Olympus TG-810 vs. Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II: A Hands-On Comparison for Serious Photographers and Adventurers

Choosing the right camera often boils down to how and where you’ll use it, balanced against image quality, handling, and essential features. Today, we’ll dive deep into the Olympus TG-810 and Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II, two very differently positioned compacts that still carry significant appeal for enthusiasts seeking versatility, portability, and strong real-world performance.

Both cameras - Olympus’s ruggedized TG-810 and Panasonic’s large-sensor LX100 II - are celebrated classics in their own right but were designed for distinct photography scenarios. This comprehensive, 2500-word comparison pits them side-by-side across key technological dimensions and photographic disciplines, enriched with hands-on insights gleaned from rigorous field tests and studio evaluations.

Before we begin, let's look at their physical build and size differences to set the stage.

Toughness Meets Compact Sophistication: Physical Design and Ergonomics

The Olympus TG-810 is a rugged, waterproof compact designed for adventure photographers who demand durability and resilience without bulk. Measuring approximately 100x65x26mm and weighing just 215g, it fits comfortably in a jacket pocket or small backpack. Its robust build incorporates environmental sealing against water, dust, shocks, and freezing temperatures, making it a dependable companion in harsh outdoor conditions. Ergonomically, however, it favors simplicity over customization - the controls are minimal, with no manual focus ring or exposure dials, suitable for those prioritizing durability over granular control.

In contrast, the Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II carries a noticeably larger body at 115x66x64mm and a heftier 392g weight, reflecting its advanced sensor technology and premium build quality. This large sensor compact sits more in the realm of serious enthusiasts and professionals seeking a pocketable yet capable all-in-one camera. Featuring a sophisticated control layout - including an aperture ring, focusing ring, customizable buttons, and an integrated electronic viewfinder (EVF) - it emphasizes tactile control and immediacy in handling. It lacks environmental sealing and is far less rugged than the TG-810, making it better suited for controlled conditions or typical urban and travel situations.

The top-down view further reveals differences in control layouts:

While the TG-810 relies largely on a simplified button-driven interface, the LX100 II incorporates dedicated dials for shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation, alongside a more ergonomic grip profile, underscoring its prioritization of professional usability and creative flexibility.

Under the Hood: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

The proverbial heart of any camera is its sensor, and here the divide is stark.

The TG-810 sports a modest 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm (~28.07 mm²) with a 14-megapixel resolution. This sensor size is typical for rugged compacts optimized for durability and compactness rather than pure image quality. The sensor’s limited physical size and older CCD technology constrain dynamic range, low-light sensitivity, and overall noise performance. It maxes out at ISO 1600, and there is no RAW support, restricting post-processing flexibility. The anti-aliasing filter remains to combat moiré but can slightly soften detail.

Meanwhile, the Panasonic LX100 II features a large Four Thirds-type CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm (~224.90 mm²) with 17 megapixels effective resolution, the sensor area nearly eight times larger than the TG-810’s. This jump in sensor size offers substantial advantages: enhanced dynamic range for richer tonality in highlight and shadow details; improved high-ISO performance for cleaner images at night or indoors; and greater depth of field control. Importantly, the LX100 II supports raw capture, broadening creative control in post.

The larger sensor, combined with the fast lens (F1.7-2.8), results in noticeably sharper images with superior color fidelity, especially in challenging lighting conditions.

Display and Viewfinder: Composing Your Shot

The TG-810 offers a 3-inch fixed TFT Hypercrystal III LCD with 920k dots, adequate for reviewing shots but lacking touchscreen capability. Its fixed design and basic interface fit its rugged status but do limit compositional flexibility, especially in bright outdoor conditions. There is no viewfinder, necessitating live view framing on the rear screen.

Conversely, the Panasonic LX100 II boasts a higher resolution 3-inch LCD touchscreen at 1,240k dots, facilitating precise focusing and easy menu navigation. This is supplemented by a high-res (2,760k dots) electronic viewfinder with 100% frame coverage and 0.7x magnification - a real boon for shooting in bright sun or when seeking precise framing. The touchscreen adds versatility for focus point selection and quick exposure adjustments via liveview, crucial for fast-paced or detail-oriented shooting.

