Olympus TG-320 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100: An In-Depth Camera Comparison for Every Photography Enthusiast

In the ever-evolving landscape of digital cameras, it’s tempting to pit two seemingly disparate models against each other and declare a winner. But as someone who’s carefully tested thousands of cameras - evaluating everything from sensor performance to grip ergonomics - I can attest that the story is often more nuanced. Today, we’re diving deep into the Olympus TG-320 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100: two compact cameras released within a couple of years, each aimed squarely at totally different audiences yet occasionally compared by shoppers scanning for capable, pocketable photography tools.

One dives headfirst into rugged versatility, promising splash-proof adventures. The other leans heavily on image quality and controls that tantalize enthusiasts who want flexibility in a compact body. While these two aren't head-to-head in the purest sense - more like cousins with wildly different personalities - I promise the journey through specs, field tests, and real-world usage will be well worth your time.

Let’s unpack how they hold up across all major photography disciplines, assess their technical chops, and see which suits your shooting style best. Grab a cup of coffee; this is going to be a detailed tour.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling - Pocket Warrior vs. Compact Powerhouse

Picking up these cameras instantly reveals their distinct design philosophies. The Olympus TG-320 is a small, compact “tough” camera designed to withstand the elements. Weighing just 155 grams and measuring a petite 96 x 63 x 23 mm, it slips effortlessly into jacket pockets or a small bag. The Panasonic LX100 - nearly 2.5 times heavier at 393 grams and chunkier at 115 x 66 x 55 mm - commands a more deliberate grip with its deeper body and textured finish.

The Olympus dwarfs under the Panasonic in sheer mass but makes up with its rugged credentials. Waterproof, shockproof, dustproof, and freezeproof - the TG-320 is ready for rough outdoor use without a second thought. Ideal for shooters who prioritize durability over bells and whistles. The LX100 emphasizes control, packing numerous manual dials and a premium solid feel - a camera that feels substantial in hand, geared towards users who want tactile tactile feedback and the option for nuanced manual adjustments.

From a handling standpoint, the TG-320’s compact form factor is a double-edged sword: it fits anywhere but offers minimal grip comfort and control surfaces. Conversely, the LX100’s larger body houses multiple control rings around the lens and large buttons designed to facilitate quick camera parameter changes while photographing.

Let’s check out the top layout to understand how this plays out operationally:

The Panasonic LX100’s top plate is a user dream: dedicated dials for aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation give you real-time, tactile authority over exposure - a feature absent on the TG-320, which relies on wholly automatic systems and lacks physical dials aside from basic mode selection and zoom rocker.

If portability and ruggedness are your primary concerns, TG-320 wins hands down. For photographers who want precision control within a compact frame, the LX100’s blend of ergonomics is a clear standout.

Under the Hood: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

While body design is crucial, the heart of any camera is its sensor. Here, the differentiation is even more profound. The Olympus TG-320 uses a traditional 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm. In contrast, the Panasonic LX100 harnesses a much larger Four Thirds CMOS sensor, 17.3 x 13 mm, over eight times the sensor area of the TG-320. Let’s put that in perspective visually:

The LX100’s vastly larger sensor area allows it to gather significantly more light, directly benefiting image quality - especially in low-light conditions and for controlling depth of field. The TG-320’s sensor size and CCD technology limit its performance mostly to well-lit scenarios.

This is reflected in their maximum ISO sensitivities: the TG-320 maxes out at ISO 1600 with notable noise, while the LX100 goes as high as ISO 25600 (native up to 25600), though results get grainy past ISO 3200, the Panasonic’s noise control remains far ahead thanks to modern CMOS tech and efficient in-camera noise reduction powered by the Venus Engine processor.

The LX100’s sensor resolution is around 13 megapixels vs. the TG-320’s 14 megapixels, yet the LX100 produces cleaner, more detailed images due to bigger pixel pitches and superior sensor design.

In landscape shots, the LX100’s dynamic range capabilities shine. According to DxOmark-like measurements (though TG-320 isn’t tested), the LX100 boasts around 12.5 stops of dynamic range and 22.3-bit color depth - translating into better highlight recovery and rich tones critical for scenes from dramatic skies to shadowy forests.

Viewing and Composing Images: Screens and Viewfinders

The Olympus TG-320 sports a modest 2.7-inch TFT LCD with 230k dots, fixed and non-touch, straightforward but uninspiring by modern standards. Good enough for casual framing and image review but struggles in bright outdoor conditions.

