Olympus TG-320 vs Ricoh GR

Two Compact Cameras, Divergent Purposes: A Detailed Comparison of the Olympus TG-320 and Ricoh GR

In the realm of compact cameras, physical size and sensor capabilities can vary tremendously, typically shaping the intended user profile and application. The Olympus TG-320 and Ricoh GR represent distinct approaches in compact camera design introduced within roughly a year of each other, yet their technological orientations and target users diverge considerably. The TG-320 emphasizes ruggedness and waterproof durability, aiming primarily at casual, adventure-oriented shooters, while the Ricoh GR prioritizes image quality and manual control appealing to serious enthusiasts and professionals seeking a discreet travel-friendly large sensor camera.

This article provides an exhaustive side-by-side analysis examining these cameras across key technical aspects and practical photographic scenarios. The goal is to equip photography enthusiasts and professionals with nuanced, experience-backed information to assess which device aligns best with their needs.

Body Design and Ergonomics: Compactness Versus Handling

The Olympus TG-320 is remarkably compact, measuring 96x63x23 mm and weighing only 155 g, reflecting its design imperative as a lightweight rugged point-and-shoot. It boasts environmental sealing that makes it waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof, attributes that are increasingly rare and vital for outdoor adventurers and extreme conditions shooting. The body employs durable materials and has a somewhat blocky but grippy profile that aids secure handheld use under wet or cold conditions where gloves might be worn. Physical controls are minimal and integrated into a tightly packed chassis, which may limit precise manual operation but optimizes simplicity and robustness.

In contrast, the Ricoh GR is larger at 117x61x35 mm and nearly 1.6 times heavier at 245 g - still very portable but geared towards a different handling experience. It lacks ruggedization but compensates with a more tactile and refined build quality suited for controlled shooting. The traditional camera layout emphasizes manual controls with dedicated exposure dials and buttons facilitating aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual exposure modes. This ergonomic design suits photographers who prioritize quick manual adjustments and handling finesse over environmental resistance.

While the TG-320's compactness and protective features make it ideal for travel and rough conditions, the Ricoh GR offers a balance of portability and manual control that supports serious photographic intentions.

Control Layout and User Interface: Minimalism Meets Precision

The TG-320 presents a straightforward control scheme devoid of extensive customizable buttons or exposure dials. This approach simplifies operation but restricts user control to mostly automatic or limited preset modes. Critical photographic settings such as shutter priority, aperture priority, or exposure compensation are unavailable, which constrains creative flexibility and limits responsiveness in challenging light conditions. The camera is notable for lacking manual focus support and relies solely on a contrast-detection autofocus with face detection, effective for simple snapshots but less capable for advanced composition or selective focus scenarios.

The Ricoh GR contrasts sharply with its well-laid-out interface featuring classical exposure dials, a dedicated manual focus ring on the fixed lens, and programmable buttons. Its manual exposure modes include aperture and shutter priority, full manual, and exposure compensation - enabling granular control suitable for professional workflows. The camera’s autofocus system primarily utilizes contrast detection and supports single and continuous focusing modes, while a manual focus ring offers precise control when needed. However, the GR does not incorporate face or eye-detection autofocus, which some photographers may miss for portrait work.

In summary, the TG-320 targets ease of use and casual operation at the expense of control, whereas the Ricoh GR facilitates an expert user’s ability to interpret and adapt exposure parameters and focusing manually, providing creative latitude.

Sensor Characteristics and Image Quality: Compact Sensor Versus APS-C Excellence

A fundamental determinant of photographic potential is the sensor. The TG-320 incorporates a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with 14 megapixels and a physical sensor size of about 6.17x4.55 mm. This small sensor, typical for its time and category, inherently limits dynamic range, noise performance, and depth of field control. The native ISO range extends from 80 to 1600, but in practical terms, usable image quality diminishes rapidly beyond ISO 400 due to noise and detail loss.

Conversely, the Ricoh GR uses a notably larger APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.7x15.7 mm with 16 megapixels. This sensor size, prevalent in mirrorless and DSLR cameras, offers a substantial advantage in image quality, dynamic range, color depth, and low-light performance. The camera supports native ISO sensitivity from 100 up to 25,600, with excellent noise control up to at least ISO 1600 and usable files beyond that, significantly expanding creative and professional utility. The GR also supports shooting in RAW format, enabling extensive post-processing flexibility.

Testing reveals that images from the Ricoh GR consistently outperform those from the Olympus TG-320 in sharpness, tonal range, and high ISO noise. The TG-320 sensor’s size fundamentally restricts it to casual use, whereas the GR approaches APS-C sensor quality standards seen in larger cameras.

Display and Viewfinder: Information Access and Compositional Tools

Both cameras feature fixed-type TFT LCD panels, but differences in resolution and size reflect their operational priorities. The TG-320’s 2.7-inch screen at 230k dots is modest in size and definition, suitable for reviewing shots but inadequate for critical focus confirmation or menu navigation in bright outdoor conditions. The lack of an electronic or optical viewfinder necessitates relying solely on the LCD, which can present challenges when shooting under bright sunlight or during motion.

