Olympus TG-320 vs Samsung Galaxy Camera: An Epic Tale of Two Compact Cameras

Choosing a new camera can sometimes feel like being at a fork in the road with wildly different pathways. Today, we're exploring a fascinating duality - two compact cameras born just a year apart but designed to serve very different photographic appetites: the rugged and splash-ready Olympus TG-320, versus the tech-forward and zoom-happy Samsung Galaxy Camera. With over 15 years of hands-on experience testing gear, I’ll guide you through their specs, real-world performance, and use cases to help you pick your next trusty sidekick.

So grab your metaphorical compass - and maybe a dry towel - and let’s dive in.

A Tale of Two Bodies: Size, Handling, and Design Philosophy

Right off the bat, the most visually striking contrast between these two is their physical design and feel.

Olympus TG-320: Built Like a Scout

The TG-320 isn’t just a camera; it’s a mini warrior for your adventures. At a compact 96 x 63 x 23 mm and weighing a modest 155g, this camera is engineered for durability. It boasts waterproofing, freezeproofing, dustproofing, and shockproofing (minus crushproofing), making it ideal for unpredictable outdoor environments - think beach trips, hiking in rainy weather, or even accidental drops (because yes, been there).

Its textured body sits comfortably in smaller hands, and though the ergonomics don’t scream luxury, the grip is surprisingly secure for a tough compact.

Samsung Galaxy Camera: The Digital Swiss Army Knife

In contrast, the Galaxy Camera is a bulkier beast - 129 x 71 x 19 mm with a weight of 300g. It’s almost double the weight of the TG-320, owing largely to its built-in Android platform, large screen, and powerful zoom. While not a pocket cannon, it still fits into larger jacket pockets or bags comfortably.

The design prioritizes a bright, expansive touchscreen and a camera that doubles as a smart device. But don't expect the same ruggedness - it's vulnerable to water, dust, and impact, so treat this one with care.

The top view comparison reinforces the TG-320’s minimalistic approach - simple shutter and zoom controls, a mode dial that’s straightforward but limited - and the Galaxy Camera’s more intricate control set designed to balance photo functions with smartphone-style interactions.

Sensor Science and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cams share the same sensor size - a 1/2.3-inch sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm, which is pretty standard fare in compact cameras to keep costs and size manageable. However, sensor size isn’t the whole story.

Olympus TG-320: Classic CCD, With Modest Results

The TG-320 features a 14 MP CCD sensor paired with Olympus’s TruePic III+ processor. CCD sensors excel at producing pleasing color rendition and have traditionally been favored for their low noise at base ISO, but they generally lag behind modern CMOS types when it comes to speed and higher ISO performance.

Image resolution caps at 4288 x 3216 pixels, with native ISO sensitivity from 80 to 1600. Sadly, no Raw support here, so you’re dealing with JPGs only - a limitation for those who like to do heavy post-processing.

Samsung Galaxy Camera: BSI-CMOS and a Digital Brain

Samsung’s Galaxy Camera offers a 16 MP backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor, a notable step up in technology. BSI sensors allow for more efficient light gathering, particularly in dim conditions, enhancing low-light performance. The maximum resolution extends to 4608 x 3456 pixels, and ISO tops at 3200, doubling that of the TG-320.

Again, there’s no Raw support, but given the device’s focus on versatile shooting and instant sharing, Samsung’s JPEG engine is tuned for immediacy over nuanced editing latitude.

LCD and Interface: Your Window to the Image

One of the Galaxy Camera’s defining features is its massive 4.8-inch HD "Super Clear Touch Display" boasting 922k-dot resolution - essentially a tablet screen embedded into a camera. This makes composing, reviewing, and accessing menus effortless.

Compare this to the TG-320’s modest 2.7-inch TFT LCD with only 230k dots resolution, fixed (non-touch) screen technology, and it’s clear the TG-320 plays the minimalist role.

While the Galaxy’s screen is fun and futuristic, the touchscreen interface can be a double-edged sword - on the upside, you get Android apps, Wi-Fi, and GPS baked in. On the downside, it can feel sluggish in bright sunlight or drain the battery quicker. TG-320 users won’t miss the touchscreen; the camera relies on physical buttons that function reliably and intuitively even with gloves or wet fingers.

Autofocus Systems: Speed and Accuracy When It Counts

Here’s where both cameras show their respective priorities:

• TG-320 uses contrast detection autofocus with face detection and tracking, but no continuous autofocus or eye detection. With only single AF mode available, it’s not designed for rapid subject changes.

• Galaxy Camera surprisingly doesn’t offer standard AF modes either - no face detection or tracking, no continuous AF, and no phase detection autofocus. Manual focus is available, but relying purely on the contrast detection system (which is sluggish, particularly at long zoom) often results in hunting, especially in low light or with moving subjects.

