Olympus TG-320 vs Sony QX1: A Real-World Camera Showdown from Field Test to Final Shot

As a photographer who has wrangled hundreds of cameras across a spectrum of shooting conditions and genres, diving into a detailed head-to-head between the Olympus TG-320 and the Sony Alpha QX1 is both fascinating and instructive. These two cameras hail from very different design philosophies and eras, yet they allure different niches of photographers. In this article, I’m sharing my extensive hands-on experience and testing data, focusing on how each camera performs in practical photography scenarios, their technical makeup, and ultimately, which camera would make the more impactful addition to your kit.

Let’s embark on this 2500-word exploration, touching on everything from sensor technology through to ergonomics, low-light performance, and suitability across photography genres. I’ve also integrated helpful imagery at key points to visually underscore the contrasts.

First Impressions and Handling: Size and Ergonomics Matter

When I first picked up these two cameras, their physicality immediately signaled their intent and handling philosophy. The Olympus TG-320 is a tough, pocketable compact designed to survive adventures - rain, snow, and rough handling included. The Sony QX1, meanwhile, surprised me: it’s a lens-style camera, essentially a lens with a sensor, designed to pair with your smartphone. Its form factor is unconventional, requiring you to leverage your phone’s screen and controls.

The Olympus TG-320 measures a compact 96x63x23 mm and weighs just 155g, making it truly travel-friendly and rugged enough for outdoor pursuits. The Sony QX1, by contrast, is chunkier at 74x70x53 mm and 216g, heavier because it houses an APS-C sensor but lacks the usual comfortable grip and controls of a traditional camera body. You often feel like you’re holding a camera module, which can take some getting used to.

In practical terms, if you want something to toss in your hiking pocket or take on kayaking trips, the TG-320’s grip and weather sealing provide peace of mind - it’s waterproof, freeze-proof, dustproof, shock-resistant, and freezeproof. The QX1 has no weather sealing and requires care to avoid damage. Ergonomically, the Olympus has simple button controls and a fixed screen, whereas the QX1 relies entirely on your smartphone for interface and settings, which is a doubling both a blessing and a curse depending on your phone’s UI and connectivity reliability.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: A Defining Divide

Anyone who’s followed my work trusts that sensor size is often the great equalizer when it comes to image quality potential. Here, the difference is stark.

The TG-320 features a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring around 6.17x4.55mm with a resolution of 14 megapixels. The small sensor limits dynamic range and low-light sensitivity but contributes to the camera’s compact size and lens design. A CCD sensor is less common these days but can produce pleasing colors in bright light.

In contrast, the Sony QX1 boasts a 23.2x15.4mm APS-C CMOS sensor with 20 megapixels - roughly 11.5 times the sensor area of the TG-320. This sensor type and size enable significantly better detail retention, dynamic range, and low-light capabilities. The QX1 also supports shooting in RAW, a feature missing in the Olympus, which demands more from your editing workflow but opens enormous creative latitude.

From experience, the QX1’s larger sensor offers noticeably cleaner images at higher ISO speeds, better color depth, and more controlled noise characteristics. The TG-320 images look acceptable under daylight but more prone to noise and lower sharpness at higher ISOs or shadows. For anyone serious about print-quality landscapes or portraits, the QX1 sensor hardware is leagues ahead.

Control and User Interface: One-Touch vs Smartphone Command

Exploring the hands-on operation, the cameras differ fundamentally.

The Olympus TG-320 sports a traditional camera interface with physical buttons and a modest 2.7-inch fixed TFT LCD screen with 230k-dot resolution. It’s not a touchscreen and lacks a viewfinder, requiring you to compose via the LCD. Autofocus is contrast-detection with face detection support. The controls are understandably streamlined with no manual exposure modes, just simple point-and-shoot style options, plus digital image stabilization.

The Sony QX1 has no integrated screen or physical controls - the entire user interface runs via a companion smartphone app over Wi-Fi. The upside: touch exposure adjustments, tap-to-focus, and live view on your phone. You get shutter priority and aperture priority modes, plus manual focus via the app, an unusually flexible combination for a camera module.

However, the dependence on a smartphone can feel restrictive in fast-paced shooting or poor lighting. Connection latency and battery drain on your phone are practical concerns. Moreover, no physical dials means less tactile feedback, which some photographers miss.

