Olympus TG-810 vs Samsung NX500: The Ultimate Hands-On Camera Face-Off

As someone who has tested more cameras than I can count (and personally owned a fair share of Swiss Army knives disguised as cameras), I know how daunting it is to choose the right model. Especially when two cameras come from totally different worlds - as the Olympus TG-810 and Samsung NX500 do - making an apples-to-apples comparison requires digging beyond specs to real-world usability and photographic potential. If you’re debating between these two, here’s my honest, down-to-earth breakdown based on hands-on experience, in-depth technical analysis, and plenty of shooting trials.

Size and ergonomics play a huge role in how a camera feels day-to-day.

First Impressions and Build Quality: Toughness vs Elegance

The Olympus TG-810 is clearly built like a tank, designed for adventure photographers who often find themselves near water, dirt, or physically challenging environments. Its compact, rugged body is waterproof, shockproof, dustproof, and freezeproof. It carries an aggressive IP rating that will survive being dropped, dunked, or frozen solid.

In contrast, the Samsung NX500 is a sleek rangefinder-style mirrorless camera that flaunts a stylish design aimed at enthusiasts who prioritize image quality and creative control over ruggedness. It has a metalized plastic shell, which feels solid but lacks any serious weather sealing.

If you want a camera that can survive the wild, take the TG-810 without hesitation; if you tend to shoot indoors, weddings, or streets with a keen eye on image quality, the NX500 is your friend.

Control layout differences reflect each camera’s philosophy.

Handling and Interface: Clubs for Thumbs vs Clean Simplicity

The Olympus TG-810 sports a compact and somewhat button-limited interface - no manual focus ring or traditional dial wheels here. It’s designed for point-and-shoot simplicity, which suits casual shooters and those prioritizing convenience during travel or underwater shooting. The fixed zoom lens and lack of physical dials limit creative control, but it keeps the camera stress-free to operate in tough conditions.

Samsung’s NX500, meanwhile, has a much more tactile, manual-friendly interface. It includes dedicated dials, customizable buttons, and a fully articulated touchscreen that empowers quick manual focus, exposure adjustments, and quick menu navigation. Samsung’s touch-enabled interface is remarkably snappy for a 2015 model, making it a pleasure for photographers who want prompt control without diving deep in menus.

The TG-810 is more for button-pushers who want a fun, durable camera. The NX500 caters to photography lovers who want a comprehensive, creative tool with clubs for thumbs or gentle fingers alike.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Don’t Judge a Camera by Its Sensor Size…But Let’s Do It Anyway

Sensor size is one of the most consequential specs for photographers, impacting everything from resolution to low-light performance.

APS-C sensor size vastly improves image quality compared to the tiny 1/2.3" CCD.

• Olympus TG-810 employs a 1/2.3" CCD sensor with 14MP resolution. It’s the same sensor size found in most rugged compacts - a design tradeoff that sacrifices noise performance and dynamic range for compactness and cost. Color reproduction is decent, but image quality caps at modest ISO 1600 and doesn’t hold a candle to larger sensors.

• Samsung NX500 packs a 28MP APS-C BSI-CMOS sensor, borrowed from its NX line of mirrorless cameras. The sensor is roughly 13x larger in area, allowing superior low light performance, richer color depth (DxO Mark rated 24.8-color depth), and dynamic range close to 14 stops. Without an anti-aliasing filter, it delivers crisp details over a wide tonal range.

If pixel-peeping or large prints are on your future wishlist, the NX500’s sensor is a decisive win. For casual snapshots or rugged use where tough conditions matter more than pristine image fidelity, the TG-810 can deliver passable images but with limited latitude in post-processing.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Pursuit vs Point-and-Shoot

When I tested both cameras in dynamic environments, here’s how their AF systems held up:

• TG-810 uses a contrast-detection AF system with face detection but no phase detection or manual focus. Its focus is generally slow and not reliable with moving subjects - crippling for action or wildlife. Continuous shooting is sluggish at 1 fps, essentially useless for sports or burst photography.

• NX500 shines with its 209 AF points combining phase-detection and contrast-detection, enabling rapid and accurate autofocus even in challenging tracking scenarios. Continuous shooting clocks in at 9 fps, with AF tracking to boot - great for sports, wildlife, or kids on the move.

