Olympus TG-310 vs. Samsung NX3000: A Deep Dive into Two Distinct Compact Cameras

Choosing a camera that suits your photographic pursuits involves more than just scanning spec sheets - it demands understanding how each device performs across genres, handles real-world conditions, and aligns with your shooting style. Today, we compare two compact cameras - Olympus’s rugged TG-310 and Samsung’s entry-level mirrorless NX3000. While superficially different, juxtaposing their specifications and experiential performance sheds light on when each shines and where compromises exist.

Having tested thousands of cameras over the past 15 years, I will dissect each model with an experienced eye. Our approach evaluates sensor technology, handling, autofocus, image quality, and versatility across ten photography disciplines, integrating hands-on insights and industry-standard benchmarks. Visual comparisons accompany key points to ground the discussion.

A Tale of Two Cameras: At a Glance

Before diving into detailed analysis, here is a quick comparison of core specs:

*Prices as of announcement; Olympus TG-310 is an older, discontinued model.

The size and ergonomics differences are immediately apparent - the TG-310's diminutive dimensions and toughbuild contrast with the NX3000’s larger body optimized for lens interchangeability and manual controls.

Sensor and Image Quality: Small Chip vs. APS-C Powerhouse

The Olympus TG-310 employs a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor sized 6.17 x 4.55 mm, offering 14 effective megapixels. In contrast, the Samsung NX3000 boasts a much larger APS-C CMOS sensor (23.5 x 15.7 mm) with 20 megapixels.

The sensor size disparity profoundly impacts image quality. Larger APS-C sensors gather significantly more light, leading to superior dynamic range, reduced noise at high ISO, and improved color fidelity.

In controlled tests and practical shooting scenarios:

• Dynamic Range: The NX3000 delivers approximately one to two stops greater dynamic range than the TG-310, crucial for preserving detail in shadows and highlights, especially in landscapes and high-contrast scenes.

• Noise Performance: Thanks to CMOS technology and sensor size, the NX3000 maintains clean images up to ISO 1600-3200, while the TG-310 image quality deteriorates quickly beyond ISO 400 due to sensor limitations.

• Resolution: Although the TG-310’s 14MP resolution meets basic needs, the NX3000’s 20MP sensor allows for cropping flexibility and large prints without noticeable quality loss.

• Color Depth: In terms of color gradation and depth, the NX3000’s advanced image processor and CMOS sensor render more nuanced tones, especially evident in portraits and nature photography.

These differences are fundamental for users prioritizing image quality and post-processing latitude.

Build Quality and Durability: The Rugged Explorer vs. the Sleek Mirrorless

While image quality is critical, ruggedness and build affect usability in the field:

• The Olympus TG-310 is engineered as a tough compact: it is waterproof (to certain depths), dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof - features rare among cameras at its class and intended for adventurous or harsh outdoor use. Its compact dimensions and light 155-gram weight enhance portability.

• Conversely, the Samsung NX3000 is a stylish rangefinder-style mirrorless camera lacking environmental sealing. It's constructed with a plastic body that is light but not weather-resistant, limiting use in adverse conditions.

The Olympus’ control layout is minimalistic, focusing on waterproof sealing, sacrificing advanced manual controls. The NX3000’s layout, while still entry-level, provides access to shutter and aperture priority modes and manual exposure, supported by an interchangeable lens system.

Ergonomics and User Interface: Easy Handling vs. Creative Control

Both cameras lack electronic viewfinders, instead relying on rear LCDs for framing and menu navigation.

• The TG-310’s fixed 2.7-inch TFT LCD has a modest 230K dot resolution and no touch capabilities, limiting menu navigation speed and preview sharpness. Its fixed position constrains flexibility for creative framing.

• The NX3000’s 3-inch tilting screen with full 461K dots offers better clarity and tilt functionality beneficial for shooting at awkward angles and composing in bright light. However, it lacks touch sensitivity, so menu navigation relies on button controls.

