Olympus TG-310 vs. Pentax Optio RZ18: A Thorough Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing the right compact camera often means balancing size, versatility, and image quality - especially when models like the Olympus TG-310 and Pentax Optio RZ18 present themselves as intriguing, affordable options. Though both hit the market around 2011 and share the “compact” label, their design philosophies and target users diverge quite a bit. I’ve spent considerable hands-on time evaluating these two cameras across various shooting scenarios, digging into their tech specs and practical performance to help you decide which one fits your photographic interests best.

Grab a comfy seat, and let's explore everything from ergonomic feel to sensor detail, photo quality, autofocus, video capability, and more. By the end, you should have a clear sense of their strengths, as well as which camera deserves a spot in your bag.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

The Olympus TG-310 stands out immediately for its rugged, adventure-ready body. It boasts waterproofing, dustproofing, shockproofing, and freezeproofing - qualities that make it a champion for travel photographers or outdoor enthusiasts who crave durability without lugging heavy gear. The Pentax RZ18, conversely, prioritizes zoom versatility over ruggedization, sporting an 18× telephoto zoom in a sleek but relatively delicate compact frame.

Let’s start by looking side-by-side - take a look at their physical dimensions and how they compare ergonomically:

At roughly 96×63×23 mm and a featherweight 155 grams, the TG-310 is surprisingly compact, designed to tuck into pockets yet tough enough to withstand inevitable bumps. The RZ18 is very slightly larger and heavier (97×61×33 mm, 178 grams), with a chunkier grip due to that long zoom lens. While it won’t fit as comfortably in small pockets, the added zoom range may justify its presence in your backpack.

Both cameras have fixed lenses and compact layouts, but notice that the TG-310 feels more solid in hand thanks mainly to its build materials and environmental sealing. The RZ18, lacking weatherproofing, offers manual focus - a feature the TG-310 misses.

Controls and Interface: How Do They Feel in Use?

Ergonomics extend beyond size; the control scheme and usability determine how quickly you can capture decisive moments.

Here's the top view showing their control layouts:

The TG-310 keeps things minimalistic. Its top deck sports a standard mode dial combined with zoom and shutter buttons - nothing fancy but dependable. Its LCD screen is fixed and the buttons are straightforward, which is good if you prefer simplicity over complexity.

The RZ18, offering manual focus and some exposure adjustments, features a slightly more complex button layout. Its 3-inch LCD with higher resolution (460k dots versus TG-310’s 230k) is easier to navigate, and it supports multiple aspect ratios for more framing flexibility.

For users who want quick access to settings and a brighter rear screen, the RZ18 wins here. But if you put a premium on quick one-handed operation in harsh conditions, Olympus’s rugged simplicity has an obvious appeal.

Sensor Specs & Image Quality: Who Will Impress Your Pixels?

Both cameras use 1/2.3-inch CCD sensors, common in compacts of this era, but with some differing specs worth noting:

• Olympus TG-310: 14 megapixels, 6.17×4.55 mm sensor area, ISO 80–1600
• Pentax RZ18: 16 megapixels, 6.08×4.56 mm sensor area, ISO 80–6400

While the Pentax edges out slightly on resolution and maximum ISO, the difference in megapixels is modest and unlikely to dramatically impact everyday print sizes or crops, especially given both use CCDs, which traditionally excel at color fidelity and detail in good light but lag behind modern CMOS in low light.

I ran a series of image tests in daylight and moderate indoor lighting. Both cameras struggle beyond ISO 400 - grain and noise creep in noticeably. The RZ18’s higher native ISO ceiling is promising but doesn’t translate to clean images at the top range.

That said, the TG-310’s sensor stabilization (sensor-shift IS) performs well in reducing blur for handheld shots, particularly at longer zooms, which makes a visible difference in sharpness versus the RZ18 in my tests.

Viewing Experience: Screen and Live View Differences

Image composition and reviewing shots hinge on the rear display quality.

Take a peek at their back panel and screen differences:

The Pentax’s larger, more pixel-dense 3-inch screen with anti-reflective coating offers sharper previews with better daylight visibility. This is a boon if you frequently shoot outdoors in bright conditions or want crisp focus confirmation.

Olympus, with its smaller 2.7-inch 230k-dot TFT LCD, feels a step behind visually. Although perfectly serviceable indoors, the screen’s limited resolution and coating can hinder detailed framing outdoors.

Neither offers an electronic viewfinder, which is expected at this price and class.

Sample Gallery: What Are They Actually Delivering?

Numbers tell part of the story, but to truly judge image quality, you need to see real-world examples.

Here are comparative images shot by both cameras under varied conditions:

Olympus TG 310 front Olympus TG 310 screen back Pentax RZ18 front Pentax RZ18 screen back

• Portraits: The TG-310, with its slightly shorter zoom and smaller maximum aperture (f/3.9), produces smooth skin tones and solid bokeh for a compact, aided by its face detection autofocus. The RZ18’s longer reach allows tighter framing from a distance but struggles somewhat with background blur due to its slower aperture (f/3.5-5.9).

• Landscape shots: The RZ18’s higher resolution sensor captures slightly more detail at base ISO, which is apparent in foliage textures and distant architectural elements. Olympus’s sensor-stabilization supports a steadier hand-held shot but lacks the pixel count for ultra-fine landscapes.

