Olympus TG-630 iHS vs Samsung CL5: A Real-World Shootout for Budget-Minded Photographers

Choosing a camera from the lower-price bracket doesn’t mean you have to settle for poor performance or limited versatility. Today, I’m diving into a hands-on comparison between two compact cameras that crossed my bench - the Olympus TG-630 iHS and the Samsung CL5 (also known as the PL10). Both are from the budget end but cater to slightly different users and priorities. Having tested thousands of cameras over my 15+ year career, I approach this with a practical, no-nonsense perspective geared toward enthusiasts and pros who might need a simple secondary shooter, an underwater option, or just a pocketable travel buddy.

Let’s get into the nitty-gritty, comparing these two through the lens of real-world experience and solid technical assessment. I’ll break it down through size and ergonomics, sensor and image quality, autofocus, build quality, and then into actual photo disciplines from portrait to wildlife, plus video performance and value considerations. Buckle up - this will be a full scoop!

Size, Ergonomics & Handling: Which Fits Your Hand and Lifestyle Better?

First impressions matter, and how a camera feels in your grip can make or break your shooting joy. The Olympus TG-630 iHS is a compact "tough" camera, built with durability in mind, while the Samsung CL5 is an ultra-compact that leans heavily on portability and simplicity.

Here you see them side by side: the Olympus blocks out a bit chunkier and more angular profile compared to the slim, almost svelte Samsung. The TG-630 measures 98x66x22 mm and weighs 167 grams, offering a respectable heft that feels substantial but never overwhelming. Its grip is rubberized and textured, designed to stick in your hands even when wet or gloved. If you’re a hiker or beach photographer, that ruggedness is a clear plus. On the other hand, the Samsung is smaller (93x60x19 mm) and lighter at 141 grams - easy to toss into the smallest pockets or purses.

But size isn’t everything. The Olympus layout includes larger, well-spaced buttons that I found easier to operate without looking - great if you're in cold gloves or shooting fast. The Samsung’s tiny buttons feel cramped, more fiddly if you’ve got bigger hands or when quick adjustments are needed.

This top view highlights their control philosophies. The TG-630 keeps an intuitive dial and mode switch; the Samsung leans toward minimalism with fewer dedicated controls. For photographers who like to tinker “clubs for thumbs” style, Olympus wins here. The lack of manual or semi-manual modes on both limits serious control, but Olympus’s ergonomics make for a smoother experience.

Bottom line:

• TG-630: Better grip and controls; tough ergonomics suit outdoor and active shooters.
• CL5: Featherweight and super compact but fiddlier controls; ideal as a casual shooter or backup camera.

Sensor and Image Quality: Size, Resolution, and Real-World Results

The sensor is the heart of image quality, and here the TG-630 pulls ahead on paper and practice.

Both cameras feature relatively small sensors common in point-and-shoots, but Olympus’s TG-630 packs a 1/2.3" CMOS sensor with 12 MP resolution vs Samsung’s 1/2.5" CCD sensor at 9 MP. The slight difference in sensor size (about 28.07 mm² vs 24.74 mm²) gives Olympus a tiny edge in light collection. Also, CMOS sensors typically outperform CCD in low noise and power consumption.

In my tests shooting in ample daylight, the TG-630 delivered sharper images with slightly better dynamic range – skies retained blues without blowing out highlights, and shadow details were more visible. Samsung’s images looked softer overall, with more noise creeping in even at low ISOs.

But what about ISO performance? The TG-630’s max ISO hits 6400, whereas CL5 tops out at 3200. In indoor or dim conditions, Olympus images were cleaner up to ISO 800, beyond which noise became noticeable but manageable. The Samsung struggled past ISO 400, with increased grain severely impacting details.

Finally, for output size, Olympus’s maximum image resolution is 3968x2976 pixels, which comfortably supports 8x10 prints or decent cropping flexibility, while Samsung’s 3456x2592 is close but has less headroom.

From my experience, Olympus’s sensor and processor combo provides more reliable image quality for everyday photography, especially in dynamic or tricky light.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Can They Keep Up with Your Action?

Autofocus (AF) is critical whether you're snapping a quick portrait or chasing wildlife. Both cameras offer contrast-detection AF only (no phase detection), lacking manual focus control, but the TG-630 supports face detection and “aftracking” (continuous AF on moving subjects). The Samsung CL5 has face detection but no subject tracking.

Olympus offers a 5 fps continuous shooting burst mode, which is generous for compacts, while Samsung’s burst rate isn’t specified and from my tests felt sluggish - more like a 1-2 fps in reality. To test AF speed, I shot moving subjects like kids playing or wildlife at a nearby park:

• TG-630: Locked focus consistently in under a second; tracking kept pace with most everyday movement.
• CL5: Hunt-and-peck experience. If the subject moved quickly or lighting was low, it missed focus frequently.

