Olympus TG-860 vs Samsung CL5: Which Compact Camera Fits Your Photography Style?

Stepping into the world of compact cameras can sometimes feel like going to a party where everyone’s talking specs but no one spills the real tea. I’ve spent years field-testing countless cameras - from rugged adventure beasts to sleek pocket rockets - and today I’m comparing two intriguing ultracompacts that target very different users: the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 and the Samsung CL5 (also known as PL10).

Though both cameras share an ultracompact form factor, they really couldn’t be more different beasts under the hood. The TG-860 is a ruggedized, waterproof shooter built for active lifestyles; the Samsung CL5 is a slim, stylish point-and-shoot with a simpler feature set.

Having tested them extensively across varied scenarios, here’s my deep dive into which one earns its keep in 2024 - and whether either deserves a spot in your gear bag.

What’s in Your Hands? Size, Build, and Handling

At first glance, the TG-860 looks like it could take a beating and keep snapping, and that’s the point. It’s a bit chunkier at 110x64x28mm and weighs 224g, noticeably thicker but still pocket-friendly for hikers or travelers who want a tough companion. The Samsung CL5 is sleeker, sliding in at 93x60x19mm and 141g - just the kind of discreet shooter street photographers and casual users appreciate.

The TG-860’s weather sealed, shockproof, crushproof, freezeproof body offers peace of mind, rated for waterproofing down to 15 meters. Meanwhile, the CL5 comes without any weather sealing or impact protection - so keep it cozy indoors or in good weather.

Handling wise, Olympus’s design gives you a grippier feel with rubberized surfaces and thoughtfully placed buttons to fiddle even with wet or gloved hands. Samsung’s CL5 favors a minimalist layout, making for quick point-and-shoot fun with fewer clubs for thumbs.

Controls and Interface - Surfaces You Touch (and Tap)

Peeling back to the top view, the TG-860 offers more dedicated physical controls. You get direct buttons for video, flash modes, and a textured dial surrounding the shutter release to toggle zoom. For someone who wants immediate control without diving into menus - especially outdoors - this is a godsend.

The Samsung CL5 keeps it simple with fewer buttons and a fixed, non-touchscreen display. Olympus includes a 3-inch tilting LCD with 460k dots, which greatly helps for low-angle or overhead shots; Samsung serves up a fixed 2.7-inch LCD at 230k dots, which feels a bit cramped by contrast.

Neither camera has an electronic viewfinder, which is typical in ultracompacts but takes some getting used to in bright sunlight.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Here’s where things get interesting - and where the TG-860 flexes its more modern technology.

The TG-860 features a 16MP 1/2.3" CMOS sensor paired with the Olympus TruePic VII processor. This is a common sensor size for compacts but paired with a relatively recent processor, it outputs decent image quality with good color reproduction and manageable noise performance up to ISO 1600-3200 (after which you'll clearly see grain).

Samsung’s CL5, on the other hand, is packing an older 9MP 1/2.5" CCD sensor, a technology that was standard in compact cameras around 2009 but is now considered dated. CCDs often deliver good color saturation but lag behind in low-light performance and noise control.

In practical terms: expect sharper images and better high ISO usability from the TG-860. Both cameras lack Raw file support - limiting serious post-processing flexibility - but the Olympus’s better dynamic range and sensor efficiency gives it a tangible edge in daylight and moderately low-light conditions.

Zoom and Lens Performance - Stretching Your Reach

Both cameras come with fixed lenses, no interchangeable options here. But their zoom ranges differ notably:

• Olympus TG-860: 21-105mm equivalent (5x zoom), max aperture f/3.5-5.7
• Samsung CL5: 38-114mm equivalent (3x zoom), max aperture f/3.5-4.5

Olympus’s wider starting focal length gives a slight advantage for landscapes and group shots, while Samsung’s longer telephoto end pulls in more distant subjects. But in real-world use, TG-860’s optics felt a touch sharper and less prone to distortion or chromatic aberration at the wide end.

A key difference: the TG-860 includes optical image stabilization, which really helps at longer focal lengths and in shaky conditions. The Samsung CL5 has no stabilization, which means you'll see blur creep in when shooting handheld beyond medium zoom levels.

Focusing Systems: How Fast and Accurate?

Both cameras rely entirely on contrast-detection autofocus (no phase detection, as expected in this compact tier), but Olympus’s is better optimized.

The TG-860 features face detection, continuous AF, and center AF, with a slight advantage in tracking moving subjects. It also offers a macro focus range down to 1cm, which surprised me with how close you can go for fine detail shots.

Samsung’s CL5 has face detection but no continuous or tracking AF, and macro focus only down to 5cm, so close-ups aren’t as punchy or flexible.

Fast autofocus is critical if you shoot wildlife or action – in those scenarios the TG-860’s responsiveness and continuous AF help you catch sharp images more often.

Screens and Image Review

Touchscreens are commonplace now, but neither camera sports one here. The TG-860’s 3-inch tilting screen with 460k dots is a versatile feature you'll appreciate in awkward shooting positions or when shooting video vlogging-style.

Samsung’s CL5 sticks to a fixed 2.7-inch screen with only 230k dots. The smaller, lower-res display feels noticeably less crisp when reviewing images, which is a bummer for pixel peeping or quick focus checks.

If you’re all about improvisation and varied shooting angles, the TG-860’s tilting LCD is a definite winner.

