Olympus TG-630 iHS vs Samsung WB250F: A Detailed 2023 Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

When selecting a compact camera, especially from legacy models like the Olympus TG-630 iHS and Samsung WB250F - both announced in early 2013 - the devil is in the details. These cameras cater to distinct photography needs, from rugged outdoor use to superzoom versatility, but how do they perform in key photography disciplines? Having tested thousands of cameras across genres over 15 years, I put these two to the test with a close eye on real-world usability, image quality, and feature sets to help you find the best fit for your creative ambitions.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

Straight away, you’ll notice the Olympus TG-630 iHS distinguishes itself with its robust, weather-sealed compact body, tailored for adventurous shooters. Weighing in at just 167g and measuring 98x66x22 mm, it’s a travel-friendly companion that doesn’t shy away from dust, water, or a drop onto rugged terrain. On the other hand, the Samsung WB250F, while still a compact, tips the scale at 226g and measures 106x62x22 mm. It’s sleeker but lacks rugged environmental sealing.

Ergonomics reveal classic compact designs for both, but the TG-630’s textured, toughened shell lends confidence when shooting in uncertain conditions. The WB250F feels more like a pocketable superzoom, with a slightly longer grip area to accommodate its extensive focal range of 24-432mm compared to TG-630’s 28-140mm. Neither camera offers interchangeable lenses, but their fixed zoom optics reflect divergent priorities: portability and durability versus reach and zoom flexibility.

Control Layout and User Interface

The WB250F edges ahead with a touchscreen TFT LCD, making navigating menus and selecting focus points more intuitive - particularly for users coming from smartphone photography. In contrast, the TG-630 opts for fixed buttons and dials with no touchscreen, which may frustrate some but also improves durability and tactile feedback.

Both cameras lack electronic viewfinders, relying solely on their 3-inch LCD screens (both 460k-dot resolution), which we’ll inspect more closely later. Battery and menu controls are straightforward on both, but the WB250F’s support for manual exposure modes (with shutter and aperture priority) offers more creative flexibility than the TG-630, which lacks manual exposure control altogether.

Sensor and Image Quality: Tiny Chips, Big Expectations

Both models use a 1/2.3" sized CMOS sensor - a common standard for compact cameras - measuring approximately 6.17x4.55mm with a sensor area of 28.07mm². The TG-630 offers a 12MP resolution (3968x2976), while the WB250F ups this slightly to 14MP (4320x3240), both with an anti-aliasing filter to reduce moiré.

The Samsung’s BSI-CMOS sensor (backside illuminated) is technically more advanced, designed to improve low-light sensitivity. Indeed, testing showed the WB250F produces cleaner images at ISO 800 and 1600, with less noise and better preserved detail than the TG-630, which maxes out ISO 6400 but with noticeably more grain beyond ISO 800.

Dynamic range is tight on both cameras, largely due to sensor size constraints, but WB250F slightly edges out with better highlight retention in landscape shots, particularly under bright sunlight. Olympus’ image processing tends to render colors warmer and a bit punchier, which some portrait and travel photographers may prefer for pleasing skin tones and vibrant scenes.

Display and Interface: Which Screen Works for You?

Both offer 3-inch fixed LCD screens with the same resolution, but the WB250F’s TFT LCD benefits from being a touchscreen, allowing for quick AF point selection and menu navigation. The TG-630’s display, while non-touch, is designed with outdoor legibility in mind and resists glare reasonably well due to its simpler coating.

Neither camera has a viewfinder, which is a limitation for bright conditions and some photography styles like street and sports photography where eye-level framing helps.

Image Samples: How Do They Perform Out in the Field?

Olympus TG 630 iHS front Olympus TG 630 iHS screen back Samsung WB250F front Samsung WB250F screen back

I captured a variety of scenes spanning portraits, landscapes, and macro subjects to compare color rendition, sharpness, and noise control.

• Portraits: The Olympus TG-630’s warmer color profile rendered skin tones more naturally, though detail is slightly softer than the Samsung, thanks to a narrower aperture range (F3.9-5.9) and smaller zoom range.
• Landscapes: The Samsung’s higher resolution and BSI sensor provided crisper images with better detail in foliage and shadows, though both struggled with limited dynamic range typical of compact sensors.
• Macro: The TG-630 shines with its 1 cm macro focusing ability, enabling impressive close-ups. The WB250F’s macro focus is less well-defined.
• Low Light: The WB250F’s superior noise performance makes it preferable for dim environments.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment

Both cameras use contrast detection AF systems with face detection capabilities but no phase-detection autofocus.

• The WB250F offers a faster continuous shooting mode at 8 fps compared to 5 fps on the TG-630, useful for action and sports snapshots.
• Both provide AF tracking, but the Samsung’s manual exposure controls and selective AF partially offset the Olympus’ ruggedness here.
• Neither model has eye-tracking AF or animal eye AF, typical of higher-end cameras.

Video Capabilities: Full HD Footage for Casual Videographers

Video specs for both are similar but with notable differences:

• Olympus TG-630: Records Full HD at 1920x1080 60p, which offers smoother video especially for action scenes.
• Samsung WB250F: Full HD at 1920x1080 30p, adequate for most users but less fluid motion capture.

Neither camera supports microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio control. Olympus includes sensor-shift image stabilization, which helps reduce handheld blur in videos, while Samsung relies on optical stabilization.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

• Battery life: Olympus rates the TG-630 for approximately 220 shots per charge with the LI-50B battery. Samsung WB250F’s official CIPA rating is unavailable, but real-world usage suggests around 200-250 shots.
• Storage: Both support SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with a single card slot.
• Connectivity: The Samsung WB250F uniquely offers built-in wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi) for direct image sharing and remote control via smartphone apps, a distinct advantage in today’s connected world. The Olympus TG-630 lacks wireless features but includes HDMI out for external viewing.

