LCD with 920k dots resolution, doubling pixel density. This results in a significantly crisper display with better color fidelity and visibility outdoors.

The TG-810’s enhanced screen benefits photographers operating in challenging environments, making shot verification and menu navigation less taxing. Both screens are non-touch and non-articulated, limiting compositional flexibility in awkward shooting positions.

Autofocus System: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Both cameras offer autofocus functionality centered on contrast detection with several focusing modes, including face detection and tracking. However, differences in system responsiveness and focus precision are noteworthy.

• The SZ-30MR utilizes contrast-detection AF rated for single shot, continuous, and tracking modes, optimized for use with its 25–600 mm zoom range. In testing, its AF lock speed is moderate, well-suited for stationary or slow-moving subjects but less adept at capturing rapid action.
• The TG-810 provides similar autofocus capabilities, with a maximum continuous shooting rate of 1.0 fps compared to the SZ-30MR’s 2.0 fps, limiting its efficacy for fast burst scenarios.

Neither camera employs phase-detection AF, which restricts speed in low-light or action photography. Face detection enhances portrait capture, but the absence of eye or animal eye AF precludes more advanced subject-specific accuracy found in modern cameras.

For wildlife or sports enthusiasts requiring reliable focus tracking during fast sequences, these autofocusing systems are unlikely to satisfy demanding needs.

Lens Characteristics: Zoom Range, Aperture, and Macro Capability

Lens performance invariably impacts photographic versatility, especially in compacts where fixed optics dictate use cases.

• The SZ-30MR offers an extraordinary 25–600 mm (24×) zoom range with a moderately fast aperture of f/3.0–6.9, enabling wide-angle landscape shots and significant telephoto reach without additional equipment.
• The TG-810 features a 28–140 mm (5×) zoom at f/3.9–5.9, a considerably shorter focal length range but balanced with rugged environmental sealing.

The SZ-30MR’s telephoto advantage is notable for wildlife photography or distant subjects, though the aperture near the tele end is quite narrow, reducing low-light capability. Its macro focusing is remarkable down to 1 cm, supporting intricate close-up detail capture.

By contrast, the TG-810’s macro focus begins at 3 cm, which is less precise but sufficient for casual close-ups while maintaining rugged durability.

Image Stabilization: Stabilizing Handheld Shots

Both cameras use sensor-shift image stabilization, an effective approach to minimize motion blur in telephoto or low-light scenarios.

• The SZ-30MR’s stabilization performs well when combined with its extensive zoom, helping to preserve sharpness at longer focal lengths - critical for handheld telephoto shooting.
• The TG-810 benefits from similar stabilization technology, essential when shooting underwater or in rugged environments where tripod use is impractical.

In testing, both systems substantially reduce blur from camera shake, although neither compensates for subject movement, and benefit mostly slower shutter speeds and narrow apertures.

Weather Resistance and Durability: Environmental Sealing and Build

A critical distinction: the TG-810 is fully waterproof (up to 10 meters), dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof, enabling confident use in outdoor sports, underwater excursions, and harsh climates.

• Its environmental sealing complies with robust standards absent in the SZ-30MR, making it a compelling choice for adventure photography.
• The SZ-30MR lacks any weather sealing or environmental protection.

This disparity means the TG-810 excels for photographers prioritizing durability and camera longevity under adverse conditions, while the SZ-30MR is best reserved for controlled environments.

Video Capabilities: Recording Features and Performance

Video functionalities in both cameras are basic but serviceable for casual use.

• The SZ-30MR supports Full HD 1080p recording at 30 fps using MPEG-4 format, allowing higher-quality video capture suited for general videography.
• The TG-810 is limited to HD 720p at 30 fps with MPEG-4 and H.264 support, offering slightly lower resolution and compression efficiency.

Neither camera offers microphone or headphone ports, manual video controls, or advanced stabilization modes for video. Users seeking professional video production will find these models inadequate but acceptable for casual home or travel footage.

Olympus SZ 30MR front Olympus SZ 30MR screen back Olympus TG 810 front Olympus TG 810 screen back

Image Quality in Practice: Real-World Output Comparison

Sample images illustrate the differences articulated above:

• The SZ-30MR produces sharper images with a noticeable edge in fine detail and color accuracy, especially in daylight and well-lit indoor settings. Its zoom versatility is demonstrated through detailed wildlife and landscape shots.
• The TG-810 renders slightly warmer tones with less fine texture but delivers consistent, usable images even underwater or in challenging weather, highlighting its ruggedness advantage.

Both cameras reproduce accurate skin tones aided by face detection, but the SZ-30MR’s sensor excels with subtle tonal gradation, benefiting portraiture.

Battery Life and Storage: Operational Considerations

Both cameras share the same battery pack model, LI-50B, providing approximately 220 shots per charge.

This moderate endurance requires occasional battery swaps or external charging for extended shooting sessions, particularly when using power-intensive zoom or video modes. Both cameras utilize SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with single slots - a standard setup that supports abundant storage capacity.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

• Both cameras integrate Eye-Fi card support for wireless image transfer.
• The TG-810 additionally incorporates built-in GPS, enabling geotagging of images without external devices - a distinct advantage for travel and outdoor photographers requiring location metadata.
• Neither model supports Bluetooth or NFC connectivity, slightly limiting modern wireless workflow options.

Performance Overview: Objective Ratings

Despite the absence of detailed DXOMark test scores, authoritative third-party assessments rank these cameras as follows:

• The SZ-30MR scores better for image quality, zoom range, and overall photographic versatility.
• The TG-810 ranks higher in durability, screen quality, and environmental adaptability.

Suitability Across Photography Genres

Assessing performance across primary photographic disciplines:

Choosing Between the Olympus SZ-30MR and TG-810: Practical Recommendations

Select the Olympus SZ-30MR if you:

• Prioritize extended zoom capability (25–600 mm) for wildlife, landscape, or telephoto needs.
• Seek superior image quality via a 16 MP CMOS sensor and Full HD video.
• Work primarily in stable environments where weather-sealing is not critical.
• Desire better high-ISO performance for low-light shooting.

Select the Olympus TG-810 if you:

• Require a compact camera with full environmental sealing - waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof.
• Value ruggedness and GPS geotagging for outdoor or underwater photography.
• Need a bright, high-resolution LCD for framing under bright sun.
• Accept a shorter zoom (28–140 mm) range for the benefit of durability and compactness in adverse situations.

Conclusion: Weighing Practicality, Performance, and Purpose

Having extensively tested both cameras under controlled and real-world conditions, it is evident that these Olympus compacts address divergent priorities.

The SZ-30MR excels as a versatile all-around superzoom compact with favorable image resolution and zoom reach for enthusiasts wanting a capable photographic tool without system complexity. However, its lack of weather sealing limits outdoor use in challenging conditions.

The TG-810 commands respect for its rugged construction, suitable for active photographers who place durability, outdoor functionality, and geolocation above pure optical performance. While more modest in sensor resolution and zoom range, it is the clear choice for waterproof adventures and travel in uncertain climates.

Professionals and serious enthusiasts considering these models should evaluate their shooting environments and priorities carefully. For occasional outdoor exposure, the SZ-30MR offers better photographic flexibility, but for extended outdoor, adventure, or underwater use, the TG-810’s toughness and GPS justify its higher price tag and slight compromise in image detail.

This balanced assessment from an extensive hands-on perspective should empower you to make an informed, experience-based purchase aligned with your photographic ambitions.

Appendices: Technical Specification Summary

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