Sample Gallery Snapshot

Olympus TG 860 front Olympus TG 860 screen back Samsung CL5 front Samsung CL5 screen back

Reviewing side-by-side images from both cameras, the Olympus TG-860 clearly delivers richer color depth and better clarity - even in shadow details and bright highlights - thanks to its CMOS sensor and superior processing. The Samsung CL5 produces pleasant results in bright daylight but falls off quickly in dynamic range and low light.

Notice the subtle yet important difference when photographing skin tones - TG-860 renders warmer, more natural hues, whereas CL5’s older sensor tends to look a little flatter or more washed out.

Both models struggle with fine texture at very high ISO but for casual shooting at base ISO, the TG-860 has measurable image quality superiority.

Video Capabilities: What Can They Capture Beyond Stills?

Video is an increasingly vital feature for any camera, so here’s the skinny:

• Olympus TG-860 shoots Full HD 1080p at up to 60fps using modern H.264 compression - a solid spec for trail cams or casual home videos. It also offers slower frame rates at 720p and VGA resolutions.

• Samsung CL5 maxes out at only 640x480 VGA video at 30fps (or alternative low resolutions), encoded in the old Motion JPEG format. In 2024, this is strongly limiting for video creators.

Neither camera has microphone or headphone ports, so audio quality depends solely on built-in mics - and no image stabilization when shooting video on the Samsung further reduces watchability.

Stabilization for Video

The Olympus TG-860’s optical image stabilization also helps smooth out video footage, which can be a lifesaver for shaky hands or active shooting.

Samsung’s lack of any stabilization or advanced codec means video will be grainy and jumpy, fit only for very casual use.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Powered Outdoors

Battery life is another practical measure where Olympus really targets the on-the-go user.

• TG-860 offers a rated 300 shots per charge using its Li-50B rechargeable battery, which matches up with real-world testing. It’s not marathon-level but good enough for day hikes or travel excursions before charging back up.

• Samsung CL5’s battery life specs aren’t reliably published; from experience with similar models, expect around 150-200 shots max before needing a recharge or swap, which is noticeably shorter.

Storage-wise, both cameras support SD cards, but the TG-860 can handle SDXC for larger capacity - very handy for longer trips or video sessions.

Connectivity and Special Features: Modern vs Vintage

• The TG-860 includes built-in GPS for geotagging shots - a niche but invaluable tool for travel photographers and adventurers tracking locations.

• Olympus offers Wi-Fi connectivity, making it easy to transfer photos to smartphones or control the camera remotely.

• CL5 offers no wireless or GPS features and also lacks HDMI and USB ports, limiting modern connectivity options drastically.

For those who want to instantly share or organize photos on the fly, the TG-860’s modern connectivity cements its practicality advantage.

Photography Genres and Use Cases

Here’s a breakdown of how these cameras fare across popular photography types:

Overall Performance Scoring

To help visualize each camera’s strengths and weaknesses, here’s an expert composite rating based on image quality, usability, features, and value:

• Olympus TG-860 scores higher almost across the board - particularly shining in categories that matter for active and outdoor users.
• Samsung CL5’s score reflects its dated hardware and limited features, mostly appealing to very casual shooters or those with minimalist needs.

Pros and Cons At A Glance

Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860

Pros:

• Rugged, weatherproof, and shockproof body
• 16MP CMOS sensor with better image quality and ISO range
• 5x optical zoom with optical image stabilization
• 3-inch tilting LCD, full HD video at 60fps
• Built-in GPS and Wi-Fi connectivity
• Fast continuous shooting (7fps) and continuous autofocus
• Excellent macro capability (1cm minimum focus distance)

Cons:

• Bulkier and heavier than a typical ultracompact
• No raw shooting or manual exposure modes (limited advanced control)
• LCD resolution is decent but not outstanding

Samsung CL5

Pros:

• Compact, slim, lightweight design
• Simpler interface for basic point-and-shoot use
• Lower price when found secondhand (new models rare)

Cons:

• Older 9MP CCD sensor with limited resolution
• No image stabilization or modern connectivity
• Restricted video quality (640x480 max)
• Fixed, small LCD with low resolution
• No weather sealing or rugged features
• No continuous autofocus or burst mode

Who Should Buy Which?

If you’re a beginner or casual snapshooter looking for a pocketable, easy-to-use camera for everyday bright-light shooting, and value slimness over toughness, the Samsung CL5 can be an affordable entry point - especially if found at a used price. Just temper expectations on image quality and features.

For anyone seeking a versatile ultracompact camera that can handle outdoor adventure, travel, or casual wildlife and sports photography, the Olympus TG-860 is a smart buy. The durability, better sensor tech, and modern conveniences like Wi-Fi and GPS push it well above budget models.

Final Thoughts: Practical Advice From the Field

Having slogged through muddy trails, crowded festivals, and dimly-lit cafés with both cameras, I can confidently say: the Olympus TG-860 is the more well-rounded, future-proof choice in this pair. Its ruggedness and modern image tech allow you to focus on capturing moments, not babysitting your gear.

The Samsung CL5, while cute and compact, feels like a relic today, better suited to casual usage or collectors who want a simple walk-around camera without bells and whistles.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior looking for a capable all-rounder or a photography enthusiast dabbling in compact shoot-and-go devices, knowing these cameras’ strengths and limits helps you avoid buyer’s remorse.

Choosing a camera is always about balancing your budget, needs, and shooting style. Hopefully, my detailed testing insights and side-by-side comparison have cleared the fog - so you can make the best call, and get out there clicking with confidence.

Happy shooting!

Note: Specifications and prices subject to change. Always check for latest firmware updates and availability. For the most demanding work, consider cameras with larger sensors and interchangeable lenses.