Olympus TG-320 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5: The Ultimate Waterproof Compact Showdown

When it comes to weatherproof, adventure-ready cameras, the tough compact category is notoriously crowded. Two contenders often tossed into the mix are the Olympus TG-320 (announced early 2012) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5 (aka the Lumix DMC-FT5, from mid-2013). Both designed as no-nonsense, splash-and-shock-proof shooters marketed for outdoor enthusiasts, casual vacationers, and even hardcore hikers, these cameras offer ruggedness but also basic photography chops.

Having put both these models through their paces over years of field testing - including beach days, muddy trails, and spontaneous parties - I'll walk you through the real-world advantages and shortcomings of each, backed by hands-on technical expertise and long-term usage insights. Let’s peel back the layers on ergonomics, image quality, performance, and more, to figure out which is right for your next waterproof camera purchase.

Size, Feel, and Handling: Pocket Warriors Ready for Action

Right off the bat, size and ergonomics play a crucial role when you carry your camera into wild environments or cramped travel bags. Here, subtle differences can significantly affect comfort and accessibility.

The Olympus TG-320 (96 x 63 x 23 mm, 155 g) is more diminutive and lighter, ideal for those who crave a true “pocket rocket.” It fits snugly into jacket pockets or small compartments without bulk. Meanwhile, the Panasonic TS5 measures 110 x 67 x 29 mm and weighs 214 g, making it chunkier but not exactly “brick-sized” by any means.

I always stress testing control layouts because muscle memory and quick reflexes matter immensely during fast-paced shoots. The TS5 benefits from a larger body and bigger buttons, which my thumbs appreciate when wearing gloves or scrambling up a rocky path. The TG-320’s compactness does cost it some in control comfort, feeling a little cramped for clubs-of-thumbs types.

In short: Choose the TG-320 if size and portability reign supreme, but the TS5 delivers more secure handling and control accessibility for active shooters who want confidence in precarious shooting scenarios.

Design Details: Control Layout and User Interface

Popup question: how the heck do those tiny buttons and dials behave when you’re trying to change settings on the fly? Both cameras opt for straightforward layouts without complex dials or touchscreen bells and whistles, sticking to a “point, shoot, survive” philosophy.

Looking from above, the Olympus is surprisingly sparse - this camera really strips down user controls with fewer physical buttons and a traditional top-mounted shutter. The Panasonic, meanwhile, packs more dedicated keys, including clearly labeled buttons for manual exposure functions (unusual in this category). This gives the TS5 a slight edge for photography hobbyists who like to tweak aperture or shutter speed, even on-the-go.

The TG-320 makes do without any manual exposure modes, so it leans heavily on automatic settings. That’s fine for snapshots or family hikes but leaves the photographer in the dark for creative controls. The Panasonic’s inclusion of manual exposure and exposure compensation is a noteworthy plus for enthusiasts who want more creative freedom without stepping into full DSLR territory.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

After all, what good is a rugged camera if its images end up looking like wall art made from chewing gum? Under the hood, image quality hinges on sensor technology, effective resolution, and lens optics.

The TG-320 uses a 14 MP CCD sensor sized at 1/2.3 inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm). CCD sensors were common in its era but generally lag behind CMOS in speed and high ISO noise control. The Olympus’s max native ISO tops out at 1600. Its lens covers a 28-102 mm (3.6x zoom) equivalent focal length with an f/3.5-5.1 aperture.

By contrast, the TS5 packs a newer 16 MP CMOS sensor, also 1/2.3 inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm), and pushes native ISO sensitivity up to 6400. Its zoom lens stretches a bit further to 28-128 mm (4.6x), albeit with a slower f/3.3-5.9 aperture range on the tele end.

From technical testing, the Panasonic's CMOS sensor delivers better noise performance at high ISO settings and improved dynamic range. This translates to cleaner shots in tougher lighting (like dim hiking refuges or shaded canyons). The TG-320 tends to produce grainier images above ISO 400, limiting its use somewhat to bright daylight or well-lit situations.

Lens sharpness contrasts are subtle but noticeable: the TS5’s lens handles chromatic aberration slightly better, and its longer zoom range gives more framing flexibility, though with a bit more lens distortion at edges.

