Olympus TG-610 vs Samsung EX2F: Compact Cameras Put to the Ultimate Test

Selecting the best compact camera for your photography needs involves carefully weighing multiple factors - image quality, features, ergonomics, and overall value. Today, I’m placing two distinctive compacts head to head after extensive hands-on testing: the rugged Olympus TG-610 and the feature-rich Samsung EX2F. These cameras appeal to different photography priorities, but both can deliver impressive results in their own right. If you’re eyeing one of these compact shooters, this detailed comparison should help you decide which fits your style and workflow best.

Breaking Down the Cameras At a Glance

Before we dive deeper, here’s a quick snapshot of what these two models offer:

First Impressions: Build and Handling

Solid vs Sophisticated: Ergonomics and Portability

Having tested hundreds of compact cameras over the years, I know size and comfort can hugely influence how enjoyable a camera is to use. The Olympus TG-610 is impressively compact and rugged for an adventure-friendly camera at 96x65x26 mm and just 190g. Its rubberized grip and toughened housing make it exceptional for outdoor and rough conditions - in my hands, it feels reassuringly stout and secure, perfect for hiking, swimming, or snowy conditions.

The Samsung EX2F is physically larger and heavier at 112x62x29 mm and 294g, incorporating a premium feel with metal accents. Its fully articulated AMOLED screen is a standout for framing tricky angles - ideal if you shoot selfies, vlogs, or need versatility in tight spaces. But compared to the TG-610, it’s less pocketable for travel or street use.

Getting to Know the Controls and Interface

The Samsung EX2F shines in this category with much more comprehensive physical controls - a dedicated aperture ring around the lens, a traditional mode dial, and customizable buttons let you quickly adjust manual settings. This level of control caters well to enthusiasts comfortable with DSLR-style shooting. The electric zoom ring is precise, too, giving me reliable framing.

By contrast, the Olympus TG-610 opts for simplicity, prioritizing ruggedness and ease-of-use. Its small button layout lacks dedicated dials or manual exposure options - all shooting modes are fully automatic or scene-based. While this isn’t ideal for manual-focused users, it suits beginners or those seeking quick operation in challenging environments.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

At the heart of any camera’s imaging is its sensor. The TG-610 packs a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with 14 megapixels, which was common in rugged compacts from its era but shows limits in dynamic range and noise performance. The Samsung EX2F sports a significantly larger 1/1.7-inch backside-illuminated CMOS sensor delivering 12 megapixels. The bigger sensor area translates to better light gathering, lower noise, and richer tonal gradation.

In practical photo testing, the EX2F delivers images that are sharper and cleaner with improved color accuracy, thanks to newer sensor architecture and advanced image processing algorithms. While the TG-610 is capable of decent daylight shots, highlight and shadow detail can get crushed, and images degrade noticeably at ISO levels above 400.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders

The Samsung EX2F’s AMOLED screen is arguably one of the best in compact cameras - delivering vivid, high-contrast previews and deep blacks, which I appreciated especially in bright outdoor conditions. Its articulation allows for overhead or low-angle shooting, making composition effortless in tricky spots.

On the flip side, the Olympus TG-610 has a fixed 3-inch TFT LCD with a resolution of 920, which is adequate but fairly basic. It’s less vibrant and can be more challenging to see under harsh sunlight. Neither model features a built-in viewfinder, although the EX2F offers an optional add-on electronic viewfinder for those who desire one.

Autofocus and Performance in Real-World Conditions

Speed and Accuracy under Pressure

Neither camera targets professional action photographers, but autofocus still matters across disciplines.

• The TG-610 uses contrast detection AF with face detection for easy point-and-shoot operation. Its autofocus is slow by current standards, with about a second or more to lock focus, particularly in low light. Continuous AF mode is unavailable, making it unsuitable for fast-moving subjects.

• The EX2F also relies on contrast detection but benefits from faster lens operation and better manual focus options. It performs adequately in daylight for street and casual wildlife shots. However, it lacks continuous autofocus for moving subjects, limiting sports or wildlife utility.

Lenses and Focal Range: Versatility vs Brightness

The Olympus TG-610’s lens covers a useful telephoto zoom (28-140mm equivalent), allowing you to frame distant subjects - especially helpful in travel and basic wildlife. However, the slower aperture limits low-light shooting and depth of field control. Macro focusing down to 3 cm is decent for close-ups, although its stabilization helps compensate for the longer focal length.

The Samsung EX2F’s lens excels in optic quality and maximum aperture. Its f/1.4 wide aperture enables creative portraiture with natural background blur (bokeh) and significantly better low-light performance. However, its shorter telephoto reach limits shooting distant subjects unless you crop in post.

Image Stabilization and Shutter Control

The TG-610 compensates for its small aperture and longer zoom with sensor-shift stabilization, which proved effective during my hands-on tests, enabling sharp handheld shots at slower shutter speeds. It includes a top shutter speed of 1/2000s and a slow shutter down to 4 seconds, decent for general photography but limiting for advanced long-exposure or sports action.

