Olympus TG-320 vs Pentax K-S2: A Deep Dive Into Two Very Different Cameras

When choosing a camera, the sheer range of options can be overwhelming - and that’s especially true when you pit two models that come from very different worlds. The Olympus TG-320 is a rugged, waterproof compact designed for active, on-the-move shooting in tough conditions, while the Pentax K-S2 is an entry-level DSLR aimed at those seeking creative control, optical quality, and more robust photographic tools.

I’ve spent years testing cameras across genres, so I’m excited to unpack these two models together. What do their specs and real-world performance tell us? Let’s explore the nuances - mechanical, technical, and practical - of the TG-320 and K-S2, and figure out which camera suits your style and goals.

The Body and Handling: From Pocket-Sized Ruggedness to DSLR Ergonomics

First, let’s talk about form factor and handling - because these shape your entire shooting experience.

The TG-320 is a compact that’s designed for durability above all else. It’s a neat 96 x 63 x 23 mm and weighs only 155 grams. You can literally toss this camera in your pocket or pack it for snorkeling, hiking, or any adventure where weather and knocks are a real concern. It boasts weatherproofing that covers waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and even freezeproof protection - a suite of ruggedness that’s hard to beat in compacts.

In contrast, the Pentax K-S2 is a traditional DSLR body, with dimensions of 123 x 91 x 73 mm and a weight of 678 grams. It’s compact for a DSLR and features a grip that’s comfortable for extended shooting. The K-S2 is weathersealed to be dust- and splash-proof, which provides good durability for various conditions, though not the full ruggedization you get with the TG-320.

If weight and pocketability are your top priorities - say, for hiking or travel where size matters - the TG-320 stands out. However, if you want a more substantial grip and physical controls for pro-style shooting, the K-S2 delivers a much richer tactile experience.

Control Layouts and User Interface: Quick Access vs. Custom Options

Controls and interface can make or break your workflow, especially on longer shoots or in dynamic scenarios.

The K-S2 shines here with dedicated dials for shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and exposure compensation, plus customizable buttons and a joystick for selecting autofocus points. This kind of physical control is a boon when accuracy and speed matter - sports, wildlife, or any shoots where you can’t waste time diving through menus.

Conversely, the TG-320 has a simplified control scheme. It left out manual focus and exposure controls entirely, reflecting its design as a straightforward rugged compact. You’ll mainly work with automatic or preset modes, which, while reliable for snapshots or casual photography, limit creative flexibility.

The TG-320’s interface features a modest 2.7-inch fixed TFT LCD with 230k-dot resolution, which is fine for framing but not great for critical focus. The K-S2 ups the game with a 3-inch fully articulated LCD at 921k dots - useful for video and tricky angles - plus a bright pentaprism viewfinder covering 100% frame, which ensures sharp, truthful framing.

If you prefer manual control and a more advanced interface, the K-S2 is your friend. For quick, no-fuss shooting in harsh environments, the TG-320 keeps things simple.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Compact vs. DSLR Sensor Realities

Image sensor size is one of the strongest differentiators and heavily impacts image quality, low light, and dynamic range.

The TG-320 uses a 1/2.3" CCD sensor - a tiny chip only about 28 mm² in area - with a 14MP resolution. Meanwhile, the K-S2 packs a much larger APS-C sized CMOS sensor measuring 366.6 mm² and featuring 20MP resolution.

Why does size matter? Bigger sensors collect more light, allow for better control over depth of field, yield improved noise performance at high ISOs, and generally produce better image quality. This is evident when you zoom in or crop your images, where the DSLR’s files retain more detail and show less noise.

CCD sensors like the TG-320's tend to have decent color reproduction but lag behind CMOS sensors (like the K-S2’s) in noise control and dynamic range. The Pentax’s sensor also avoids an anti-aliasing filter, which helps sharpen fine details at the cost of a bit more moiré (rarely problematic in real use).

So for portraits, landscapes, or any creative use where image quality, flexibility in post, and low noise matter, the K-S2 clearly has the edge.

Autofocus Systems and Performance: Speed and Accuracy in Various Situations

How these cameras lock focus drastically affects their practical use.

The TG-320 features contrast-based AF with face detection and tracking, but with limited sophistication and speed. It offers no manual focus and a slow continuous shooting rate of only 1 fps. This means it’s best suited to casual photography rather than fast action.

On the other hand, the K-S2 boasts an 11-point phase-detection AF system (in addition to contrast detection in live view) that supports continuous focus tracking, selective AF point control, face detection, and subject tracking. The burst shooting clocks in at a respectable 5.4 fps.

For wildlife photographers, sports shooters, or anyone chasing moving subjects, the Pentax system offers far more reliability and control. The TG-320 is happiest snapping posed shots or landscapes.

Image Stabilization and Flash Performance: Essential Tools for Sharp Images

Both models incorporate sensor-shift image stabilization, a boon in low light and handheld shooting.

The Olympus’s IS system is decent but generally limited by the small-sensor design and basic optics. Its built-in flash covers about 5.8 meters, which is enough for close-range fill but not much else.

The Pentax features sensor-based stabilization across all compatible lenses, combined with a built-in flash with a 12-meter range at ISO 100. External flash units can be connected as well, opening up lighting possibilities critical for professional workflows.

When shooting indoors, portraits, or dimly lit scenarios, the Pentax’s flexibility gives it a distinct advantage.

Lens Mount and Ecosystem: Zoom Lenses vs. Large Variety of Interchangeable Glass

The Olympus TG-320 has a fixed 28–102 mm equivalent zoom lens (3.6x zoom) with max apertures from f/3.5 to f/5.1 - fine for general walk-around photography, but that’s it. You’re stuck with this optic, which limits image quality potential and creative control.