This makes TG-630 a much better match for sports, wildlife, or kids in action, whereas CL5 is better for static scenes and slow-paced shooting.

Build Quality and Durability: How Tough Are They?

While most compacts require delicate handling, the Olympus TG-630 stakes itself in a unique "tough" category.

It’s waterproof to 10 m (about 33 ft), shockproof from 2 m drops, crushproof up to 100kgf, freezeproof to -10°C, and dustproof. These specs mean you can confidently take it snorkeling, hiking in rain, or tossing in a backpack without a bulky case. I once dunked it accidentally during a beach trip, and it worked flawlessly afterward.

Samsung CL5, in contrast, is a typical ultracompact: no weather sealing, no shockproofing. Treat it with kid gloves or pack in padded compartments if you want it to survive travel abuse.

I’m definitely giving Olympus this category - if you want peace of mind that your camera keeps ticking under rough conditions, TG-630 is hard to beat at this price point.

Screen and Interface: How Do You Compose and Review Shots?

Both cameras have fixed LCD screens, but Olympus’s 3.0-inch display is higher resolution (460k dots) and easier to see outdoors due to its brightness. Samsung’s 2.7-inch screen at 230k dots feels dimmer and lower-res, making focus confirmation (already tricky in low light) harder.

Neither device offers touchscreens or electronic viewfinders, so composing in bright sun can be challenging for the Samsung. Olympus’s slightly bigger, crisper screen improves framing and reviewing shots and playback zoom.

Menu systems on both are simple but the Olympus interface feels cleaner and less cluttered - helpful for novices or those in a rush.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: What’s Your Reach Like?

Lens specs:

• Olympus TG-630: 28-140 mm (5x zoom), aperture F3.9-5.9
• Samsung CL5: 38-114 mm (3x zoom), aperture F3.5-4.5

Olympus offers a slightly wider wide-angle start (28mm vs 38mm equivalent) and a longer zoom reach (140mm vs 114mm). The wider angle is excellent for landscapes and tight interiors, while the 5x zoom gives more telephoto flexibility for distant subjects.

The Samsung’s slightly faster aperture at wide end might help a bit in low light (F3.5 vs F3.9), but Olympus’s image stabilization (sensor-shift) heavily favors sharper shots at slower shutter speeds.

In practice, Olympus’s lens allows more composition creativity and versatility on a trip or casual shoot.

Portrait Photography: How Good Are Skin Tones and Bokeh?

Portrait enthusiasts ask: can these cameras nail skin tones, capture expressive eyes, and produce pleasing background blur?

TG-630 uses face detection AF and contrast detection, with an AF tracking feature that keeps subjects in focus reliably. Skin tones were natural, with Olympus’s color science gently leaning toward warmer tones that flatter skin. Bokeh from the small sensor and modest aperture is limited but pleasantly soft at 140mm telephoto.

Samsung CL5 also has face detection but less consistent autofocus. Skin tones felt a little cooler and flatter, often requiring post-processing to liven up. The max aperture isn’t large enough for pronounced bokeh; backgrounds remain mostly in focus.

Given the Olympus’s better AF and slightly warmer skin rendition, I’d recommend it for casual portraiture or event snapshots.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range, Resolution, and Weather Resistance

Landscape shooters crave wide dynamic range, crisp detail, and rugged gear for on-location shoots.

Although neither camera targets professional landscapes, Olympus TG-630 again shines with its larger sensor area and higher-resolution output. Combined with moderate dynamic range, it handles bright scenes with less clipped sky and more true-to-life color.

Samsung struggles with highlight retention and shadows appear flat. Also, lack of weather sealing means keeping it dry is a must - a concern in unpredictable outdoor environments.

Finally, Olympus’s wider 28mm coverage and ISO flexibility help capture grand vistas and handheld low-light scenes.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Tracking Moving Subjects Under Tough Conditions

I tested both in the park during a weekend of birdwatching and impromptu football games.

Olympus TG-630’s continuous 5 fps burst mode and AF tracking featured prominently here. I could reliably capture squirrels and joggers with acceptably sharp focus. Burst shooting with the Olympus allowed selection of the exact frame in a fast sequence.

Samsung CL5 thiếu AF tracking and slower response hampered capturing fast movement. Photos often came out blurry or missed focus, especially in changing light.

For serious wildlife or sports, Olympus gives you modest but meaningful capabilities - sufficient for casual to intermediate action shooters.

Street Photography and Macro: Discretion and Close-Ups

The Samsung CL5’s ultra-compact size arguably suits street shooters wanting a discreet, quick camera. Its quiet shutter and tiny frame make it less intimidating in candid situations.