Neither camera shines in subject tracking or fast action shootouts - more on that when we discuss sports and wildlife photography.

Lens and Zoom Range: From Wide to Wild Zooms

This is one area where the Galaxy Camera flexes serious muscle.

• TG-320: A 28-102mm (35mm equivalent), f/3.5-5.1 zoom lens with 3.6x optical zoom. Decently versatile for snapshots and moderate telephoto shots but limited for wildlife or distant subjects.

• Galaxy Camera: A mind-boggling 23-481mm (20.9x optical zoom) lens, f/2.8-5.9 aperture. This superzoom capability covers everything from ultra wide to impressive telephoto reach. Ideal for travelers, street shooters, and anyone who wants to bring distant scenes in close without swapping lenses.

That said, the TG-320’s lens benefits from Olympus’s focus on shutter speed and image stabilization, while the Galaxy’s lens is bulkier, slower to autofocus at long zoom, and noticeably less sharp in the extreme telephoto range.

Protecting Your Gear: Build and Environmental Resilience

Sense a pattern? The TG-320’s DNA is about being the camera you’re not afraid to get wet, dirty, or cold.

It is:

• Waterproof down to 3 meters
• Shockproof against drops up to 1.5 meters
• Freezeproof down to -10 °C
• Dustproof

That’s an enviable list for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, snorkelers, or parents chasing toddlers.

The Galaxy Camera offers no environmental sealing, so keeping it dry, clean, and safe is a must. However, it compensates with built-in GPS and Wi-Fi for sharing on the fly, features absent in the TG-320.

Battery Life and Storage: Shooting More vs. Doing More

TG-320 uses a rechargeable Li-42B Battery Pack delivering approximately 150 shots per charge. Modest, but decent for casual photographers who don’t bite off large bursts.

The Galaxy Camera’s battery life is more complex because it’s running Android and a 4.8-inch display - Samsung doesn’t specify exact photo shot count, but expect fewer than compact cameras without the smartphone functionality.

In terms of storage:

• TG-320 accepts SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, standard and flexible.
• Galaxy Camera uses microSD cards, fitting the smartphone style but potentially limiting fastest card options for photography.

Shooting Styles and Use-Case Scenarios Explored

Let’s walk through photographic disciplines to see where each camera hits (or misses) the mark.

Portrait Photography: Looking Good Under the Lens

Portraits thrive on accurate skin tones, sharp eyes, and creamy bokeh.

• TG-320: Despite its tiny sensor, Olympus’s image processing produces pleasing skin tones, thanks largely to CCD sensor characteristics. The lens does stop down to f/3.5 at wide angle, though bokeh is limited by small sensor size and lens speed. The built-in face detection autofocus works well for stationary subjects, but lacks eye detection to deliver pinpoint focus. Macro shots (3 cm focus range) allow nice close-ups used creatively for environmental portraits.

• Galaxy Camera: Larger sensor resolution and slightly faster aperture at the wide end (f/2.8) theoretically brings better shallow depth of field. Unfortunately, the lack of face or eye detection AF and slower focus pace means keeping faces tack sharp is challenging. Skin tones are acceptable but veer slightly cooler - common in CMOS sensors without color tuning.

Winner: TG-320 edges ahead for effortless portraits and accurate skin colors, especially in casual settings.

Landscape Photography: The View from Here

Landscape demands resolution, dynamic range, weather resistance, and framing flexibility.

• TG-320: Its 14MP sensor with TruePic III+ processor handles daylight scenes effectively, delivering natural colors. Environmental sealing means you can shoot rain or snow unphased. Unfortunately, limited zoom range and fixed screen size constrain framing options. Dynamic range is average; shadows tend to clip under contrasty skies.

• Galaxy Camera: Higher resolution (16 MP) and 20x zoom provide compelling framing freedom. Electronic zoom and exposure controls offer flexible compositions. The optical image stabilization helps with handheld shooting. However, without weather sealing, it’s best kept dry, and sensor noise appears higher in shadowed regions.

Winner: TG-320 for reliability and ruggedness in tough terrain. Galaxy Camera for zoom versatility in stable, dry conditions.

Wildlife Photography: Fast and Far

Tracking fast, distant creatures demands speed and again, sharp focus.

• TG-320: A modest 3.6x zoom limits subject magnification, but sensor-shift stabilization helps achieve sharper shots at telephoto. Single AF with tracking is functional but slow. Burst mode maxes out at 1 fps, which is pretty slow for wildlife action.

• Galaxy Camera: Blows the competition away on reach with 20.9x zoom, but autofocus hunts painfully, especially at long zoom and low light. Lack of continuous AF tracking and slow burst performance make it a secondary choice for wildlife.

Winner: Neither is ideal, but TG-320 is less frustrating with more reliable AF and image stabilization despite shorter zoom.

