Olympus TG-630 iHS vs Ricoh G700SE: In-Depth Comparison of Two Tough Waterproof Compacts

Selecting the appropriate rugged compact camera frequently involves weighing durability and outdoor functionality alongside image quality and operational features. The Olympus TG-630 iHS and Ricoh G700SE are waterproof, rugged cameras designed primarily for adventurous users needing reliable operation in challenging environments. Both models feature fixed lenses with moderate zoom ranges and similar sensor sizes, yet their approaches to features, ergonomics, and imaging priorities diverge in meaningful ways. Drawing extensively on detailed specifications and my firsthand experience with rugged compacts in the field, this article provides a firm foundation for enthusiasts and professionals considering these cameras for specialized photographic roles.

Ergonomics and Physical Handling

Rugged compacts must achieve a balance between robustness and comfortable handling, especially when used with gloves or underwater. The Olympus TG-630 iHS is more compact and lightweight, weighing in at just 167 grams and measuring 98 x 66 x 22 mm, favoring portability and easy pocketability. The Ricoh G700SE nearly doubles that weight at 307 grams and is physically more substantial at 117 x 68 x 32 mm. This disparity often translates into divergent handling experiences:

• TG-630 iHS: The smaller, lighter body provides convenience for extended outdoor travel or street use, reducing user fatigue. However, the compact form does sacrifice some grip area, which might challenge users with larger hands or when manipulating controls underwater or with gloves.
• G700SE: The larger footprint and heft provide a confident, stable grip beneficial for handheld shooting in tough conditions, though the added size hinders discreet shooting or casual carry.

The top view comparison reveals that Ricoh G700SE’s control layout emphasizes tactile buttons and a physical manual focus ring, improving operational precision in adverse environments:

• The G700SE features manual focus capability - a rarity in rugged compacts - supporting advanced users prioritizing control, particularly for macro or low-contrast subjects.
• The TG-630 iHS relies on automatic focusing exclusively, which may simplify workflow for casual users but limits manual intervention.

In real-world usage, those engaging in prolonged outdoor or underwater shooting may prefer the G700SE for its physical robustness and manual focus control, whereas travelers valuing compactness will lean toward the TG-630 iHS.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Both cameras employ 1/2.3" sensors measuring approximately 6.17 x 4.55 mm, yet underlying sensor technology and resolution details impact final image quality.

• TG-630 iHS: Equipped with a 12MP CMOS sensor incorporating a conventional anti-aliasing filter, delivering a maximum native ISO of 6400. CMOS sensors generally exhibit faster readout, lower power consumption, and improved noise performance at higher ISOs compared to CCD sensors.
• G700SE: Uses a 12MP CCD sensor, max native ISO of 3200 (minimum native ISO 64), also with anti-aliasing filter. CCD sensors historically excel in color fidelity but tend to have higher noise at elevated ISOs and slower data handling due to sequential readout mechanisms.

Operationally, the CMOS sensor of the TG-630 iHS produces cleaner images in challenging lighting conditions, particularly relevant for night, indoor, and travel photography scenarios. The G700SE’s CCD sensor still delivers reasonable color accuracy in daylight and lower ISO settings but struggles with noise beyond ISO 800–1600, limiting versatility.

The resolution advantage is nominal: TG-630 iHS outputs images at 3968x2976 pixels (approx. 12MP), while the G700SE provides 4000 x 3000 pixels - also roughly 12MP. This negligible difference means detail rendering is similar, with slight differences attributable to sensor processing and lens optics rather than pixel count.

Lens and Optical Features

Both models share nearly identical focal length ranges of 28-140 mm (equivalent, 5.8x zoom), suitable for a variety of general photographic needs from landscapes to portraits.

• Aperture: The Ricoh’s lens is marginally faster at the wide end (f/3.5 vs. f/3.9 on the Olympus) and slightly faster at telephoto (f/5.5 vs. f/5.9), offering a modest edge in low light or shallow depth-of-field scenarios.
• Macro Capability: Both provide impressive close focusing down to 1 cm, supporting macro photography of small subjects with significant detail.