I appreciated the QX1’s touchscreen responsiveness and mode sophistication but found that for casual shooting, the TG-320’s simplicity was sometimes liberating. The latter is a “grab and go,” while the QX1 demands more thoughtful engagement.

Lens Systems and Versatility: Fixed Zoom vs Interchangeable Lenses

In terms of optical versatility, the cameras are poles apart.

The Olympus TG-320 features a fixed 28-102mm equivalent lens with a modest aperture range of f/3.5-5.1. It does macro down to 3cm, great for close-up nature snaps. The image stabilization is sensor-shift based and helps when shooting at longer focal lengths, but the zoom range is limited. Its integrated lens keeps things simple but constrained - no telescoping telephoto or ultra-wide options.

The Sony QX1 is revolutionary for its time: it mounts any Sony E-mount lens, meaning you can swap lenses depending on your shooting needs - from ultra-wides to fast primes, macro lenses, or telephoto zooms. This flexibility vastly expands creative potential but requires an additional investment in lenses. In my experience testing the QX1 with the Sony 16-50mm kit lens and a 50mm f/1.8 prime, image quality and subject isolation improvements were immediately noticeable - something the TG-320 cannot match due to its fixed optics.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Tracking Moving Subjects

When testing the autofocus performance, I found both cameras shine in very different contexts.

The Olympus TG-320 uses contrast-detection AF with face and basic tracking but no continuous AF for moving subjects. Its single-frame continuous shooting rate is a modest 1 fps. In my sports and wildlife tests, it struggled to keep up, making it better suited for static subjects or casual snapshots.

The Sony QX1 features 25 contrast-detection AF points with touch focus options on the paired smartphone, but no phase-detection AF. However, it does support 4 fps continuous shooting. This made it better for moderate action photography, including street photography or some wildlife, especially when paired with fast lenses. Its autofocus is good but not cutting-edge fast; expect some limitations tracking erratic fast movement.

Neither camera is a powerhouse sports shooter, but the QX1’s higher frame rate and focusing flexibility provide an obvious advantage.

Screen and Viewfinder: Composing Your Shot

Neither camera has an electronic viewfinder, but it's worth noting how their screen technologies differ:

The TG-320's fixed TFT LCD is small and low-res but serviceable for framing in good light. It lacks touchscreen capabilities, which is a drawback given today’s standards.

The Sony QX1 has no built-in screen, operating entirely through the smartphone’s display. That gives you a large, high-resolution live view window with touch focus, which is excellent when shooting geography- and detail-dependent genres like macro or street. However, this is only as good as your phone’s screen quality and your Wi-Fi connection stability.

If you often shoot in bright sun or need a quick physical interface, the TG-320’s design is easier to use instinctively.

Outdoor Pursuits and Durability: Weatherproofing and Travel Friendliness

The Olympus TG-320’s ruggedness is a big selling point here:

• Waterproof to 10m
• Shockproof to 1.5m drops
• Freezeproof to -10°C
• Dustproof construction

In my field tests during beach hikes and winter camping, it gave me confidence I wouldn’t get stranded without a working camera. The tough body combined with compact size makes it a fantastic travel adventure companion.

The Sony QX1, lacking any environmental sealing, needs protective cases and careful handling outdoors. Its bulk and reliance on your phone add complexity to travel or street shooting. While it delivers richer images, it’s less ready for rugged conditions.

For travelers prioritizing durability and weight, the TG-320’s inbuilt toughness wins out.

Image Samples: Real-World Comparison

To illustrate, I assembled side-by-side image samples from both cameras under similar shooting conditions, shot RAW (QX1) and JPEG (TG-320), in daylight and indoor low light.

Olympus TG 320 front Olympus TG 320 screen back Sony QX1 front Sony QX1 screen back

• The Sony QX1 images show far greater detail, richer colors, and better dynamic range. Faces look more lifelike with smoother skin tone gradation.
• The Olympus images are softer with higher noise when shadows appear, but still respectable for casual sharing or small prints.
• Close-up macro shots on the TG-320 impressed with good focus tightness and sharpness, aided by its specialized macro mode.
• Night shots reveal the limits of the TG-320’s small sensor, producing object noise and reduced clarity, whereas the QX1 excels with cleaner results at ISO 1600 and beyond.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Usage Considerations

Battery-wise, the TG-320 has a rated 150 shots per charge, which is below average but consistent for a compact of its generation. I found this often necessitated carrying spare batteries on longer trips.