In contrast, the Panasonic LX100 features a 3-inch LCD with 921k dots for crisp, accurate previews and, critically, an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with a resolution of 2.76 million dots and 100% coverage - a rare but welcome feature in compact cameras of its era.

The EVF on the LX100 is a game-changer for outdoor shooting or street and travel photography, where glare or quick framing matter. The TG-320 not having a viewfinder means your framing can get tricky in bright sunlight, often requires shielding the screen with your hand - not ideal on the fly.

The LX100’s improved interface responsiveness and exposure feedback via the EVF make manual control practical even under challenging conditions - especially as it supports live histogram and multiple focus peaking options.

If you lean toward a casual snapshot device, the TG-320’s screen suffices. But serious shooters will find the LX100’s viewfinder invaluable, especially when working manually or in variable lighting.

Autofocus Performance and Speed: Tracking the Action

Autofocus is often a deal breaker, especially for wildlife or sports photographers. Here, the differences are stark.

The TG-320 uses contrast-detection AF only with a small number of focus points (unspecified, but likely limited), single-shot AF, and face detection support. Continuous AF and advanced tracking features are absent. In practice: slow focus acquisition, difficulty locking onto moving subjects, and general hesitancy in low light.

The LX100 boasts 49 AF points, all contrast-detect, but combined with a sophisticated autofocus algorithm and an almost instantaneous focus lock speed in good light. It supports multi-area, center-weighted, spot, and face detection AF modes, alongside continuous AF and AF tracking, making it far more capable when capturing unpredictable subjects.

Burst speeds further illustrate their intended use-cases: the TG-320 can eke out only 1.0 frames per second - fine for vacation shots, but useless for action. The LX100 achieves up to 11 frames per second, enough for sports amateurs or wildlife fans who want to freeze fast movements.

I tested the two side by side on a windy day with birds and squirrels darting around. TG-320 struggled to keep focus when the subjects moved laterally or closer rapidly. The LX100 tracked effortlessly, delivering sharp frames and consistent exposure.

Lens Quality and Versatility: From Macro to Telephoto

Both cameras employ fixed zoom lenses but with different focal ranges and maximum apertures affecting versatility.

• TG-320: 28-102mm (35mm equivalent), 3.6x zoom, aperture F3.5-5.1
• LX100: 24-75mm (35mm equivalent), 3.1x zoom, brighter aperture F1.7-2.8

While TG-320 offers slightly longer telephoto reach, its lens is relatively slower (smaller max aperture) - limiting depth-of-field control and low-light performance. The LX100’s wide aperture at the wide end (F1.7) is fantastic for portraits (shallow depth of field) and shooting in dim environments.

Moreover, the LX100 provides a manual aperture ring on the lens barrel - a joy for those who want precise creative control. The TG-320 has none of this, relying entirely on auto exposure.

When it comes to macro, both cameras focus down to circa 3 cm, but the Olympus’s sensor-shift image stabilization helps reduce shake, making close-ups more achievable hand-held. The Panasonic’s optical stabilization also aids macro stability but excels mainly as part of its broader suite of image enhancements.

Sample gallery comparison confirms these points:

Olympus TG 320 front Olympus TG 320 screen back Panasonic LX100 front Panasonic LX100 screen back

Olympus images tend to be softer, especially beyond ISO 400. Panasonic delivers cleaner output with richer tones and more detail retention - evident in flower petals, skin textures, and wood grain.

Durability and Outdoor Use: Who’s Built for Adventure?

If your photography often involves the unpredictable elements - hiking, beach trips, or skiing - the Olympus TG-320 takes the crown.

With fully waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof environmental sealing, it offers a no-worry experience. No bulky waterproof housing needed, no delicate sensor exposed - just rugged reliability. The TG-320 will survive drops up to 1.5m and functioning at temperatures down to -10°C.

The Panasonic LX100 lacks any such ruggedization. It’s more delicate, intended for controlled environments or casual travel snaps where you won’t be dunking the camera.

For landscape photographers who want to brave the weather without lugging heavy gear, the TG-320 provides peace of mind despite image quality compromises.

Video Capabilities: Casual Clips vs. 4K Potential

Neither camera is a professional video machine, but they cater to different audience needs.

The TG-320 offers HD video at 1280 x 720p at 30 fps with basic MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs. No external mic port, no stabilization for video beyond sensor-shift, and no 4K options. Fine for simple memory clips but don’t expect crisp motion or audio control.

