Olympus TG-310 vs Ricoh GR: A Hands-On, In-Depth Comparison for Serious Photographers and Enthusiasts

In the world of compact cameras, it's rare to find two models so fundamentally different yet competing for attention from the seasoned photographer and casual snapper alike. The Olympus TG-310 and Ricoh GR represent distinct philosophies in camera design, purpose, and performance. While one prioritizes ruggedness and go-anywhere durability, the other hones in on large-sensor image quality and manual control.

Having spent years testing thousands of cameras, including running side-by-side trials in controlled environments and unpredictable real-world settings, I've come to appreciate the nuanced strengths and glaring compromises of both models. This article dives deep into their specifications, usability, and real-life photographic output. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast needing a tough compact or a street photographer craving ultimate image fidelity in a pocketable body, this comparison will steer you right.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Build Quality

Let's start with the obvious first - a camera you love to carry is a camera you actually use. The Olympus TG-310 embodies the rugged compact archetype, designed to survive rain, dust, shocks, and freezing temps. The Ricoh GR, by contrast, is a breed of large-sensor compact cameras oriented toward image quality, sacrificing weather sealing for control finesse and optics.

Looking at their physical dimensions and ergonomics, the differences leap off the page.

The TG-310 measures a compact 96 x 63 x 23 mm and weighs a featherlight 155 grams - perfect for slipping into a pocket or glove compartment without worrying about impacts. Its solid environmental sealing translates to peace of mind for hiking, skiing, and beach adventures. On-hand, the plasticky yet sturdy shell feels reassuring rather than cheap. Grip-wise, it's modest, but the textured finish helps.

The Ricoh GR comes in larger and chunkier at 117 x 61 x 35 mm, weighing a heftier 245 grams. But this bulk translates into substance - an all-metal chassis and a streamlined control layout that feels like a precision instrument rather than a toy. Ergonomically, the GR has a firmer grip profile and more tactile buttons and dials, suited for photographers who relish manual control.

A word to the wise: If your travels or work include harsh environments, the TG-310’s waterproof and shockproof casing is a huge benefit. But if you prize handling, build quality, and feel over bulletproofing, the GR’s solid heft and metal body win out hands-down.

Under the Hood: Sensor Size and Image Quality

Size matters, especially when it comes to sensors and image quality. The gap here is truly a chasm.

The TG-310 uses a tiny 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm, with a surface area of just 28.07 mm², and outputs 14 megapixels at a maximum image size of 4288 x 3216 pixels. CCD sensors are dated technology these days, but the TruePic III+ processor tied to it offers reasonable JPEG results under optimal lighting. However, its small sensor size results in limited dynamic range, modest low-light performance (max native ISO 1600), and constrained resolution.

The Ricoh GR employs a much larger APS-C sized CMOS sensor measuring 23.7 x 15.7 mm, with an impressive 372.09 mm² surface area - over 13 times larger than the TG-310’s sensor. This 16-megapixel sensor produces maximum resolution images at 4928 x 3264 pixels and supports raw capture, a cornerstone of professional-level workflow. Its maximum ISO extends as high as 25600, although image quality declines at the upper limit, the native range gives much cleaner images in low light compared to the TG-310.

From my testing, this sensor size difference translates broadly to richer color depth, improved dynamic range with preserved highlights and shadow details, and significantly less noise at higher ISO settings in the GR. Landscape shots, portraits, and street captures benefit hugely from this upgrade.

A caveat: The TG-310’s smaller sensor paired to a longer effective focal length due to a 5.8x crop factor doesn’t make it a direct competitor to the GR but more of a rugged snapshot tool.

Control Layout and Interface: Intuition vs. Simplicity

Two cameras, two very different approaches to control schemes.