For ergonomics, the NX3000 feels more substantial and comfortable to hold during extended sessions, thanks to its larger grip and dedicated control dials, which are crucial for manual exposure adjustments.

Autofocus System and Speed: Fixed Lens Simplicity Meets Mirrorless Agility

Autofocus performance is paramount, particularly for wildlife, sports, and street photography:

• Olympus TG-310 utilizes a contrast-detection AF system with face detection but no manual focus. The autofocus speed is leisurely, adequate for casual snapshots but unsuited for fast action or moving subjects. AF points are unspecified but assumed limited given its fixed lens and sensor.

• Samsung NX3000 features a hybrid AF system with 35 focus points (including one cross-type), offering continuous, single-shot, tracking, and selective AF modes. The autofocus is faster and more accurate, albeit not competitive with contemporary mirrorless hybrids with phase detection AF but significantly better than TG-310.

In real-world usage, the NX3000 locks focus reliably on eyes and moving subjects, facilitating street and portrait shooting. The TG-310 is best reserved for static subjects or general photography.

Performance in Photography Genres: Matching Cameras to Use Cases

The two cameras are not competitors in the traditional sense, but rather serve different photographic needs. Let’s review their suitability for major genres.

Portrait Photography

• TG-310: Limited by fixed zoom lens aperture (f/3.9-5.9), small sensor, and rudimentary AF; portraits lack creamy bokeh and fine subject detail. Face detection helps but image quality is often noisy in indoor or low light. Skin tones may lack subtle gradation.

• NX3000: The APS-C sensor paired with fast Samsung NX-mount lenses (some with apertures as wide as f/1.4) produces much shallower depth of field and smoother bokeh. Face detection combined with 35 AF points yields reliable eye focus, enhancing portrait sharpness. Skin tone rendition is more natural and nuanced.

Landscape Photography

• TG-310: Modest dynamic range and resolution limit landscape impact. The compact form and environmental sealing make it viable for wet or rugged environments, but image quality constraints are significant.

• NX3000: Bigger sensor and higher resolution enable detailed, high-dynamic-range landscapes. Exposure bracketing and manual control provide creative flexibility. However, lack of weather sealing requires caution in harsh conditions.

Wildlife Photography

• TG-310: The slow AF and 1.0 fps shooting speed severely limit capturing wildlife behavior, despite a 28-102mm zoom equivalent.

• NX3000: Faster AF, 5 fps burst, and interchangeable telephoto lenses greatly improve success rates for wildlife shots. However, lack of in-body stabilization means stabilized lenses are needed. Still, not ideal for fast-moving subjects compared to newer mirrorless systems.

Sports Photography

• TG-310: Unsuitable due to slow continuous shooting, autofocus lag, and fixed lens.

• NX3000: Entry-level sports shooters can benefit from 5 fps bursts and manual controls, though AF system and buffer depth are modest for demanding sports.

Street Photography

• TG-310: Ruggedness and compact size allow discreet shooting outdoors in tough conditions. Autofocus limitations mitigate usefulness in candid, fast-paced environments.

• NX3000: Slim mirrorless body and fast AF suit street styles; however, lack of viewfinder and limited lens choices reduce quick-response shooting effectiveness.

Macro Photography

• TG-310: Offers 3cm macro focusing distance with sensor-shift stabilization - decent for casual close-up shots.

• NX3000: Superior with wide selection of dedicated macro lenses and manual focus. No in-body stabilization but lens selection compensates.

Night and Astro Photography

• TG-310: High ISO noise and slow lens limit low-light options; stabilization helps with longer exposures but sensor size is a handicap.

• NX3000: Larger sensor excels in low light, and manual exposure modes allow for long shutter speeds critical for astrophotography.

Video Capabilities

• TG-310: Records 720p at 30 fps in Motion JPEG - a dated compression scheme producing large files with limited quality. No microphone input.