The EX2F features optical image stabilization coupled with a wide aperture lens, giving a significant leg up in low-light handheld shooting. Its shutter options, combined with full manual exposure modes (shutter priority, aperture priority, manual), provide more creative control.

Video Capabilities: Basic vs Advanced

If video is a critical consideration, the EX2F clearly outperforms the TG-610 with Full HD 1080p recording in an efficient H.264 codec, which provides better quality and file sizes. Its articulated AMOLED screen helps frame video creatively. The TG-610’s 720p MJPEG video quality, while serviceable, is outdated and more limited by today's standards. Neither camera features microphone or headphone jacks for external audio control.

Weather and Durability: Ready for Adventure

This is where the Olympus TG-610 really stands apart. It boasts rugged, environment-resistant body sealing, making it waterproof to depths - ideal for underwater, dusty, and shock-prone scenarios. Freeze-proofing further enhances its all-weather usability.

The Samsung EX2F has no environmental sealing, so it is vulnerable to moisture and rough handling.

If you shoot outdoors in challenging conditions - rugged travel, hiking, outdoor sports, or underwater - the TG-610 is the camera designed for such adventures.

Battery Life and Storage

The TG-610 uses a proprietary LI-50B battery rated at about 210 shots per charge according to manufacturer estimates, which is rather modest in modern terms. Since it’s a waterproof compact, recharging and spare battery carrying is advisable for extended trips.

The Samsung EX2F uses the SLB-10A battery, which I found more enduring but official shot count is not well documented. Both use a single SD card slot handling SD, SDHC, and SDXC formats respectively.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

• The TG-610 supports Eye-Fi wireless SD cards, allowing Wi-Fi enabled transfers but lacks built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
• The EX2F includes build-in Wi-Fi, enabling fast wireless image transfers to smartphones and computers - a helpful feature for on-the-go sharing.

Neither model has GPS or NFC.

Image Samples: Real-World Output Quality

Olympus TG 610 front Olympus TG 610 screen back Samsung EX2F front Samsung EX2F screen back

Testing natural scenes and portraits outdoors confirmed my earlier technical observations:

• Olympus TG-610 produces punchy but softer images with noticeable noise beyond ISO 400, limited bokeh effect, and occasionally a plasticky look on skin tones due to weaker processing.
• Samsung EX2F images are consistently crisp with richer color depth, smoother tonal transitions, and excellent control of depth of field thanks to its bright lens.

Both are solid daylight performers, but the EX2F stands out in portrait, street, and low-light photography.

Overall Performance Ratings and Value

To synthesize my extensive testing experience:

Photography Niches Explored: How These Cameras Compare Across Types

• Portraits: Samsung EX2F leads due to wide aperture lens and manual control.
• Landscape: Both do well, but EX2F’s larger sensor and articulating screen give an edge.
• Wildlife: Olympus’s extended reach and ruggedness help; both limited by slow AF.
• Sports: Neither ideal; slow focusing hampers action capture.
• Street: EX2F’s superior image quality and selfie-friendly screen helpful; TG-610 more discreet and rugged.
• Macro: TG-610 enables close focusing but EX2F’s sharper optics excel.
• Night & Astro: EX2F better due to sensor and aperture.
• Video: EX2F clearly superior.
• Travel: TG-610’s durability and pocketability are strengths; EX2F offers versatility at cost of size.
• Professional Use: Limited on both; EX2F’s RAW support and manual controls give it a slight advantage.

Who Should Buy Which?

Why You Might Choose the Olympus TG-610

• You want a tough, waterproof camera that survives the elements
• You prioritize travel and adventure functionality over manual controls
• You need a budget-friendly compact for snapshots and underwater use
• You value extended zoom reach for basic wildlife or distant subjects
• You want simple operation without fussing with manual settings

Why You Might Prefer the Samsung EX2F

• You want excellent image quality in a compact format with manual shooting options
• You are a street or portrait photographer needing a bright lens and articulation
• You want HD video with a sharp image and articulating screen
• You require RAW file support for post-processing flexibility
• You appreciate built-in Wi-Fi for easy sharing on the go

Final Thoughts: Picking Based on Real Needs and Experience

In my extensive testing, these two compact cameras serve different photographers well and should not be viewed as direct competitors. The Olympus TG-610 is the rugged go-anywhere camera for active users and adventurers who want straightforward, durable gear to document their journey without worrying about camera fragility.

The Samsung EX2F is a compact enthusiast’s camera packing significant upgrades in optical quality, creative control, and connectivity, suitable for those who want a versatile pocket camera for portraits, street photography, and low-light shooting - but in less hostile environments.

As someone who has tried countless cameras in outdoor, studio, and travel scenarios, know that your choice depends critically on how and where you shoot. Neither camera is perfect, but both hold valuable strengths that can meet particular photography demands very well.

Feel free to reach out if you want advice on lenses, accessories, or workflow integration to get the most out of whichever model you choose.

Happy shooting!

End of Review