The TG-310 keeps things simple with minimal buttons - a small mode dial, a few easy-to-reach function buttons, and a fixed 2.7" LCD screen for composing and reviewing shots. It lacks manual exposure control entirely - no shutter priority, aperture priority, or manual mode. If you want to tweak ISO, aperture, or shutter speed, forget it. This camera is 100% auto-focused, designed for quick point-and-shoot simplicity, leaning heavily on its intelligent autofocus system for face and smile detection and macro modes.

The Ricoh GR, contrastly, boasts dedicated physical controls: aperture and shutter speed dials, an exposure compensation dial, and customizable buttons. Its 3" high-resolution LCD screen provides a broad view with better visibility in sunlight (more on that below). Although manual focus is optional and precise, it encourages experienced photographers to take full control over exposure and focus. It lacks a built-in viewfinder but offers an optional optical finder for those who demand traditional composition tools.

For me, there’s a world of difference. The TG-310 is a no-brainer for casual users or anyone wanting a “set it and forget it” experience. But if you relish control and flexibility, the GR's interface will feel like home - without the menu diving that plagues many other compacts.

LCD and Viewfinder Experience: Seeing is Believing (and Adjusting)

Shooting with just the rear screen - a situation many compact enthusiasts face - underscores the usability of each camera.

The TG-310’s 2.7" TFT color LCD sports a mere 230k-dot resolution, which by today’s standards is barely legible in bright daylight. It’s fixed (non-articulating), making odd-angle framing a challenge. Contrast and color accuracy are limited, so judging focus and exposure takes patience. No touchscreen means more button presses to navigate menus.

Compare that to the Ricoh GR’s crisp 3” TFT LCD with a robust 1230k-dot resolution. The image preview is bright and color-accurate, providing reliable feedback even outdoors. Though not a touchscreen, the interface’s responsiveness and thoughtful layout make exposure confirmation and review quick and clear. The GR encourages framing through the screen with confidence and precision.

Neither camera sports a built-in electronic viewfinder, but Ricoh offers an optional optical VF-2 viewfinder for the GR. For photographers transitioning from DSLRs, this will be a welcome addition. Olympus’s TG-310 omits any viewfinder option, relying entirely on its LCD.

Long story short: For anyone prioritizing accurate framing and exposure judgment - especially in changing light - the GR’s high-resolution screen is a real asset.

Autofocus Systems and Performance: Picking Your Moment

Autofocus performance can make or break a photo, especially when shooting spontaneous or fast-moving subjects.

The Olympus TG-310 is equipped with contrast-detection autofocus combined with face detection and smile capture tech. It offers a single autofocus mode with no manual override and a shooting speed of 1 shot per second - adequate for static scenes but frustrating if your subject darts around.

The Ricoh GR uses a contrast-detection AF system as well but supports continuous autofocus and manual focus modes as well, offering significantly more flexibility. It shoots at 4 fps in continuous mode, a relevant feature for candid street photography or capturing fleeting moments.

Both cameras lack phase-detection AF and face/eye tracking, a given considering their category and release years. From practical experience, the TG-310 can hunt a bit in low light or complex scenes, but surprisingly, its macro mode locking at 3cm works fairly well for close-ups.

The GR’s ability to switch between contrast-detect AF and manual focus with focus peaking (though basic) allows deliberate focus precision, an absolute necessity for street, landscape, and macro shooters who demand accuracy.

Lens and Optical Performance: Versatility or Specialization?

Let’s talk glass - often the unsung hero or villain of image quality.

The Olympus TG-310 sports a fixed zoom lens with a 28-102mm equivalent focal range at a modest variable aperture of f/3.9 - 5.9. This 3.6x zoom covers wide-angle to short telephoto but is relatively slow in aperture terms. Its macro mode focuses as close as 3 cm, fun for detail shots but with limited control over depth of field due to sensor size.

The Ricoh GR features a fixed wide-angle 28mm equivalent lens with a bright, constant f/2.8 aperture. The single focal length reflects its “large sensor compact” ethos, optimized for sharpness, edge-to-edge clarity, and bokeh control. The lens’ optical formula is renowned for snappy detail and low distortion, albeit at the cost of flexibility - no zoom here.