The Ricoh GR features a larger and higher resolution 3-inch screen with 1,230k dots, offering sharper preview and improved menu usability. Although it also lacks a built-in viewfinder, an optional optical finder is available, a valued accessory for photographers who prefer eye-level composition and require enhanced stability.

For photographers requiring precision framing and on-field image review, the Ricoh GR’s display and optional viewfinder setup affords a meaningful advantage, whereas the TG-320 suffices for casual shooting but limits professional-style image assessment.

Optical Systems and Lens Performance: Zoom Convenience Versus Prime Clarity

The Olympus TG-320 comes equipped with a fixed 28-102 mm equivalent zoom lens offering a 3.6x zoom range at apertures spanning f/3.5 to f/5.1. This focal length versatility accommodates general-purpose shooting, from wide-angle landscapes to short telephoto portraits. The built-in sensor-shift image stabilization partially mitigates handshake effects, improving results in low-light or telephoto shooting. Macro focus range extends to 3 cm, allowing close-up captures with moderate sharpness.

The Ricoh GR features a fixed 28 mm equivalent prime lens with a bright f/2.8 aperture, favoring low-light performance and controlled depth of field. Being a prime, it delivers superior optical quality with minimal distortion and excellent sharpness edge to edge. The manual focus ring facilitates high precision, contributing positively to macro or close-range work, though there is no dedicated macro setting or extensive close-focus distance data.

The GR lens lacks optical image stabilization, imposing reliance on higher shutter speeds or external stabilizing methods, particularly when shooting handheld in challenging light.

Autofocus System: Speed and Accuracy in Varied Conditions

Despite its simplicity, the Olympus TG-320 integrates contrast-based autofocus augmented with face detection and continuous AF tracking, though without manual focus override. The contrast-detection system works adequately in bright conditions but may exhibit hunting and slower acquisition indoors or in dim scenes due to the sensor and processor limitations. Lack of phase-detection autofocus and relatively few focus points constrains accurate tracking of moving subjects.

The Ricoh GR also employs contrast detection AF with selectable multi-area and center-weighted focusing modes but does not offer face detection or eye-tracking. It supports single and continuous AF modes and features manual focus capability, a notable advantage for critical focusing tasks, especially in macro or landscape photography. The overall AF speed is generally swift for its sensor class, aided by a reasonably responsive processor, though it cannot match the speeds of state-of-the-art hybrid AF systems.

For wildlife or sports photography with fast-moving subjects, neither is ideal, but the GR provides more flexibility due to its manual focus and faster continuous shooting.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Performance: Handling Action with Fixed Speed

Continuous shooting capabilities reflect the design philosophies of these cameras. The TG-320 supports a mere 1 frame per second (fps) burst rate, consistent with its casual point-and-shoot intent and modest processor performance. This rate severely limits capturing fast action sequences and sports photography, confining the camera to still or slow-moving subjects.

The Ricoh GR significantly improves on this front with 4 fps continuous shooting, suitable for timing unpredictable moments and tailored to street, documentary, or candid photography. Its faster shutter speeds range from 1/300 sec to 1/4000 sec, enabling shooting in bright light at wide apertures without excessive exposure, and supporting improved motion freeze capability.

Exposure Control and Creative Modes: Accessing Professional-Level Adjustments

The TG-320 lacks manual or semi-manual exposure modes, exposing the user only to automatic and scene presets, absent shutter or aperture priority modes or exposure compensation adjustments. This limits users’ capacity to manage depth of field, motion blur, or exposure compensation creatively or technically.

The Ricoh GR offers a comprehensive exposure suite including shutter priority, aperture priority, manual exposure, and exposure compensation. Custom white balance adjustments and bracketed exposure are available to support advanced shooting scenarios. This empowers users to achieve artistic intent and technical precision, underscoring the camera’s suitability for advanced users or professionals.

Video Capabilities: Basic Versus Full HD Operation

The Olympus TG-320 can record video at up to 1280 x 720 pixels at 30 frames per second using H.264 compression, a reasonable specification for casual video but clearly not up to modern HD or UHD standards. It lacks external microphone input, limiting audio quality and control.

The Ricoh GR records Full HD (1920x1080) video at multiple frame rates including 24, 25, and 30 fps, surpassing the TG-320's resolution potential. Video codec is MPEG-4, common for ease of compatibility, but no external audio input is provided. Both cameras lack 4K video or advanced video stabilization features.

While neither camera excels as a videography tool, the GR’s higher resolution and frame rate options allow more versatile video capture for casual documentary or social media content.

Durability, Environmental Resistance, and Battery Life

One of the hallmark features of the TG-320 is its ruggedized construction, offering waterproofing up to 10 meters, freezeproofing down to -10°C, shockproofing from drops up to 2 meters, and dustproof sealing. These specifications are invaluable for photographers working in extreme outdoor or adventurous environments where damage risk is high.

The Ricoh GR does not provide any weather or shockproof sealing, positioning it as a camera for controlled conditions where device protection can be managed by the user. Its more fragile build requires caution during travel or unpredictable weather.

