Olympus TG-310 vs. Sony A77 II: A Deep Dive Into Two Distinct Camera Worlds

Choosing the right camera can be overwhelming, especially when faced with devices as fundamentally different as the Olympus TG-310 and the Sony A77 II. These cameras cater to very diverse photography styles and user needs. One is a rugged compact ready for adventure, while the other is a feature-packed advanced DSLR designed for serious enthusiasts and professionals.

In this article, we’ll take a comprehensive look at these models - from sensor size, autofocus, and build quality to genre-specific performance and value. Drawing on our experience testing thousands of cameras, we’ll help you make an informed decision grounded in real-world usability and technical excellence. Whether you’re upgrading your kit or stepping into photography for the first time, this comparison has you covered.

First Impressions: Contrasting Designs and Ergonomics

The Olympus TG-310 and Sony A77 II immediately stand apart visually and physically.

• Olympus TG-310: Compact, rugged, and ruggedized, it measures just 96x63x23mm and weighs a mere 155g. It’s designed to withstand water, dust, shock, and freezing temperatures. Its fixed 2.7-inch LCD lacks a viewfinder but offers live view for composition.
• Sony A77 II: A mid-sized DSLR-style body, it measures 143x104x81mm and weighs 647g, reflecting its robust construction. It incorporates a high-resolution electronic viewfinder and a fully articulated 3-inch screen, ideal for varied shooting angles.

The TG-310’s portability lends itself perfectly to travel, outdoor, and casual shooting - especially in challenging conditions. The A77 II’s ergonomic grip, physical dials, and extensive button layout provide control and customization suited to serious work environments.

Both have weather sealing, but only the TG-310 is waterproof and freezeproof, making it an all-weather companion where durability supersedes ultimate image quality.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Images start with the sensor, and these two cameras take entirely different approaches.

What This Means for You:

• The Sony A77 II’s large APS-C CMOS sensor massively outperforms the TG-310’s small 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor in terms of noise handling, dynamic range, and resolution. This translates into cleaner images in low light, more detail retention in shadows and highlights, and greater cropping flexibility.
• The TG-310’s sensor, while well-tuned for a compact rugged camera, results in noisier images at higher ISOs and less detail resolution from the smaller sensor area.
• The A77 II supports raw files giving you full control during post-processing, essential for professional workflows; the TG-310 only outputs JPEG, limiting editing latitude.

For landscape, portrait, and professional usage demanding high image fidelity and print-quality results, the A77 II sets the standard. The TG-310 serves best as a convenient point-and-shoot when convenience and ruggedness win priority.

Autofocus Systems: Precision and Speed Face-Off

Accurate and fast autofocus is critical across genres, from portrait to sports and wildlife. Here’s where our two cameras diverge sharply.

The TG-310 uses a simple contrast-detection AF suitable for everyday snaps. It struggles with fast-moving subjects or complex tracking, and there isn’t a continuous AF mode for action shots.

The Sony A77 II’s hybrid AF system combines phase and contrast detection with an impressive 79-point coverage including 15 cross-type points. This setup excels in tracking moving subjects, locking onto faces quickly, and providing reliable autofocus in low light.

If you prioritize wildlife, sports, or any dynamic subject, the A77 II is the clear winner. On the other hand, the TG-310 meets casual shooting needs but won’t keep pace with faster photography genres.

Display and Viewfinder: Finding Your Scene

Composing shots and reviewing images rely heavily on the display and viewfinder technology.

The TG-310’s small, low-res display restricts clarity in bright daylight and framing flexibility. No viewfinder means you must rely entirely on this LCD, which can be tricky in certain lighting.

Conversely, the Sony’s high-resolution electronic viewfinder offers true-to-life previews with full 100% frame coverage, which is a major plus for precise composition. The fully articulated LCD adds versatility for video, creative angles, and vlogging. Top LCD helps you glance exposure and settings quickly.

This setup advantage is critical for serious photographers needing exact framing or working in variable lighting.

Build Quality, Durability, and Weather Sealing

The Olympus TG-310 is designed for outdoorsy, rough use:

• Waterproof to 10m
• Dustproof, shockproof (drops up to 1.5m), freezeproof
• Compact and robust for active lifestyles

The Sony A77 II boasts professional-grade weather sealing:

• Dust and moisture resistant magnesium alloy body
• No waterproofing, no freeze or crushproof ratings
• Larger, heavier - but built to endure demanding shoots

For underwater, hiking, and adventure settings where weight and weatherproofing are paramount, TG-310 is the rugged champion. For studio, events, and outdoor photography that’s less about wet and wild but requires rugged reliability, the A77 II is your workhorse.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

The TG-310’s fixed 28-102mm (equivalent) lens limits creative control and specialty lenses for macro, ultra-wide, or telephoto needs.