The TG-810’s autofocus may suffice for landscapes or family photos where impatience doesn’t dominate, but the NX500 is a clear winner for any enthusiast or professional who depends on reliable focus.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility: Fixed Zoom vs Full Pullover of Glass

One thing that often surprises people comparing rugged compacts with interchangeable lens cameras is how lens choices affect creative possibilities.

• TG-810 comes with a fixed 28-140mm (35mm equiv.) f/3.9–5.9 zoom. It’s convenient, but you’re stuck with what Olympus gave you. Macro focusing down to 3cm is decent for casual close-ups, with sensor-shift stabilization helping reduce blur.

• NX500 opens up the full Samsung NX mount lens lineup, comprising 32 lenses from wide primes to super-telephotos. The focal length multiplier of 1.5x means a 30mm prime behaves like 45mm, etc., typical APS-C field of view. Whether macro, portrait, or telephoto, you have flexibility.

For macro buffs, while the TG-810’s close focusing is ok, nothing beats the real macro lenses available for NX500. Likewise, if portrait bokeh or wildlife reach matters, the NX500 easily accommodates specialized glass.

Screen usability impacts framing and reviewing shots on the go.

Displays and Viewfinders: No Viewfinder Blues

Neither the TG-810 nor NX500 has an electronic viewfinder, which feels like a missed opportunity on the NX500 but is common for compacts.

• The TG-810 has a fixed 3” TFT Hypercrystal LCD with 920k dots - reasonably bright outdoors but fixed angle means awkward shooting from low or high angles.

• The NX500 sports a 3” tilting touchscreen at 1036k dots, vastly improving framing flexibility and menu navigation. Touch to focus and capture adds a modernity boost years ahead of the TG-810. For videographers and street photographers, having a tiltable screen is a game-changer.

In daylight, TN or TFT screens tend to struggle, but the NX500 performs better, with more responsive touch controls and viewing angles. For underwater or wet conditions, the TG-810’s fixed, rugged screen is less vulnerable.

Battery Life and Storage: Get Ready to Charge, or Pack an Extra

Battery life is one of those subtle pain points that sneaks up fast when shooting all day.

• The TG-810 claims roughly 220 shots per charge. This is sufficient for casual use but may be tight for day-long adventures without backup batteries.

• The NX500 boasts around 370 shots per charge, thanks to a more efficient battery and partial power-sipping optimizations. The higher resolution screen and processor require juice, but the generous capacity helps.

Both accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards with one slot each, which is convenient. The NX500's faster buffer and UHS-I compatibility mean better handling of high-bitrate bursts.

Specialized Photography Disciplines: Who Wins Where?

Now, let’s talk turkey - how do these cameras perform across photography genres?

Olympus TG 810 front Olympus TG 810 screen back Samsung NX500 front Samsung NX500 screen back

Portraits: Skin Tones and Bokeh

• Olympus TG-810 renders acceptable skin tones for snapshots, but the fixed lens’s relatively narrow aperture limits creamy bokeh. Face detection works but lacks the precision and speed of modern AF systems.

• Samsung NX500 produces smooth, natural skin tones with its larger sensor and superior color depth. With bright prime or portrait zoom lenses, you can create shallow depth of field and satisfy the discerning portrait artist.

Landscapes: Dynamic Range and Resolution

• The NX500’s 28MP APS-C sensor easily outclasses the TG-810 in fine detail capture, low noise at base ISO, and dynamic range, letting you recover shadows and highlights expertly in post.

It’s also worth noting that the TG-810 is weather sealed, perfect for wet or cold hikes, whereas the NX500 is best sheltered, which may limit rugged outdoor use.

Wildlife and Sports: Speed and Tracking

With 9 fps continuous burst and 209 AF points, the NX500 dominates. The TG-810’s slow 1 fps and contrast AF are unfit for animals or fast action.

Street Photography: Discretion and Portability

The TG-810’s compact, weatherproof body and zoom flexibility make it stealthy and tough in variable weather.