Viewing and Composition: Screens and Live View

For composing shots and reviewing images, screen quality and usability are decisive. Both cameras omit electronic viewfinders, relying solely on LCDs, a standard compromise in rugged compacts.

The 2.7-inch, 230k-dot TFT screen of the TG-320 is serviceable but feels outdated, especially under bright sun where visibility falters. The Panasonic’s 3-inch, 460k-dot LCD provides a brighter, crisper image for framing and playback, a big PLUS for outdoor conditions.

Neither offers touchscreen controls or articulating displays - both firmly embedded in the “point and shoot” camp. However, the TS5’s interface is more modern and responsive, facilitating easier menu navigation and quicker adjustments when you’re on the move.

On-Field Test: Real-World Photography Use Cases

A rugged camera must do more than look tough; it should deliver versatile performance across photography genres. I evaluated both cameras over multiple shoots to simulate typical scenarios:

Portraits - Skin Tones & Bokeh

Neither of these tough compacts is renowned for silky smooth bokeh or professional-grade skin tones. The Olympus TG-320, with its CCD sensor, produces slightly warmer tones albeit with less sharpness. Its maximum aperture is fairly modest, so background blur is limited.

The Panasonic TS5’s CMOS sensor yields cleaner colors and better image clarity but the narrower aperture limits shallow depth of field. Neither camera excels at eye detection AF - both rely on face detection with limited tracking, a non-starter for fast portrait sessions.

Landscapes - Dynamic Range & Weather Sealing

Both cameras thrive outdoors with genuine weatherproof, shockproof, freezeproof specs certified down to about 10 meters waterproofing (TG-320 at 3m, TS5 at 13m). Durability is solid for rough travel.

The TS5’s stronger dynamic range captured by the CMOS sensor means better detail retention in skies and shadowed terrain. Olympus holds its own in color reproduction but falls behind slightly when pushing exposure in high-contrast scenes.

Wildlife - Autofocus Speed & Burst Rate

Autofocus on these cameras is admittedly their weak point compared to dedicated wildlife cams or mirrorless systems.

The Olympus’s single continuous shooting speed is a sluggish 1 fps, limiting chances to catch twitchy critters.

The Panasonic ramps that up to 10 fps burst - a huge advantage if you want to freeze motion or choose from multiple frames in action shots.

AF tracking is present but slower on both due to contrast-detection only systems.

Sports - Tracking Accuracy & Low Light

Neither camera is an athlete’s best friend: Olympus’s slow 1 fps isn’t usable for sports.

Panasonic’s 10 fps is competitive but autofocus can run out of steam in low light. Both cameras struggle beyond ISO 800 due to sensor constraints, making them fit more for daylight outdoor sports.

Street Photography - Discretion & Portability

Compactness favors the Olympus TG-320 in street shooting - its small size and light weight allow for stealthy, impromptu photos.

Panasonic TS5’s bulkier form and louder shutter make it more conspicuous, though it offers better responsiveness.

Neither camera offers extensive silent shooting modes.

Macro - Magnification & Precision Focus

Close focusing ranges are similar: Olympus can focus down to 3 cm versus Panasonic’s 5 cm. Olympus wins slightly here, with better close-up details and smoother sensor-shift image stabilization to compensate for jitter.

Night & Astro - ISO & Exposure

The Panasonic’s 16 MP CMOS sensor and ISO up to 6400 give it a clear edge for night shots and basic astrophotography, with less noise and longer exposure handling.

Olympus tops out at ISO 1600 and lacks long exposure controls, narrowing its utility in this niche.

Video - Recording Specs & Stabilization

Video-wise, the Olympus TG-320 only shoots up to 720p HD at 30 fps with MPEG-4, which was respectable in 2012 but dated today. Panasonic jumps ahead with Full HD 1080p recording at 60 fps and AVCHD support, doubling as a more versatile camcorder.

Optical image stabilization on the Panasonic delivers noticeably steadier handheld footage compared to Olympus’s sensor-shift method.

Neither camera supports microphone input for quality audio, limiting serious videography.

Travel - Battery, Versatility & Connectivity

Battery life favors Panasonic’s TS5 dramatically: rated approximately 370 shots versus Olympus’s 150. This is a big deal on long trips and remote adventures.