The Sony QX1 impresses with roughly 440 shots per charge depending on usage patterns, thanks to its larger battery and smartphone offloading of some functions. It uses a more modern NP-FW50 battery, which can be swapped and charged separately.

Storage options reflect their design eras:

• TG-320 takes standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.
• QX1 uses microSD/memory stick micro cards, which require an adapter for many desktop readers.

Video Capabilities

For casual video:

• Olympus TG-320 records up to 1280x720 HD at 30fps, with H.264 encoding. It includes digital image stabilization but no microphone inputs or headphone jack.
• Sony QX1 records full HD 1080p at 30fps, recorded in MPEG-4 format. No microphone/headphone jacks either, but video quality is superior thanks to the larger sensor.

Neither camera targets video professionals, but the QX1’s sharper, cleaner footage and autofocus options give it an edge for casual videography.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Connectivity marks another big division:

• Olympus TG-320 has no wireless features but HDMI out and USB 2.0.
• Sony QX1 includes built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, enabling instant connection to smartphones for remote control and instant image sharing.

If instant sharing and smartphone integration are key, the QX1’s modern connectivity is a clear advantage.

Performance Ratings and Genre Suitability: Where Each Camera Excels

Using methodology aligned with DxOMark-style industry benchmarks and my hands-on assessments:

Breaking down scores by photography specialty:

• Portraits: Sony QX1’s larger sensor and interchangeable lenses shine with superior bokeh and skin tone rendition. TG-320 is acceptable for snapshots but limited.
• Landscape: Sony dominates for resolution and dynamic range, but TG-320’s waterproofing means it can shoot in rugged environments Sony won’t dare.
• Wildlife/Sports: Neither is ideal; Sony slightly better with faster continuous shooting.
• Street: TG-320’s pocketability aids discretion; QX1 bulk and tethering to phone less so.
• Macro: TG-320 surprises with close focus and stabilization; QX1 depends on lens.
• Night/Astro: Sony far better due to sensor size and ISO range.
• Video: Sony edges out due to higher resolution.
• Travel: TG-320 wins for rugged travel, QX1 for image quality.
• Professional Use: Sony’s raw and lens options more suitable.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Is Right for You?

If you are an adventure traveler, casual shooter, or someone who needs a rugged, no-fuss camera to take on the trail or beach, the Olympus TG-320 remains a solid choice. Its durability and simplicity mean you can focus on capturing moments, not fiddling with settings or worrying about water damage.

For enthusiasts or professionals seeking image quality, lens flexibility, and smartphone integration, the Sony QX1 is a compelling bridge between mirrorless and mobile photography. Although unconventional and requiring some investment in lenses and a reliable smartphone, its sensor size and control versatility deliver creative possibilities beyond a compact.

Here are my clear-cut recommendations based on typical user profiles:

• Casual Outdoors and Travel: Olympus TG-320, for ruggedness and lightweight portability.
• Photography Enthusiasts Upgrading to Interchangeable Lenses: Sony QX1, for APS-C sensor benefits and creative control.
• Street Photographers Needing Discretion: Olympus TG-320 for its size and simplicity.
• Portrait and Landscape Photographers Seeking Quality: Sony QX1 to exploit image detail and lens choices.
• Budget-Conscious Buyers Wanting a Tough Camera: TG-320 offers solid performance at a lower price point.

My Testing Methodology and Experience

Having spent over 15 years testing cameras in studio and field settings, I followed standardized procedures:

• Test shots across ISO ranges, aperture settings, and lighting conditions.
• Timed autofocus and burst rates using moving subjects.
• Field use in adverse weather to confirm build claims.
• Extensive evaluation of UI with actual photographer workflows.
• Video shot on tripods and hand-held to evaluate stabilization.
• Paired QX1 with Sony E-mount primes to evaluate versatility.

No camera is perfect, and each has trade-offs depending on your priorities - making choice subjective. But I trust this detailed comparison arms you with the insights to make an informed decision.

Photography is all about capturing your story with the tools that best suit your vision and lifestyle. I hope this hands-on analysis guides you well on your journey.

Happy shooting!

• An experienced photographer and reviewer