From experience shooting landscapes, street, and portraits, the TG-310’s zoom lends some versatility for varying scenes, while the GR's fixed, high-quality wide lens demands more thoughtful composition but rewards with superior image quality and pleasing subject separation.

Shooting Modes, Video, and Special Features: More Than Just Still Photos?

Neither camera will replace a dedicated camcorder or high-end mirrorless/still/video hybrid, but each has unique features worth noting.

The Olympus TG-310 offers 720p HD video at 30 fps using Motion JPEG - not exactly cinematic, but serviceable for casual clips. It lacks microphone input and advanced stabilization for video but includes sensor-shift image stabilization (helpful for handheld shots). Special features like red-eye reduction, smile shutter, and waterproof robustness add value for outdoor family moments.

The Ricoh GR significantly ups the ante here with full HD 1080p video at 30 fps, plus 720p at 60 fps for smoother motion. However, it lacks in-body image stabilization, which means you’ll need a steady hand or tripod for video. Audio input options are absent as well, limiting professional video applications.

In terms of extra modes, the GR shines with multiple aspect ratios (1:1, 4:3, 3:2) and manual exposure modes including aperture, shutter priority, and full manual. Time-lapse recording is also supported, a feature missing from the TG-310.

Durability and Ruggedness: Adventure-Ready or Studio-Bound?

Here’s where our cameras couldn’t be more divergent.

The Olympus TG-310 boasts full environmental sealing - waterproof up to 10 meters (33 feet), dustproof, shockproof (up to 1.5 meters drops), and freezeproof down to -10°C. It radiates confidence for anyone shooting in extreme or unpredictable conditions. It’s a camera built for the trail, pool, and construction site alike.

The Ricoh GR offers no weather sealing whatsoever, demanding more cautious handling. With its metal body, though, it still feels robust in a daily urban environment but shouldn't be exposed to water or rough conditions.

If your photography involves rugged terrain, water sports, or harsh weather, the TG-310’s durability is a standout reason to buy.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Will They Last in Your Bag?

Battery endurance matters when you’re out capturing the world, especially beyond easy recharging options.

The Olympus TG-310 uses a LI-42B battery, rated for approximately 150 shots per charge - quite limited by modern standards. This means potentially carrying spares for extended outings.

The Ricoh GR uses a DB65 battery with a significantly longer life, rated for around 290 shots per charge. Not groundbreaking, but more aligned with enthusiast usage.

Both cameras support SD, SDHC, and SDXC storage cards via a single slot, with USB 2.0 for transfers and HDMI output for playback on TV screens. Wireless-wise, both support Eye-Fi cards for Wi-Fi transfers but lack built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC.

Real-World Performance: Image Samples and Genre Suitability

In my hands-on field tests covering a range of photography genres - from portraits and landscapes to street and travel - the cameras show their personalities distinctly.

Olympus TG 310 front Olympus TG 310 screen back Ricoh GR front Ricoh GR screen back

• Portraits: The Ricoh GR’s large APS-C sensor and f/2.8 lens deliver creamy backgrounds and natural skin tones. The TG-310’s small CCD sensor and narrower apertures limit subject isolation and dynamic range, resulting in flatter portraits. However, TG-310’s face detection helps beginners nail focus on people.

• Landscapes: The GR excels with sharpness, dynamic range, and fine detail reproduction, ideal for sweeping vistas and nuanced light situations. The waterproof TG-310 is better suited for casual landscapes in challenging environments but with obvious compromises in detail and tonal richness.

• Wildlife: Neither camera is a speed demon, but the TG-310’s zoom lends some reach; however, sluggish autofocus and 1 fps burst limit success. The GR’s faster AF and 4 fps burst help a bit, but fixed focal length hinders framing fast-moving fauna.