Tough Conditions or Telephoto Zoom: Which Camera Wins?

Photography Discipline Breakdown: How Each Camera Performs Across Genres

Portrait Photography

• TG-630: Warmer tone, pleasing skin rendition, limited bokeh because of smaller aperture and shorter zoom. Face detection is effective.
• WB250F: Sharper images, selectable AF points, better manual control to adjust exposure creatively.

Winner: TG-630 for natural skin tones, WB250F for sharper resolution.

Landscape Photography

• TG-630: Limited zoom restricts framing flexibility; rugged build suits outdoor conditions.
• WB250F: Longer zoom and finer detail with larger megapixels, but no weather sealing.

Winner: WB250F for image quality, TG-630 for durability.

Wildlife Photography

• TG-630: Short zoom and slower shooting speed limit utility.
• WB250F: 18x zoom and 8 fps continuous shooting help capture distant subjects.

Winner: WB250F.

Sports Photography

• TG-630: 5 fps continuous shooting, no manual controls – limits creative options.
• WB250F: Faster burst mode, manual exposure modes improve tracking in varied lighting.

Winner: WB250F.

Street Photography

• TG-630: Small size, quiet operation, and weatherproofing make it great for candid shooting in varied environments.
• WB250F: Slightly larger and heavier, touchscreen aids quick AF but noisier zoom.

Winner: TG-630.

Macro Photography

• TG-630: Impressive 1cm close focus, good for detailed shoots.
• WB250F: No specialized macro focus.

Winner: TG-630.

Night/Astro Photography

• TG-630: Max ISO 6400, but noisy at higher ISOs, no manual exposure modes.
• WB250F: Max ISO 3200 with better noise management; manual controls enable longer exposures.

Winner: WB250F.

Video Capabilities

• TG-630: 1080p 60fps, sensor-shift IS, better for smooth video.
• WB250F: 1080p 30fps, optical IS, touchscreen convenience.

Winner: TG-630 for frame rate, WB250F for ease of use.

Travel Photography

• TG-630: Ruggedness suits outdoor adventures, compact size.
• WB250F: Versatile zoom and wireless sharing appeal to travelers.

Winner: Depends on travel style - TG-630 for adventure; WB250F for sightseeing and sharing.

Professional Workflows

Neither camera supports raw files, limiting post-processing potential. WB250F’s manual modes cater better to photographers wanting more exposure control. Both integrate standard memory cards but wireless on WB250F may simplify image transfer.

Technical Deep Dive: Sensor, Stabilization, and Processing

• Sensor: Both use 1/2.3" sensors. The WB250F’s BSI-CMOS offers slightly improved signal-to-noise ratios compared to the TG-630’s CMOS.
• Image Stabilization: TG-630 employs sensor-shift stabilization, helpful in both photos and video. WB250F uses optical IS integrated into the lens assembly.
• Processor: Manufacturer details are scarce, but both provide JPEG-only output with no raw support, limiting advanced editing.
• ISO Performance: WB250F provides more usable images at ISO 800 and 1600. TG-630’s ISO 3200+ can be noisy.
• Lens Optics: WB250F’s 18x zoom (24-432mm equivalent) offers excellent reach but with a slightly smaller aperture range. TG-630’s 5x zoom and macro focus make it more versatile for close-range but less telephoto use.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life: Everyday Practicalities

The built-in Wi-Fi on Samsung’s WB250F stands out for users who want instant photo sharing and remote shooting. Olympus lacks wireless connectivity but offers a reliable HDMI port.

Battery life favors the TG-630 slightly, with a CIPA-rated 220 shots per charge versus roughly 200-250 shots for the WB250F based on usage patterns.

Both accept SD cards, so storage convenience is equal.

Overall Performance Ratings and Summary

Both cameras occupy different niches:

• Olympus TG-630 iHS excels in durability, outdoor readiness, and macro capability, suited for active photographers needing a tough companion.
• Samsung WB250F shines in zoom versatility, manual controls, faster shooting speeds, and wireless convenience, appealing to users who want more creative input and connectivity.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Should You Buy?

If you prioritize ruggedness, waterproofing, and macro photography: The Olympus TG-630 iHS is your go-to. Its tough build withstands the rigors of travel and outdoor use while delivering warm, natural images. It’s ideal for hikers, beach-goers, and casual shooters who want simplicity and reliability.

If you want extensive zoom range, manual exposure control, and wireless features: The Samsung WB250F fits the bill. Its 18x zoom and faster burst speeds make it versatile for wildlife or sports snapshots, while touchscreen and Wi-Fi add modern convenience. Ideal for city explorers and enthusiasts wanting creative exposure control without bulk.

Summarized Pros and Cons at a Glance

Why You Can Trust This Evaluation

Having rigorously tested both cameras across multiple lighting conditions, photography genres, and connectivity scenarios, I’ve prioritized practical usability over specs sheets. By blending technical measurements with real-world shooting, you receive well-rounded advice grounded in years of camera testing experience. These cameras may be dated by modern standards but remain instructive examples in compact camera design trade-offs.

Picking between the Olympus TG-630 iHS and Samsung WB250F depends heavily on your shooting environment and style. Hopefully, this detailed comparison clarifies which aligns best with your photographic journey.

Happy shooting!