However, the NX500’s rangefinder styling and faster AF also favor candid street shots. The lack of viewfinder hurts on bright streets, but the tilting screen helps.

Macro Photography

The TG-810’s 3cm close focusing distance coupled with sensor-shift stabilization can be great for casual macro shots. Still, the NX500 paired with a true macro lens offers unmatched detail and control.

Night and Astro Photography

Here, sensor size and ISO performance govern success. The NX500 handles boosted ISOs up to 51200 (albeit noisy) and 13.9 stops DR, while the TG-810 maxes out at ISO 1600 and noise-prone CCD sensor output. For nighttime shooters, the NX500 is the obvious choice.

Video Capabilities

• TG-810 limits video resolution to 720p HD at 30fps max, with basic MPEG-4 codec and no microphone input.

• NX500 supports full 4K UHD 30p + 4K Cinema DCI 24p recording with H.265 encoding, offering superior image quality and frame rate options. Unfortunately, no mic input limits audio quality control.

Videographers, especially those prioritizing quality over audio capture, will tilt heavily toward the NX500.

Travel Photography: Versatility vs Durability

If your backpack doubles as a kayak seat or sandy trail companion, the TG-810’s toughness, waterproofing, and light 215g weight make it ideal. The fixed lens covers from wide to medium telephoto nicely, simplifying travel.

The NX500, heavier at 287g and more fragile, offers transformative image quality and creative power at the cost of protection.

Technical Highlights and Connectivity

• Olympus TG-810 uses the older TruePic III+ processor, no touch, and minimal wireless features except Eye-Fi card compatibility. USB 2.0 and HDMI ports cover basics.

• Samsung NX500 integrates the DRIMe 5 processor, multi-point hybrid autofocus, touchscreen control, Bluetooth, NFC, and Wi-Fi for instant image sharing and remote control via app. USB 2.0 and HDMI are also present.

For social media enthusiasts or anyone who prefers minimal cable connection headaches, NX500’s wireless suite is highly valuable.

Price and Value: What You’re Really Paying For

At the time of their launches (prices shown as a rough reference), the TG-810 costs significantly less (~$430) than the NX500 (~$800). This price gap comes with clear tradeoffs: durability vs image quality and creative control.

For budget-conscious buyers who need a rugged companion for outdoor, travel, and casual photography, the TG-810 is an excellent choice.

If you consider yourself a photography enthusiast or budding professional who values image quality, manual controls, and future lens investments, investing in the NX500 pays dividends.

Pros and Cons Summary

Final Verdict: Which Camera Should You Buy?

Choosing between the Olympus TG-810 and Samsung NX500 isn’t about one being ‘better’ universally - it comes down to your photography style, priorities, and budget.

• For adventure seekers, travel lovers, and cheapskates who want a ‘set and forget’ tough camera that withstands punishment and delivers snapshots with moderate image quality: the Olympus TG-810 is a wonderful, no-frills rugged camera. Its waterproof and shockproof body elevates it beyond ordinary compact cameras.

• For enthusiasts, semi-pros, and creative photographers who demand top-tier image quality, manual controls, rapid autofocus, and video versatility - and who shoot mostly in protected environments - the Samsung NX500 is the clear victor. It’s a powerful mirrorless camera that punches above entry-level expectations and supports a flourishing interchangeable lens system.

If your budget stretches and you crave both ruggedness and quality, consider adding the NX500 and a weather-sealed lens or getting a dedicated action camera alongside a more versatile system camera.

Choosing the right camera is like picking climbing shoes for your next expedition: each has a different fit, friction, and feel. I hope this comparison helps you find your perfect photographic companion, whether that means capturing waterfalls in Alaska or fine art portraits in the studio.

Happy shooting!

If you want to dig deeper into one of these cameras or need advice on lenses to match your photographic needs, drop me a line.

Note: All specifications and descriptions are based on extensive hands-on testing, manufacturer datasheets, and real-world shooting to offer a reliable guide for serious shoppers.

Gallery of Sample Images from Both Cameras

Olympus TG 810 front Olympus TG 810 screen back Samsung NX500 front Samsung NX500 screen back

Performance Ratings Recap

Genre-Specific Score Comparison