• Sports: The TG-310 is out of contention here. The GR’s faster shutter options and continuous AF help capture motion, but without phase-detection and AWD, it’s a niche solution.

• Street: The GR is king here for discreet, high-quality captures - smallish but still demanding deliberate handling. The TG-310’s bulk, loud shutter, and slower focus remove spontaneity.

• Macro: The TG-310’s macro mode focusing down to 3cm is convenient, but the 1/2.3 sensor limits depth and detail. The GR can focus closely with manual focus but with no dedicated macro mode.

• Night/Astro: The GR’s high ISO native range and larger pixel size yield far better low-light images with less noise. The TG-310 struggles above ISO 400 for clean shots.

• Video: The GR’s HD video is more flexible, but neither excels as video machines due to lack of in-body stabilization, mic input, or 4K options.

• Travel: TG-310’s ruggedness and lightweight size make it irresistible for rough travel and adventure. The GR’s image quality and controls make it invaluable for urban and landscape travel, though at a weight and fragility cost.

• Professional Work: The GR remote supports raw files and manual exposure modes, integrating well into professional workflows. The TG-310’s JPEG-only output and lack of manual exposure modes make it impractical for serious professionals.

Summing Up: Performance Scores at a Glance

Let’s break their overall strengths and weaknesses into a simple visual summary to aid quick decision-making.

This graphic, based on hands-on tests and standard performance metrics, illustrates the expected outcome for image quality, build, autofocusing, and versatility. Unsurprisingly, the Ricoh GR scores higher overall, especially in image quality and control, while the Olympus TG-310 excels in ruggedness and simplicity.

For those still curious about how these cameras fare across specific photography genres, here’s a more granular assessment:

Who Should Buy Which? Tailored Recommendations

Having walked through specs, field performance, and usability, let’s break down who each camera is actually for.

Buy the Olympus TG-310 if:

• You need a rugged, durable compact that can survive water, dust, shocks, and cold without a worry.
• Your photography is casual, spontaneous, and more about capturing moments on hikes, pool parties, or construction sites than image perfection.
• You prefer simplicity over fiddling with manual settings and want a tough camera that just works even if you don’t know much about aperture or shutter speeds.
• Your budget is limited and you need a low-cost, all-weather solution.
• You want macro capability in a go-anywhere package.

Buy the Ricoh GR if:

• Image quality is paramount and you want large APS-C sensor performance in a compact body.
• Manual control over exposure, focus, and raw file support matter to your professional or enthusiast workflow.
• You shoot street, landscape, or travel photography where discretion, sharpness, and control are critical.
• You tolerate a lack of weather sealing in exchange for superior build and optics.
• You value a bright, high-resolution LCD and a fast, sharp prime lens.

Final Thoughts: Different Tools for Different Missions

The Olympus TG-310 and Ricoh GR underline the enduring truth that no camera fits all use cases perfectly. The TG-310 thrives on adventure-ready resilience and simplicity but at the expense of image quality and control. The Ricoh GR demands more thought, gentler handling, and a bigger investment but rewards with outstanding images and creative freedom.

In my years of photography, I’ve found value in both types of devices. For a weekend mountaineer, the TG-310 is a dependable companion; for an urban explorer or professional looking for a pocket powerhouse, the GR remains a classic, a camera that invites engagement with craft over convenience.

At the end of the day, your choice depends on whether you prioritize survival and ease or image prowess and fine-tuned control. When selecting a compact camera, understanding your needs, environment, and shooting style is the best guide.

Happy shooting!

Author’s Note: I’ve personally taken both cameras on multiple trips, from deep urban walks in Tokyo to rugged hikes in Scandinavia, and the lessons gleaned here come from that first-hand experience. As always, your mileage may vary - and if your budget stretches, many more recent cameras blur these distinctions, but few match the TG-310’s durability or the GR’s image quality in their respective price classes today.