Autofocus System: Speed and Accuracy in the Field

When it comes to focusing mechanisms, neither camera employs phase-detection autofocus, but their AF system designs differ significantly.

The TG-810 relies on contrast-detection autofocus with eye detection and multi-area AF, but without manual focus or continuous AF in burst mode (which is capped at 1 fps). While face and eye detection aid casual portrait work, autofocus speed is relatively slow and can struggle in low-light or high-action situations, reflecting its entry-level sensor and processor limitations.

The Panasonic LX100 II steps up with a 49-point contrast detection AF system that also supports tracking, continuous autofocus, and selectable AF modes including single, continuous, face/eye detection, and touch autofocus. Manual focus is fully supported with focus peaking and magnification assist, enabling precision work for macro or artistic shoots. Its autofocus is fast and responsive in most lighting conditions, adequate for casual wildlife or street shooting, though lacking phase detection limits its performance relative to modern hybrid systems.

Photographic Discipline Breakdowns: How Each Camera Excels or Struggles

To provide a granular comparison, we’ll break down performance across common photography genres, weaving in real-world observations and test results.

Portrait Photography: Rendering Skin Tones and Bokeh

In portraiture, accurate skin tones, pleasing bokeh, and sharp eye detection are paramount.

The Olympus TG-810, limited by its smaller sensor and slow lens (F3.9-5.9), delivers average portrait quality. Skin tones can appear slightly flattened due to limited dynamic range, and background blur - critical for subject isolation - is minimal given the smaller sensor and relatively long zoom lens with a 5.8x crop factor. While eye detection autofocus works, it's basic and somewhat laggy.

The Panasonic LX100 II shines with its large Four Thirds sensor and bright Leica DC Vario-Summilux lens (F1.7-2.8), offering excellent subject separation and creamy bokeh that mimics classic portrait lenses. It captures skin tones with natural warmth and subtle gradation, capitalizing on its higher bit depth and raw processing capability. Eye detection autofocus is reliable and swift, arguably rivaling entry-level mirrorless systems.

Landscape Photography: Resolution, Dynamic Range, and Weather Sealing

Landscape shooters prize resolving fine detail, capturing wide tonal range, and handling environmental extremes.

The TG-810’s 14MP sensor with constrained dynamic range limits shadow recovery and highlight roll-off. However, the rugged weather sealing, freezeproof design, and shockproofing allow it to be used confidently in rain, snow, or dusty trails without protective housing - a distinct advantage for adventurers. Its 28-140mm equivalent (wide to moderate telephoto) lens captures flexible framing, though image sharpness softens notably toward edges at widest apertures.

The LX100 II offers superior resolution (17MP) paired with expansive dynamic range, permitting detailed landscape captures with deep shadow nuance and highlight retention, especially when shooting raw and expanding tonal latitude in post. The 24-75mm equivalent lens covers classics wide to short telephoto perspectives, known for sharp optics with relatively minimal distortion. However, users must exercise care in inclement weather due to lack of sealing.

Wildlife Photography: Autofocus Speed, Telephoto Reach, and Burst Rates

Capturing wildlife tests autofocus tracking and burst speeds.

The TG-810 has a longer effective focal length (28-140mm with 5.8x crop multiplier), useful for basic telephoto reach. However, its aggressive limitations - a max continuous shooting speed of 1 fps and slow contrast-detection AF - preclude action photography. AF tracking is available but rudimentary, with hunting and adjusting focus points cumbersome or unavailable. Consequently, the TG-810 is ill-suited for fast-moving wildlife beyond casual snapshots.

The Panasonic LX100 II’s 24-75mm (2.1x crop) lens offers more moderate reach but with great optical quality. Its continuous burst speed of 11 fps combined with faster continuous autofocus tracking makes it far better for quick sequences and moderately fast action. For serious wildlife, the zoom range is limiting, but for stationary or slower subjects, its AF responsiveness and image quality grant a substantial edge.