However, key distinctions include:

• Image Stabilization: The TG-630 iHS employs sensor-shift image stabilization to directly counter camera shake, markedly improving handheld sharpness at slower shutter speeds and when zoomed.
• G700SE: Lacks image stabilization entirely, making it more reliant on fast shutter speeds or support like tripods when shooting in low light or macro close-ups.

For handheld macro, landscape, and portrait photography where small aperture apertures or telephoto lengths are used, the Olympus stabilization provides a tangible advantage.

Autofocus Systems and Shooting Performance

Autofocus behavior profoundly influences usability across photography genres.

• TG-630 iHS: Implements a contrast-detection autofocus system with face detection and AF tracking capable of selectively locking onto faces or moving subjects. While single AF mode is primary, it benefits from smart tracking to maintain focus over time.
• G700SE: Also uses contrast-detection AF but lacks face detection and tracking capabilities. Manual focus control is present, catering to users seeking explicit focus control.

Continuous shooting on the TG-630 iHS reaches 5 frames per second - respectable for a compact waterproof camera - enabling some burst capture during action sequences or wildlife photography. The G700SE does not specify continuous shooting speed or lacks burst functionality, disadvantaging it in dynamic situations.

Low-light and fast subject tracking will favor the Olympus system, which reacts more quickly and intelligently, especially valuable in sports or wildlife photography. The Ricoh’s AF performance aligns better with deliberate, static compositions.

Video Capabilities and Multimedia Features

Video performance represents a material consideration, especially for outdoor and travel photographers who require flexible recording modes:

• TG-630 iHS: Records Full HD 1080p video at 60 frames per second utilizing H.264 compression, allowing smoother motion capture suitable for sports, wildlife, or general videography. It also supports 720p and standard-definition modes.
• G700SE: Limited to VGA 640x480 video recordings at 30 fps, significantly restricting usability for quality video work. The absence of HDMI output or microphone input further curtails multimedia flexibility.

Neither offers microphone or headphone ports; both exclude 4K or higher frame rate video modes, emphasizing their design for stills with basic video backup.

Build Quality and Environmental Sealing

Outdoor ruggedness is a defining criterion.

• TG-630 iHS: Rated waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, crushproof, and freezeproof, attesting to comprehensive sealing and durability. This makes it ideal for demanding conditions such as underwater exploration, desert dust, or cold mountain environments.
• G700SE: Waterproof and dustproof certified but lacks shockproof, crushproof, and freezeproof protections, limiting ruggedness particularly where mechanical impacts or extreme temperatures are anticipated.

The Olympus’s enhanced sealing translates into greater confidence for professional fieldwork or adventure photography needing reliable operation under physical stress or adverse weather.

User Interface, Display, and Controls

For efficient image composition and navigation, screen size, resolution, and UI design merit attention.

• TG-630 iHS: Provides a 3.0-inch fixed screen with 460k-dot resolution, adequately bright and clear for outdoor use despite lacking touchscreen input.
• G700SE: Also offers a 3.0-inch display but with a higher 920k-dot resolution, resulting in a crisper, more detailed viewing experience, beneficial for image review or manual focusing.

Neither camera employs a viewfinder, instead relying on their LCDs for framing. The G700SE's higher resolution monitor confers advantage for precise composing or checking focus in bright conditions. Both have fixed (non-articulating) screens.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

Power and storage logistics shape shooting endurance:

• TG-630 iHS: Uses a rechargeable LI-50B battery rated for roughly 220 shots per charge, typical for compact rugged cameras. Uses standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.
• G700SE: Battery life undocumented but employs DB-60 rechargeable battery. Storage options include SD/SDHC and internal memory, with one card slot.

In practice, neither offers exceptional battery life linked to small battery size but should support typical day excursions with moderate shooting volume.