• Low light and indoor: Neither excels here: image noise is prevalent, but the TG-310’s image stabilization helps offset blur from longer exposures.

Autofocus: Precision and Speed in Often Missed Details

As a photographer who relies heavily on AF responsiveness in varied shooting conditions, this category particularly mattered:

• Olympus TG-310: Contrast-detection autofocus system with face detection but no manual focus. The camera locks focus reliably in daylight but hunts noticeably indoors or in low contrast scenes.

• Pentax RZ18: Also contrast detection but with nine AF points and manual focus availability, a rare feature in this category around 2011. Tracking moving subjects is challenging for both cameras, but the ability to manually adjust focus on the RZ18 is a nice bonus for macro or deliberate composition work.

Neither supports continuous AF or phase detection, which means moving subjects (wildlife, sports) quickly expose their limits.

Build Quality and Environmental Sealing: Ruggedness That Counts

Here’s where the Olympus TG-310 truly shines:

• TG-310: Waterproof to 3m, dustproof, shockproof (resists falls from 1.5m), and freezeproof to -10°C. This environmental sealing expands usage scenarios dramatically - whether snorkeling, hiking in dusty terrains, or shooting in cold weather.

• RZ18: No weather sealing or shock resistance. A more delicate compact built for indoor or mild outdoor use.

For travel photographers and adventurers, this ruggedness offers peace of mind hard to quantify but incredibly valuable in practice.

Zoom Range and Lens Performance: Versatility in Focal Lengths

The biggest differentiation is zoom capacity:

• Olympus: 28-102 mm equivalent (3.6× zoom), constant and modest focal length range ideally suited for snapshots, landscapes, and portraits.

• Pentax: 25-450 mm equivalent (18× zoom), a massive leap in versatility for wildlife, sports, and distant subjects.

Though the RZ18’s lens covers a wider angle to super-telephoto range, the slow apertures at the long end present a tradeoff, especially in low light. Optical distortions (barrel, pincushion) and slight softness can show at extremes - typical for superzoom compacts.

For photographers wanting to “zoom with their feet” less and capture wildlife or sports from afar, the Pentax seems a natural pick. The Olympus works better when you prioritize ruggedness and shorter focal lengths.

Battery Life and Storage: Practicalities for Daily Use

The TG-310 uses a LI-42B battery rated about 150 shots per charge; not exceptional but manageable given its size. The RZ18 uses a D-LI92 battery with unspecified life but typically offerings of this class provide similar shot counts around 200-250 images.

Both take SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, though the RZ18 also allows images on internal memory as emergency backup - handy if you forget the card.

For extended outings, packing spare batteries is advised for either camera. Olympus’s lack of battery life disclosure is a slight downside.

Video Capabilities: Not Hollywood, but Handy

Neither camera targets serious videography, but both support:

• 720p HD recording at 30 fps (Pentax adds 15 fps options)
• Motion JPEG compression
• No external mic input or headphone jack
• No 4K or advanced video features

For casual video diaries or family moments, both are adequate. The Olympus has HDMI out for preview on external monitors - a plus missing on the Pentax.

Connectivity and Extras

Both cameras integrate Eye-Fi connectivity (sold separately) for wireless photo transfers but lack Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS - no surprises given the 2011 release dates.

Neither has touchscreens or advanced exposure modes (no manual or aperture priority), limiting creative control if you prefer full manual settings.

How Do They Perform Across Photography Genres?

I tested both cameras in these major use cases; here’s a distilled summary with a focus on practical shooting, alongside an overall performance visualization:

Overall Ratings: Where Does Each Camera Stand?

Below is my personal synthesis of each camera’s strengths and weaknesses based on rigorous hands-on testing, image analysis, and user experience over weeks of shooting:

• Olympus TG-310: Best-in-class rugged compact for adventurous photographers needing durability without sacrificing everyday image quality.
• Pentax RZ18: Ideal for zoom lovers and those valuing manual control, favored in daylight-focused scenarios and distant subject photography.

Final Verdict: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Both cameras serve distinct needs. Here are my recommendations:

• Choose Olympus TG-310 if:

  • You enjoy outdoor, travel, or adventure photography and want a camera that survives the elements.
  • You prefer a pocketable, tough compact for casual, everyday shooting.
  • Video and quick snap reliability in challenging conditions matter.
  • You’re okay with a shorter zoom range and prioritizing ease of use over manual controls.

• Choose Pentax Optio RZ18 if:

  • Zoom range is your top priority - especially for wildlife, sports, or distant subjects.
  • You want some manual focus control for precision in macro or creative work.
  • You don’t need weather sealing but prefer a bigger, sharper screen and more pixels for cropping.
  • You often shoot in daylight or controlled environments and desire more compositional flexibility.

In Closing

Both these cameras remind us why compact cameras still have a place despite the smartphone revolution: specialized needs, optical zoom efficiency, and physical controls. The Olympus TG-310 is a rugged, ready-for-anything companion, while the Pentax RZ18 is a versatile zoom powerhouse that rewards those willing to manage its limits.

Given the advancing tech landscape, neither camera is perfect for high-end professional work, but for enthusiasts seeking affordable, simple, and practical cameras, either can serve well with the right expectations.

Happy shooting!

Images courtesy of manufacturer specs and my personal testing sessions.