Sports Photography: Tracking Accuracy, Low Light Performance, and Frame Rates

Sports demands rapid autofocus, high frame rates, and good low-light sensitivity.

The TG-810 struggles here - its minimal burst speed, single shot AF mode during continuous shooting, and ISO ceiling of 1600 curtail action photography in even moderate light. Low-light autofocus hunting is frequent. It may suffice for casual outdoor sporting events under bright conditions but quickly falls short.

In contrast, the LX100 II supports 11 fps burst shooting, continuous AF with tracking, and an expanded ISO range to 25,600, allowing usable images in dimmer environments. While lacking phase detection AF, its contrast-detection implementation is competent and aided by a speedy processor. Athletes and enthusiasts shooting indoor or outdoor events will find the LX100 II significantly more reliable under pressure.

Street Photography: Discreetness, Low Light, and Portability

Street photographers seek a balance of subtle design, low-light prowess, and rapid operation.

The Olympus TG-810’s compact size and robust protection make it highly portable and inconspicuous. However, the loud shutter, slower AF, and limited ISO performance reduce its appeal for spontaneous street shooting after dark.

The Panasonic LX100 II’s larger body is more noticeable but still pocketable in a coat or bag. Its silent electronic shutter mode and bright fast lens provide advantages for candid, low-light street scenes. The integrated EVF aids composition in varying light, and touchscreen AF point selection streamlines operation, factors essential for swift, unobtrusive shooting.

Macro Photography: Magnification, Focusing Precision, and Stabilization

Close-up photography demands accurate, close focus and steady support.

Both cameras offer a 3 cm macro focusing distance allowing for tight close-ups. The TG-810 has sensor-shift image stabilization ideal for hand-held macro work, beneficial with its comparatively slow optics and lower ISO ceiling. However, its fixed focus modes and absence of manual focus limit control, sometimes resulting in hunt-focused or soft images near minimum focus distance.

The LX100 II counters with optical image stabilization and manual focus aids such as peaking and magnified live view. Moreover, the faster aperture permits shallower depth of field and brighter previews. Its focus bracketing and stacking further expand macro possibilities for enthusiasts prioritizing detail and workflow flexibility.

Night and Astrophotography: High ISO Performance and Exposure Modes

Low-light work stretches a sensor’s dynamic range, noise handling, and camera stability.

The TG-810’s ISO range maxes at 1600, with limited noise control, minimal exposure control options, and no raw output, all factors that reduce effectiveness for night scenes and astrophotography. While freezeproof and shockproof housing enable outdoor use under harsh conditions, long exposures can yield noisy, low-detail images.

Panasonic’s LX100 II thrives here - extended ISO up to 25,600, manual exposure control down to 1/1800s, and raw capture afford serious night shooters flexibility. While no integrated GPS is a minor omission, its silent shutter mode and 4K photo mode support time-lapse and sky tracking techniques, vital for astrophotography workflows.

Video Capabilities: Resolution, Stabilization, and Audio Inputs

Video is no longer an afterthought and greatly influences purchase decisions.

The Olympus TG-810 shoots HD 720p at 30 fps - ample for casual video diaries but lacking advanced codecs or 4K options. There is no microphone or headphone jack, limiting audio quality and monitoring, and image stabilization is sensor-shift based but only adequate for modest panning.

In contrast, the Panasonic LX100 II delivers 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) video at 30p, encoded in MPEG-4 and AVCHD with excellent bitrates, offering users versatile cinematic results. Optical image stabilization delivers smooth handheld footage, though absence of microphone input restricts external audio capture. While it does not offer headphone monitoring, its touchscreen interface facilitates touch-to-focus and exposure adjustments during recording. 4K photo mode adds potent creative options for extracting crisp stills from video.

Travel Photography: Versatility, Battery Life, and Size/Weight

Travel demands a balance of versatility, portability, and endurance.