• NX3000: Full HD 1080p at 30 fps with H.264 compression improves quality and file size, though lacks microphone and headphone jacks.

Travel Photography

• TG-310: Lightweight, rugged, compact, and weather-sealed - ideal for adventurous travel. Limited image quality is a tradeoff.

• NX3000: More versatile imaging with interchangeable lenses but higher weight and no weather sealing reduce outdoors reliability.

Professional Work

• TG-310: Limited by sensor size, lack of RAW support, fixed lens, and slow performance; unsuitable for professional demands.

• NX3000: Entry-level mirrorless with RAW support and manual exposure modes appeals to semi-pros and enthusiast professionals on a budget, though build quality and lack of advanced video features limit professional video work.

Video Performance: A Generational Gap

Video technology has rapidly evolved; here the Samsung NX3000 shows its advantage:

• TG-310’s 720p video at 30 fps is serviceable for casual recording but lacks the sharpness, color depth, and modern compression essential for serious video.

• NX3000 supports 1080p recording at 30 fps with more efficient H.264 codec, yielding better detail and manageable files for editing. The absence of microphone inputs constrains audio recording quality, limiting professional video.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Matters

Battery endurance and storage options impact extended shoots:

• TG-310: Rated for approximately 150 shots per charge; adequate for casual shooting but expect to carry spares on longer trips. Uses standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.

• NX3000: Better battery life at around 370 shots, typical for mirrorless bodies. Uses microSD cards, which while compact, may have slower write speeds compared to standard SD.

Connectivity and Extras

• TG-310: Features Eye-Fi card compatibility enabling Wi-Fi wireless transfer (at a time when built-in Wi-Fi was rare). Lacks Bluetooth or NFC.

• NX3000: Has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, allowing swift wireless image transfer and remote control, enhancing modern workflow integration.

Putting It All Together: Performance Ratings and Value

While these cameras do not compete head-to-head, the overall score reflects the Samsung NX3000’s stronger sensor, comprehensive controls, and better image quality. The Olympus TG-310 ranks lower due to its basic sensor and limited controls but scores higher on environmental resilience and portability.

Strengths and Weaknesses Summary

Who Should Choose Which?

• Choose the Olympus TG-310 if:

  • You seek a simple, lightweight, ultra-rugged point-and-shoot camera.
  • Your activities include underwater, travel to harsh environments, or casual snapshots.
  • You prioritize durability over image quality.
  • Budget constraints dominate, and you need an all-in-one lens solution.

• Choose the Samsung NX3000 if:

  • You want superior image quality for portraits, landscapes, and creative photography.
  • You favor manual controls and RAW shooting.
  • Interchangeable lens flexibility is important.
  • Video quality matters and you welcome wireless connectivity.
  • You are an entry-level enthusiast or semi-professional aiming for growth.

Final Thoughts: Different Tools for Different Needs

The Olympus TG-310 and Samsung NX3000 illustrate how diverse the compact camera market is: the former, a ruggedized, no-frills travel buddy designed for durability and simple capture; the latter, an entry-level mirrorless system tailored for image quality and versatility.

My testing underscores that sensor size and lens ecosystem remain pivotal to photographic potential. The TG-310’s strengths lie in environments digital cameras rarely survive, carving a niche for adventure photographers not interested in manual exposure control. Meanwhile, the NX3000, though lacking flagship features, offers an affordable gateway into serious imaging thanks to its bigger sensor and lens options.

Olympus TG 310 front Olympus TG 310 screen back Samsung NX3000 front Samsung NX3000 screen back

In reviewing thousands of cameras, I stress the importance of aligning a camera’s core capabilities with your shooting habits. Neither camera universally outperforms the other; rather, their distinct designs suit vastly different photographic approaches. Assess your priorities and budget carefully, then choose the tool that empowers your creativity.

Thanks for reading this detailed comparison. Feel free to ask for further specific testing insights or sample images reflecting conditions of your interest.