The Sony A77 II supports a huge lineup of high-quality Sony and third-party lenses spanning primes, zooms, macro, tilt-shift, and super-telephoto, empowering you to tailor your kit for virtually any genre.

Performance in Photography Genres

Portrait Photography

• TG-310: Limited by f/3.9-5.9 aperture and small sensor, bokeh and shallow depth aren’t strong. Face detection AF assists but precise eye focus and skin tone nuance are limited.
• A77 II: Larger sensor, faster lenses possible, and precise AF points offer excellent skin texture, eye detection, and creamy bokeh.

Landscape Photography

• TG-310: Image quality is acceptable for casual landscapes but limited dynamic range and resolution hamper large prints.
• A77 II: Excellent dynamic range (13.4 EV at base ISO), higher resolution for detail, and weather sealing make it ideal for serious landscapes.

Wildlife Photography

• TG-310: Slow contrast AF and 1 fps continuous shooting rates limit action capture.
• A77 II: 12 fps burst, 79-point hybrid AF system offers fast, accurate tracking for birds and animals.

Sports Photography

• TG-310: Not recommended for fast action due to slow continuous capability.
• A77 II: Responsive shutter (max 1/8000s), high FPS, and tracking AF perform well for dynamic sports.

Street Photography

• TG-310: Compact size and ruggedness appeal for candid urban shooting. However, fixed zoom and small screen can be limiting.
• A77 II: Bulkier but excellent image quality, silent mode available for discretion, articulating screen aids creative angles.

Macro Photography

• TG-310: Macro at 3cm with sensor-shift stabilization useful for casual close-ups.
• A77 II: With appropriate macro lenses, it beats the TG-310 in resolution, focusing precision, and detail rendering.

Night and Astrophotography

• TG-310: Max ISO 1600 and limited exposure control cap low-light use.
• A77 II: High ISO up to 25600, manual exposure modes, and low noise performance make it a reliable tool under stars.

Video Capabilities

• TG-310: HD 720p video at 30fps, Motion JPEG format, no mic input.
• A77 II: Full HD 1080p at 60fps, AVCHD and XAVC S formats, external mic input, suitable for serious videography.

Travel Photography

• TG-310: Ultra-light, waterproof, ready for adventure travel.
• A77 II: Versatile and robust but heavier; preferred for deliberate travel photography.

Professional Work

• TG-310: Not suited for professional use due to image quality, lack of raw, and no interchangeable lenses.
• A77 II: Plenty of pro features - raw shooting, rugged body, advanced AF, extensive lens options.

Battery Life and Storage

The A77 II’s significantly longer battery life supports professional and event shooters better. The TG-310’s smaller battery and short life suits casual, intermittent shooting.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

• TG-310: Offers Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless image transfer but lacks built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
• A77 II: Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for easy image sharing and remote control via smartphone apps.

Price-to-Performance Analysis

If budget is tight and you want a tough outdoor snapshot camera, the TG-310 is great. For image quality, versatility, and pro-level control, the Sony A77 II offers incredible value for its class.

Olympus TG 310 front Olympus TG 310 screen back Sony A77 II front Sony A77 II screen back

Overall Ratings and Performance Insights

Based on extensive field testing:

Genre-Specific Recommendations

Final Thoughts: Which One Fits Your Photography Journey?

Choosing between the Olympus TG-310 and Sony A77 II comes down to your priorities and intended use.

• If you want a dependable, ultra-portable camera that can handle water, dust, and rough terrain while being ready for casual shots or travel without worrying about damage, the TG-310 is a practical companion. It’s ideal for beginners wanting a no-fuss experience or outdoor enthusiasts who need resilience over image excellence.

• If you’re a photography enthusiast or professional seeking image quality, creative control, advanced autofocus, and a lens system that grows with your skills, the Sony A77 II stands out as a robust tool. Its DSLR-style handling and wide capabilities reward learning and experimentation across every genre.

Whichever you choose, investing in hands-on experience is key. Try each camera, explore their controls, and get a feel for how they fit your style. Consider your shooting priorities - are you chasing action and detail or adventure and simplicity?

Get Started: Accessories and Tips

If leaning toward the TG-310: check out protective cases that complement its ruggedness and extra batteries to mitigate its shorter life.

For the A77 II: look into quality prime and zoom lenses, external microphones for video, and a reliable tripod for landscapes and astrophotography.

Photography is a journey. Equipped with the right camera and trusted knowledge, you're set to capture your world beautifully, whatever the conditions or subject. Happy shooting!