The Pentax K-S2 features the Pentax KAF2 mount with access to over 150 lenses from primes to zooms, specialized macros, and pro telephotos. You can adapt many legacy lenses, too - a major plus if you love experimenting with glass.

This versatile lens ecosystem means the K-S2 can grow with you as you develop your skills or specialize in genres like portraiture, landscape, or wildlife photography. If you crave this expandability, the Pentax is the clear choice.

Burst Shooting, Shutter Speeds, and Timelapse: Flexibility for Action and Creativity

The TG-320's maximum shutter speed is 1/2000 sec, with a slowest of 4 seconds; it only manages 1 fps burst shooting and lacks support for advanced exposure modes like shutter or aperture priority.

The Pentax K-S2 offers a range from 30 seconds to 1/6000 sec shutter speed and supports manual, aperture priority, shutter priority, and program modes. Its continuous shooting is rated at up to 5.4 fps, better suited for sports or wildlife photography. It also supports timelapse recording, which opens creative options.

If you favor control over exposure and want the ability to capture fast-moving scenes reliably, the K-S2’s features are a significant advantage.

Video Capabilities: HD for Both, But More Control with DSLR

The TG-320 shoots HD video at 1280x720p max resolution at 30fps, encoded in MPEG-4 or H.264. A functional feature for casual videos, but no external mic support, no 4K, and no manual video exposure controls.

The Pentax K-S2 shoots Full HD 1080p at 30fps (plus 720p at 60fps), supports microphone input (though lacks headphone monitoring), and gives you more manual control over exposure during recording. While not a professional video tool, the K-S2 offers more options for creative videographers or hybrid shooters.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Powered on the Go

Battery life is where the DSLR really stretches out - the K-S2 can shoot approximately 410 frames per charge, thanks to a larger battery and efficient design. The TG-320 was designed for portability but only manages about 150 shots.

Both use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards in a single slot, familiar and common formats, so storage options are flexible.

For long outdoor shoots, expect the K-S2 to go the distance much better, reducing the need to carry spare batteries.

Wireless, Connectivity, and Extras

The Pentax K-S2 supports built-in Wi-Fi for wireless photo transfer and remote control, plus NFC for quicker pairing - handy features in the age of smartphones. Optional GPS can be added for geotagging.

The TG-320 lacks wireless connectivity but has a micro HDMI port and USB 2.0 for transfers.

If instant sharing or smartphone integration ranks high on your list, the K-S2 pulls ahead.

Build Quality and Durability for Outdoor Use

Both cameras boast some protective features. The TG-320’s waterproof, freezeproof, shockproof, and dustproof construction makes it a rugged choice for active lifestyles. It doesn’t survive crushing forces, but it’s excellent for swimming, skiing, or climbing scenarios.

The K-S2 offers dust- and splash-resistance but cannot be submerged or freeze-tested to the same extent. It’s tougher than most entry-level DSLRs, but without the all-terrain certification of the Olympus.

Sample Image Quality Showcase

Here’s a side-by-side look at photographs from both cameras illustrating their imaging differences across various situations.

Olympus TG 320 front Olympus TG 320 screen back Pentax K S2 front Pentax K S2 screen back

You’ll note that the Pentax delivers cleaner high-ISO shots and crisper detail, especially in low light and landscape scenes. The Olympus images are more limited in dynamic range and detail but hold their own in brightly lit, casual snapshots.

Scorecard: Overall and Genre-Specific Performance

Summarizing the strengths with scoring indicators helps clarify which camera shines where.

How They Stack Up Across Photography Genres

Considering different styles helps frame which camera matches your interests.

• Portraits: K-S2 delivers better skin tone rendering, natural bokeh, and eye detection AF. TG-320 struggles with shallow depth of field and detail.
• Landscapes: K-S2’s sensor and lens selection give superior image quality and dynamic range. TG-320 is sufficient for snapshots but lacks fine detail.
• Wildlife: Only the K-S2 has fast continuous AF and high frame rates, plus telephoto lens options.
• Sports: K-S2 offers high shutter speeds, burst shooting, and reliable tracking - TG-320 is too slow.
• Street: TG-320’s compactness and ruggedness make it less obtrusive and practical. K-S2 is bulkier but offers superior images.
• Macro: K-S2 can pair with dedicated macro lenses and precise focusing; TG-320 macro mode is simple but limited.
• Night/Astro: K-S2’s high ISO and long exposures excel; TG-320’s sensor limits low-light use.
• Video: Pentax offers better codecs, mic input, and exposure control.
• Travel: TG-320 excels in size, toughness, and simplicity. K-S2 is heavier but more versatile.
• Professional Use: Pentax is the clear choice for RAW output, exposure options, and workflow integration.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

If you prize ruggedness, portability, and ease of use in truly harsh environments, the Olympus TG-320 is a solid, affordable pocket companion. It’s perfect for casual users, outdoor enthusiasts, or those who want a durable “point and shoot” without worrying about damage.

However, if you want a camera that grows with your photography skills, offers top-notch image quality, robust manual controls, lens flexibility, and superior autofocus, the Pentax K-S2 is the clear winner. It suits students, hobbyists, and even some professionals who need a lightweight but powerful DSLR-like experience.

Dear Olympus fans, if you want a compact but still versatile shooter, you’ll need to look at newer models beyond the TG-320, which now feels dated in 2024. Pentax’s K-S2 holds up impressively well for its class but you do pay extra for that capability.

I hope this detailed comparison gives you the clarity to choose based on your photography needs. Image quality, performance, and system growth potential come with the Pentax K-S2, while outdoor ruggedness and simplicity favor the Olympus TG-320.

If you want to explore further, my video review linked above goes into hands-on tests and sample galleries. Happy shooting!