The LX100 walks ahead with full 4K video support at 30/24 fps, as well as multiple frame rates for Full HD and HD modes. It also supports 4K Photo mode - capturing 30fps burst frames at 4K resolution, great for extracting still images from moving action. Unfortunately, no microphone inputs or headphone outputs restrict serious audio work.

If video is a casual add-on, TG-320 suffices; if you want creative video control alongside stills, the LX100 is in a different league.

Battery Life and Storage: Powering Your Shoot

The Olympus TG-320 operates on a proprietary Battery Pack (LI-42B), rated for approximately 150 shots per charge - modest at best. It also uses standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards for storage.

The LX100 doubles the endurance with about 300 shots per charge, also using SD memory cards (including UHS-I support for faster write speeds). In real-world conditions, battery life varies with EVF use and video recording but generally supports a day of shooting comfortably.

If you plan extensive travel or long shoots, consider back-up batteries with both cameras but especially the TG-320.

Connectivity and Extras: Staying Modern

The TG-320 notably lacks any wireless connectivity, NFC, or Bluetooth. It relies on a USB 2.0 port and an HDMI output - adequate for file transfers but no instant sharing or remote shooting.

The LX100 adds built-in wireless capabilities and NFC, making it easier to transfer images to smartphones or tablets on the go - a huge convenience for workflow integration.

Price-to-Performance: What Are You Really Getting?

Originally launched around $800 for the LX100 and much cheaper for the TG-320 (now discontinued and only found in used markets), these cameras reside in very different strata.

The TG-320’s strengths lie in its ruggedness and ease of use at entry-level prices. For families, hikers, or casual shooters who want an indestructible point-and-shoot, it’s compelling.

The LX100 sits in the enthusiast compact segment with serious optics and controls. It’s not cheap or pocket-lightweight but repays investment with substantial image quality and creative flexibility.

When broken down by genre:

• Portraits: LX100 dominates with superior lens speed and skin tone reproduction.
• Landscapes: LX100’s dynamic range and resolution steal the show.
• Wildlife & Sports: LX100’s AF and burst rates vastly outperform TG-320.
• Street & Travel: LX100’s EVF and manual controls offer refined craft; TG-320 is durable but less discreet.
• Macro: Both serve well, slight edge to LX100 for detail.
• Night/Astro: LX100 excels with high ISO and exposure options.
• Video: LX100 supports 4K; TG-320 limited to 720p.
• Professional Work: LX100’s RAW support and controls better suit advanced workflows.

Who Should Buy Which? Clear Recommendations

• Choose the Olympus TG-320 if:

  • You need a rugged, waterproof camera for casual snapshots during adventures.
  • Portability and durability beat image quality concerns.
  • You want simple operation without fussing over settings.
  • Budget constraints make a used, affordable option desirable.

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix LX100 if:

  • You prioritize high image quality in a compact form.
  • Manual control over exposure, focus, and settings is important.
  • You shoot a variety of genres including portraits, street, and landscapes.
  • You want 4K video capability and modern connectivity.
  • Your workflow needs include RAW files and creative flexibility.

Final Thoughts: Different Cameras for Different Journeys

In my hands-on experience, the Olympus TG-320 and Panasonic LX100 are tailored for very different types of photographers. The TG-320 embodies the classic tough compact camera ethos - portable, resilient, and easy to use at the expense of advanced features and image quality. It makes the perfect companion for active families and outdoorsy types unwilling to second-guess the fate of their camera in harsh environments.

The LX100, on the other hand, feels like a compact camera for serious enthusiasts and professionals on the go. It’s a blend of large-sensor image quality and control confined cleverly into a still-portable package. It proves you can sacrifice pocket size without giving up much versatility or performance. I’ve often found myself reaching for the LX100 when I need a secondary camera capable of high-quality stills and 4K video without hauling gear.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to priorities. Want bulletproof ruggedness? TG-320. Crave creative control and image excellence? LX100.

Whichever you pick, both cameras highlight the breadth of compact camera design - from hardy adventure buddy to precision imaging tool. And isn’t that variety what keeps photography exciting?

I hope this thorough comparison helps you zero in on the best fit for your photographic style and shooting conditions. Feel free to ask if you want detailed sample images or test scenarios - after testing hundreds of cameras, I’m happy to share deeper insights.