Connectivity and Data Transfer Features

Connectivity affects workflow integration:

• Neither model incorporates wireless capabilities such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC, limiting image transfer to physical USB connections.
• TG-630 iHS: Supports HDMI output for image/video playback on external monitors.
• G700SE: Lacks HDMI, constraining external display options.
• GPS functionality is absent on the TG-630 but optional on the G700SE, aiding geotagging in field situations for users requiring location metadata.

Performance Ratings and Use-Case Suitability

Analyzing broad performance dimensions from rugged use to image quality, the following distinctions emerge:

Photography Genre Analysis: Practical Recommendations

Portrait Photography

• TG-630 iHS: Superior due to face detection autofocus and sensor-based stabilization improving sharpness in varied lighting. The F3.9 aperture at wide-angle suffices for casual portraits, though bokeh is limited by lens speed and sensor size.
• G700SE: Manual focus can be useful for precise control, but lack of face detection and slower lens reduce ease of portrait capture.

Landscape Photography

• Both offer suitable zoom ranges and 12MP resolution. The G700SE offers slightly faster lenses and higher resolution screen for composition review. However, Olympus’s enhanced weatherproofing and image stabilization prove advantageous in varied field conditions.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• TG-630 iHS offers autofocus tracking and 5 fps continuous shooting enabling sporadic wildlife action captures. The G700SE lacks burst capture and AF tracking, limiting effectiveness.

Street and Travel Photography

• The lightweight TG-630 iHS is preferable for travel and street use given its pocketable size and decent image stabilization.
• The G700SE’s bulk and weight reduce discretion but provide solid grip in adverse weather or rough handling.

Macro Photography

• Both allow close focusing down to 1 cm.
• TG-630 iHS’s stabilization markedly benefits handheld macro sharpness.
• G700SE’s manual focus ring permits exact focusing adjustments favored by macro enthusiasts.

Night and Astrophotography

• The TG-630 iHS’s CMOS sensor and higher max ISO (6400) provide restricted but usable performance at night.
• The G700SE is handicapped by its CCD sensor and lower ISO ceiling.

Professional Usage

• Neither supports RAW, limiting post-processing flexibility.
• Both are more consumer rugged compacts than professional-grade tools.
• However, the TG-630 iHS has a broader environmental sealing profile and better video features for field documentation.

Value and Pricing Considerations

• The TG-630 iHS retails around $199 at launch, offering a relatively affordable entry point into rugged compacts with contemporary imaging features.
• The G700SE’s price is unspecified, typically found as a higher-tier rugged compact with specialized build but older video and sensor technologies, often at a premium.

Conclusion: Which Tough Compact Suits Your Needs?

Both the Olympus TG-630 iHS and Ricoh G700SE are competent waterproof, rugged compacts with distinct strengths:

• Choose Olympus TG-630 iHS if you prioritize:

  • Compactness and lightweight design for travel or street photography
  • Enhanced image quality in low light via CMOS sensor
  • Image stabilization for sharp handheld macro and telephoto shots
  • Full HD video recording at high frame rates
  • Broader environmental protection (shock, freeze, crush)

• Select Ricoh G700SE if your priorities include:

  • Stronger physical grip and durable feel for challenging industrial or expedition environments
  • Manual focus control for precise close-up or technical photography
  • Higher resolution LCD for critical image review
  • Optional GPS support for professional fieldwork geotagging

Ultimately, the TG-630 iHS better suits casual to enthusiastic outdoor photographers seeking a versatile, pocketable waterproof camera with contemporary imaging features, whereas the G700SE appeals to specialized users needing robust handling and manual controls in rugged industrial or expedition contexts, albeit with compromises in video and sensor versatility.

Olympus TG 630 iHS front Olympus TG 630 iHS screen back Ricoh G700SE front Ricoh G700SE screen back

This detailed comparison encapsulates critical performance parameters and operational insights drawn from direct experience with rugged compacts, assisting discerning buyers to align camera choice with their photographic ambitions, environmental demands, and workflow preferences.