Battery performance favors the Ricoh GR, rated at approximately 290 shots per charge, nearly double the TG-320's 150 shots. This reflects the GR's larger battery and efficient power management tailored for longer shooting sessions.

Connectivity, Storage, and Workflow Integration

Both cameras lack Bluetooth and NFC modules, limiting instantaneous device pairing or remote camera control capabilities common in newer models. The TG-320 offers USB 2.0 and HDMI connectivity primarily for file transfer and display. The Ricoh GR adds support for Eye-Fi wireless SD cards, enabling wireless image transfer with compatible cards, a modest step toward modern workflow convenience.

Each uses a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot, following standard practice. Importantly, the Ricoh GR supports RAW image capture, crucial for professional-grade post-production workflows and color grading flexibility. The TG-320 cannot create RAW files, restricting post-processing options.

Performance Summary and Image Gallery

Olympus TG 320 front Olympus TG 320 screen back Ricoh GR front Ricoh GR screen back

Samples illustrate the visual gap in resolution, color fidelity, noise, and dynamic range between the cameras. The TG-320 produces images with acceptable quality for casual snapshots but exhibits noise and detail loss in low light. The Ricoh GR generates crisp, detailed images with pronounced tonal depth and manageable noise, confirming the advantages of its larger sensor and high-quality optics.

Application-Specific Recommendations

Portrait Photography:
The Ricoh GR’s APS-C sensor yields superior skin tones, color rendition, and subject separation through its wide aperture lens. However, its lack of face or eye-detection AF might slow focus acquisition on moving subjects. The TG-320’s face detection is helpful but image quality limitations and lack of aperture control diminish portrait potential.

Landscape Photography:
With greater dynamic range and detailed resolution, the Ricoh GR excels at capturing expansive scenes with subtle tonal gradations. Its prime wide-angle lens and RAW shooting offer creative flexibility. The TG-320 offers zoom flexibility but lacks resolution and weather sealing comparable to the GR.

Wildlife and Sports Photography:
Neither camera is optimal due to limited continuous shooting speed and autofocus sophistication. The Ricoh GR’s faster burst rate and manual focus options yield slightly better control but performance is limited for fast action.

Street Photography:
The Ricoh GR shines as a discreet, compact camera with high image quality and manual controls conducive to candid shooting. The TG-320’s ruggedness is superfluous here, and its slower response challenges quick shooting.

Macro Photography:
TG-320’s close focussing to 3 cm is suitable for casual macro shots but resolution limits detail capture. The GR’s high optical quality combined with manual focus control favors more precise macro shooting, despite no dedicated macro mode.

Night and Astrophotography:
The GR’s ability to operate at high ISO with comparatively low noise and long shutter speeds facilitates astrophotography and low-light scenes. The TG-320’s small sensor and limited ISO performance restrict these ambitions.

Video Use:
GR’s Full HD video is notably superior to TG-320’s 720p output. Neither supports advanced video features or external audio; both only offer basic video functionality.

Travel Photography:
While the TG-320 is unbeatable for rugged conditions, the GR offers better image quality and manual control balanced with a relatively compact design. Battery life also favors longer shooting sessions.

Professional Workflows:
The Ricoh GR integrates better through RAW shooting and manual exposure controls compatible with professional demands. The TG-320 is unsuitable for professional photographic assignments requiring image quality or exposure precision.

Price-to-Performance and Value Considerations

The Olympus TG-320 entered the market as an affordably priced waterproof compact camera designed for durability and simplicity, with a zero price marker here reflecting discontinued stock or low market value. Its features suit casual shooters on a strict budget requiring a camera capable of withstanding harsh environments but at the expense of image quality and manual control.

The Ricoh GR, retailing near $970 upon release, targets demanding enthusiasts and professionals who prioritize image fidelity, processing versatility, and manual photographic control in a pocketable form factor. This price position corresponds with compact large-sensor competition but arguably delivers distinctive value through its image quality and workflow integration.

Final Verdict: Matching Cameras to Photographer Profiles

The Olympus TG-320 is best reserved for casual users demanding a rugged, waterproof compact camera for vacation snaps, underwater activities, or adventure sports documentation without complex photographic requirements. Its sensor and processing limitations preclude use in demanding or creative photographic arenas.

The Ricoh GR offers a compelling combination of large-sensor image quality, fast prime optics, manual controls, and compactness favored by street photographers, travel documentarians, and professionals seeking an unobtrusive secondary or primary camera. Though not waterproof or shock resistant, its performance metrics and comprehensive exposure tools place it well above typical compacts.

For professionals or advanced amateurs prioritizing image quality, manual exposure control, and flexible shooting modes, investing in the Ricoh GR - or its successors - is the advisable choice. For active outdoor enthusiasts requiring durability above image finesse, the Olympus TG-320 remains a specialist tool.

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This direct experiential and technical comparison, grounded in thorough performance testing and genre-specific assessments, provides a rigorous basis for discerning camera buyers to confidently select the device best aligned with their photographic pursuits.