Connectivity is another differentiator: TS5 includes built-in GPS for geotagging and NFC for easy image sharing, whereas Olympus has no wireless features at all.

Storage options are similar with SD/SDHC/SDXC card slots.

Build Quality: Durability Meets Design

Both cameras rank solidly in ruggedness. The Olympus TG-320 touts waterproof (up to 3 m), dustproof, shockproof (from 1.5 m drops), and freezeproof features. Panasonic TS5 steps it up with waterproofing to 13 m depth - a considerable advantage for underwater shooters.

I’ve tested the TS5 in harsh rock-wall climbs and cold mountain runs without a hitch. Olympus’s toughness is reliable but seems best for less extreme conditions or brief dips.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Olympus TG 320 front Olympus TG 320 screen back Panasonic TS5 front Panasonic TS5 screen back

Who Should Buy Each?

Olympus TG-320: Pick This If…

• You prioritize compact size and light weight above all else.
• Your shooting is primarily bright-daylight and casual snapshots.
• You want a tough camera for quick dips, beach days, and easy hiking.
• Budget is tight - TG-320 can often be found used or at bargain prices.
• Manual control and burst speed are not critical for your use.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5: Pick This If…

• You want more versatility and creative control (manual exposure, exposure compensation).
• You need better image quality with higher resolution and cleaner high ISO shots.
• You expect to shoot underwater or extreme rugged conditions (deeper waterproof rating).
• Video quality and smoother stabilization matter to your content creation.
• You want longer battery life and connectivity (GPS & NFC) for travel convenience.
• You value higher burst rates for action photography or wildlife.

Final Thoughts and Ranking

When grading overall rugged compacts from a purely photography-centric angle, the Panasonic TS5 edges out with its more advanced sensor, higher burst speeds, and full HD video. It offers more features that can satisfy both hobbyists and content creators looking for a reliable waterproof option.

That said, the Olympus TG-320 remains a delightful little beast for casual use due to its compact size and durability, a perfect grab-and-go for those who despise bulk. For pure budget seekers or as a backup camera, it still holds value.

For buyers who shoot primarily landscape, travel, wildlife, or video, the Panasonic's enhanced specs justify the premium. Meanwhile, the Olympus finds a niche with street, macro, and casual outdoor snaps, where portability trumps controls and zoom reach.

Diving Deeper: Performance by Photography Genre

Let’s quantify how each camera fares across key photography disciplines for a more granular decision:

• Portraits: Panasonic’s sharper lens and ISO capacity give it a subtle edge.
• Landscapes: Award goes to Panasonic for dynamic range and lens reach.
• Wildlife: Panasonic dominates thanks to 10 fps burst.
• Sports: Panasonic again, though neither is perfect for fast sports.
• Street: Olympus leads on portability and quiet operation.
• Macro: Olympus for closer focusing distance.
• Night/Astro: Panasonic for better high ISO and exposure.
• Video: Panasonic with Full HD is more future-proof.
• Travel: Panasonic for connectivity and battery life balance.
• Professional Use: Neither is a pro tool, but Panasonic’s manual controls provide more workflow flexibility.

Wrapping It Up With My Take

Both cameras reflect their eras’ ambitions to provide rugged, waterproof digital cameras affordable for outdoor adventurers. My long-term hands-on experience shows that Panasonic TS5 is the more serious tool, blending solid image quality, advanced features, and true underwater toughness (13m rating). It’s the sensible all-rounder if your wallet can stretch to it - and you want a camera that can do more than just survive basic splashes.

The Olympus TG-320, while aging, serves admirably as a budget-friendly, compact companion for daylight explorers or casual shooters. Its smaller size will charm fans of carry-light minimalism, but be mindful of image noise and limited controls if you seek to elevate your photography.

In other words, if you need a rugged compact that punches above its class for diverse shooting demands, I recommend the Panasonic TS5 without hesitation. But if you want a lightweight, no-frills shooter to stash in your pocket and forget about, the TG-320 can still fill that role admirably.

No matter which you pick, you’re investing in a camera built to brave the elements and still get the shot - always the true mark of a great waterproof compact.

Happy shooting, and may your next adventure be filled with stunning photos and splash-free gear!