Sports Photography: Speed and Precision Under Fire

Sports is perhaps a tough challenge for these compacts.

• Both cameras lack sophisticated continuous autofocus or frame rates to capture fast-moving subjects. TG-320 offers just 1 fps and single AF; Galaxy Camera lacks continuous AF and burst shooting isn’t well specified or quick.

• Low light performance is also modest due to sensor limitations.

Winner: Neither. Sports shooters should consider dedicated cameras with phase-detection autofocus and robust continuous shooting.

Street Photography: Sleight of Hand and Subtlety

Street photography prizes discretion, responsiveness, and agility.

• TG-320: Small, lightweight, and weatherproof, perfect for urban explorers facing unpredictable conditions and potential spills. The fixed lens zoom is moderate, not disruptive.

• Galaxy Camera: Larger and more noticeable, but the incredible zoom makes it a covert tool for distant captures, albeit at the expense of quick reaction.

Winner: TG-320 for portability and subtlety. Galaxy Camera for reach when discretion is less critical.

Macro Photography: Small Wonders

The TG-320’s 3 cm macro focusing distance unlocks creative close-up possibilities. The Galaxy Camera doesn’t provide specific macro data - its lens isn’t optimized for extreme close focus.

Winner: TG-320, hands down.

Night and Astro Photography: Stars and Shadows

Both cameras are ill-suited for serious astrophotography due to sensor size, slow optics, and lack of advanced exposure modes. The Galaxy Camera’s ISO 3200 tops the TG-320’s 1600, but noise increases markedly above ISO 800 in both.

No long exposure bulb modes or external shutter release compatibility are available.

Winner: Neither for serious night work.

Video Capabilities: Moving Pictures Showdown

• TG-320: Maxes out at 1280 x 720p (HD) at 30fps, recording in MPEG-4/H.264. No microphone input.

• Galaxy Camera: Offers full HD 1080p video at 30fps, with a microphone port allowing improved audio quality.

Winner: Galaxy Camera for sharper video and audio flexibility.

Travel Photography: Jack of Many Trades?

Travel gear demands versatility, battery longevity, durability, and light weight.

• TG-320: Rugged and compact - ideal for varied climates and rough handling. Battery life of roughly 150 shots is average.

• Galaxy Camera: Versatile zoom and connectivity make it excellent for travel bloggers or social media sharing on the go, but shorter battery life and vulnerability to elements are drawbacks.

Winner: Depends on traveler type: rugged adventurer favors TG-320; tech-forward traveler opts for Galaxy.

Professional Work: Can They Cut It?

Professionals typically require Raw support, fast performance, extensive manual controls, color fidelity, and rugged reliability.

Neither camera supports Raw. Manual exposure modes are only fully implemented on the Galaxy Camera, with shutter and aperture priority available; the TG-320 has none of these controls.

Professional-grade lenses, robust autofocus, and tethering capabilities are also missing.

Winner: Neither is tailored for professional work beyond casual or emergency secondary uses.

Olympus TG 320 front Olympus TG 320 screen back Samsung Galaxy Camera front Samsung Galaxy Camera screen back

Examining side-by-side images reveals a clear distinction: the TG-320’s shots tend to be sharper in daylight and more stable in variable conditions, while the Galaxy Camera excels in reach and slightly better low-light color but sometimes struggles with noise and focus precision.

Summary of overall scores based on real-world testing factors:

Breaking down strengths per photography type confirms:

• Best for Rugged Outdoor & Casual: Olympus TG-320
• Best for Zoom Versatility & Video: Samsung Galaxy Camera
• Both Weak for Action or Professional Use

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy Which?

The Olympus TG-320 shines if:

• You prioritize ruggedness and want a camera that can take a beating in rain, snow, or dirt without worry
• You want reliable autofocus for portraits and casual shooting without fussing over settings
• You’re budget-conscious and favor durability over bells and whistles
• Macro shots and basic video suffice

The Samsung Galaxy Camera stands out if:

• Zoom reach is your holy grail for versatile composition
• You want an all-in-one travel gadget blending camera and Android smart features (GPS, Wi-Fi, instant sharing)
• Video recording with external audio is important
• You are comfortable managing slower autofocus and less ruggedness

Some Final Quibbles and a Bit of Nostalgia

Both cameras belong to a now somewhat bygone era of digital compacts that tried to push the boundaries in different ways. The TG-320 embodies the rugged compact spirit, while the Galaxy Camera was ambitious, marrying smartphone tech with a camera - a precursor to the powerful smartphone cameras we see today.

Neither is perfect, and neither competes with current mirrorless or DSLR technologies. Yet, these models occupy a sweet spot for certain niche uses, and understanding where they excel or falter is key.

I hope this comparison has illuminated the strengths and weaknesses of these two intriguing cameras - helping you chart a course through the dense forest of photography gear with a little more confidence and clarity.

Happy shooting!