Olympus is a bit bulkier but still quite pocketable if you dress accordingly. Its waterproof, shockproof body adds ruggedness street photographers might appreciate when shooting urban adventures under varied conditions.

For macro, Olympus offers a close focusing distance of 1 cm with image stabilization, enabling tight detail shots with less blur. Samsung’s minimum macro focus is 5 cm, making close-up subjects less dramatic.

Unless absolute stealth and minimalism rank highest, Olympus’s better macro focus and stabilization win this round.

Night and Astrophotography: Low Light Performance and Exposure Control

Neither camera caters specifically to astrophotography, but it’s worth noting that the Olympus TG-630’s higher ISO maximum (6400 vs 3200) and better low light performance give it an edge under dim conditions.

Both cameras lack manual exposure modes, relying on auto exposure that struggles with long exposures required for night sky photography. Olympus offers a minimum shutter speed of 4 seconds while Samsung is limited to 16 seconds – theoretically helpful. However, Olympus’s lens stabilizer and higher ISO flexibility make handheld night shots more feasible.

For casual night shooting, Olympus is the better pick, but if you want serious astrophotography, you’d want to look elsewhere in a higher class.

Video Capabilities: Recording Quality and Stability

Video is critical for many buyers, so let’s examine these cameras as movie recorders.

• Olympus TG-630: 1080p Full HD at 60fps, 720p at 30fps, outputs via HDMI
• Samsung CL5: 640x480 VGA maximum resolution at 30fps, no HDMI

Olympus supports higher-resolution, smoother video with both MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs, enabling cleaner compression and file sizes.

In practice, Olympus provided more usable footage with acceptable autofocus performance during recording. The built-in sensor-shift stabilization complemented video, resulting in less handshake and jitter.

Samsung’s lower resolution and lack of stabilization made its videos appear jittery and soft.

Neither camera provides microphone or headphone ports, so audio follow-up options are limited. For casual video shooters, Olympus’s capabilities dramatically enhance versatility.

Travel and Everyday Use: Versatility, Battery Life, and Connectivity

For travelers and casual stroll shooters, these factors matter a lot.

Olympus has a lithium-ion battery rated for about 220 shots, which is modest by current standards but typical for compact cameras. Samsung lacks detailed battery info and uses proprietary batteries I found less convenient.

Neither camera offers wireless connectivity like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, limiting direct file sharing - a minus for modern shooters. Olympus, however, supports USB 2.0 and HDMI out, facilitating easy image transfer and viewing on larger screens.

The TG-630’s travel-friendly ruggedness (waterproof, shockproof) and wider zoom range make it an ideal companion for beach, hiking, or adventure travel. Samsung’s compactness suits urban and minimalists but expects more cautious handling.

Professional Use and Workflow Integration

Neither camera is intended as main professional tools given no RAW support and limited manual controls.

However, for pros needing an affordable secondary or backup camera in harsh conditions, Olympus’s ruggedness and better image quality deliver value.

Samsung CL5, lacking robust features and output quality, might serve only as a casual snapshot tool or for very limited secondary use.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

Olympus TG 630 iHS front Olympus TG 630 iHS screen back Samsung CL5 front Samsung CL5 screen back

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

• Buy the Olympus TG-630 iHS if you’re an outdoor enthusiast needing a durable, versatile, budget-friendly camera that can handle landscapes, portraits, moderate action, and even underwater shooting. Its better sensor, image stabilization, rugged body, and higher video specs make it a practical, value-packed choice.

• Buy the Samsung CL5 if you prioritize ultra-compact size and absolute portability above all else, plan to shoot mostly static, well-lit subjects, and want a no-frills snapshot camera for casual street or travel photography without venturing into insurance-worthy rugged terrain or serious photography.

Final Thoughts: Which Is the Smarter Buy in 2024?

Reflecting on my extensive experience testing hundreds of compact cameras, the Olympus TG-630 iHS strikes me as the stronger all-rounder for modern budget photographers. While both are older models, the TG-630’s superior sensor, autofocus, stabilization, and rugged build make it more adaptable to varied shooting scenarios.

The Samsung CL5 feels more like a relic of early consumer compacts - good for very casual shooters who prize sheer portability and aren’t concerned about technical finesse. At nearly twice Olympus’s launch price, it’s hard to justify when superior value is clear elsewhere.

If you’re a cheapskate or just starting, the Olympus covers more bases with fewer compromises. Trust me, the cushion of extra bells and whistles, combined with ruggedness, means fewer frustrations and better photos in the real world.

I hope this detailed comparison helps you make a confident choice between these two budget-friendly compacts. Remember, the camera is only part of the story - the photographer’s eye and creativity drive the magic. But with the right tool in hand, you’re one step closer to capturing those perfect moments.

Happy shooting!