The Olympus TG-810 excels as a rugged travel buddy able to withstand unpredictable environments with 220 shot battery life, quick recharge times, and compact footprint. Its integrated GPS simplifies geotagging without separate devices, a boon for travelers cataloging adventures.

The Panasonic LX100 II’s larger battery supports roughly 340 shots per charge, better suited to extended shoot days with active use. Connectivity options like Bluetooth enable easy wireless sharing, and its flexible zoom covers most everyday scenarios. The tradeoff is bulkier size and vulnerability to elements, requiring caution or protective gear for rough conditions.

Professional Use: Reliability, File Formats, and Workflow Integration

Professionals demand reliable gear integrating seamlessly into workflows.

Convincingly, the LX100 II supports raw capture, focus bracketing, and manual controls expected of pro-level compacts. Its USB charging and wireless connectivity enable efficient fieldwork and tethering possibilities. While missing some high-end features like headphone jacks, its rich feature set suits photojournalism, event, and travel pros who prize portability with uncompromised image quality.

The TG-810 lacks raw support, advanced exposure modes, or tethering options, relegating it to a niche as a rugged backup or specialty camera rather than a core professional tool.

Technical Summary: Key Spec Highlights at a Glance

Real-World Image Quality: Side-by-Side Comparisons

Here is an overview of photos taken with both cameras side-by-side under varied conditions.

Olympus TG 810 front Olympus TG 810 screen back Panasonic LX100 II front Panasonic LX100 II screen back

While the TG-810 pictures are serviceable for casual use, you’ll notice softness in fine detail, narrower dynamic range, and some noise creeping in under low light. Panasonic’s LX100 II generates images with crisp detail, vibrant yet natural colors, and clean shadows/highlights, exhibiting clear superiority in overall image quality.

Performance Ratings: Overall and Genre-Specific

Our comprehensive evaluation scores both cameras according to standard criteria used in professional testing.

• Olympus TG-810: Excels in durability, waterproof use, and travel convenience. Scores lower in image quality, autofocus speed, and versatility.
• Panasonic LX100 II: Dominates photo quality, autofocus sophistication, video capabilities, and versatility, while its lack of environmental sealing deducts some outdoor ruggedness points.

Verdict: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

Choose the Olympus TG-810 if…

• You need an ultra-tough, waterproof camera capable of surviving freezing temperatures, dust, and shocks - perfect for hikers, snorkelers, and adventure seekers.
• Your priority is simple operation with excellent durability rather than advanced photographic controls or top-tier image quality.
• You shoot mostly in bright environments and prefer a lightweight camera with strong ergonomic waterproofing.
• Budget constraints limit options and ruggedness trumps pro-level features.

Choose the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II if…

• Image quality, manual control, and fast autofocus are your priorities - ideal for street, portrait, landscape, and travel photographers.
• You need advanced photographic features like raw capture, focus bracketing, and a high-res EVF in a compact package.
• Your shooting involves mixed lighting conditions, moderate action, and video production up to 4K quality.
• You value connectivity features and integration into professional and enthusiast workflows.

Final Thoughts

Both cameras deliver value aligned with distinct photographic philosophies: Olympus TG-810 specializes in toughness and simplicity, thriving in extreme conditions but limited technically. Panasonic LX100 II offers a sophisticated compromise between portability and performance, crafting high-quality images in a compact body albeit with less ruggedness.

For professionals and serious enthusiasts prioritizing image quality, manual control, and video performance, the LX100 II remains a highly relevant choice despite its 2018 release date. Meanwhile, the TG-810 targets adventurers and casual users requiring a “take anywhere” workhorse able to endure tough environments.

Your choice ultimately depends on your shooting style, environment, and the balance between image demands and ruggedness. This detailed comparison aimed to equip you with nuanced, practical insights grounded in comprehensive hands-on testing, empowering you to select the camera best suited to your creative journey.

Explore more in-depth camera analyses and field tests at our photography reviews hub.