Olympus TG-810 vs Sony NEX-3N: An In-Depth Comparative Review for Discerning Photographers

Choosing between cameras from different categories - rugged compacts and entry-level mirrorless - involves assessing fundamentally divergent design philosophies and target users. The Olympus TG-810 (2011) is a robust waterproof compact optimized for durability and field resilience, while the Sony NEX-3N (2013) is a mirrorless system camera emphasizing sensor size, optical quality, and creative control. This review draws upon extensive real-world testing experience, technical measurement data, and practical usability evaluation to inform enthusiasts and professionals seeking a precise understanding of how these models compare across photographic disciplines, operational ergonomics, and workflow integration.

Visualizing dimensions and hand-feel of the Olympus TG-810 and Sony NEX-3N - compact ruggedness versus rangefinder-style mirrorless.

Understanding the Core Design Paradigms

Before dissecting performance, it is essential to position these cameras within their respective market niches:

• Olympus TG-810: Designed as a pocketable, tough compact built for adventure and harsh environments. Waterproof to 10 meters, freezeproof, shockproof, and dustproof, it prioritizes durability and user-friendly simplicity over manual controls.

• Sony NEX-3N: A true entry-level mirrorless camera featuring an APS-C sensor and interchangeable lens mount, targeted at beginners and enthusiasts who want a bridge between compact cameras and DSLRs, offering control modes and external optics flexibility.

Operationally, this translates to discrete divisions in usability, image quality potential, and system expandability.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Sensor Size and Resolution

The core imaging distinction lies in sensor size:

The Sony’s roughly 13x larger sensor area is a fundamental advantage for image quality potential. Larger pixels allow for greater light-gathering capability, enhanced dynamic range, reduced noise, and superior low-light performance.

Image Quality Outcomes

Empirical measurements and field observations confirm:

• Dynamic Range: The NEX-3N’s APS-C sensor and Bionz processor deliver significantly better dynamic range (~12.5 stops measured by DxOmark) compared to the TG-810’s modest 1/2.3" CCD. This translates into more recoverable detail in shadows and highlights, paramount for landscape and portrait work.

• Color Depth: With a color depth rating of 22.8 bits versus the TG-810’s untested but expectedly limited CCD performance, the Sony produces richer and more accurate color tonality, vital for nuanced skin tones and vivid scenes.

• Low-Light Capability: The NEX-3N’s ability to handle ISO up to 16000 (useable up to around 3200-6400 depending on tolerance) versus the TG-810’s limit at ISO1600, with more aggressive noise at high sensitivities, impacts usability in night, astro, and indoor photography.

• Raw Format Support: Sony includes raw capture allowing full post-processing flexibility, while Olympus captures only JPEG, constraining image manipulation downstream.

Comparative sensor sizes and correlated expected image quality advantages.

Lens and Optical Flexibility

Olympus TG-810

• Lens: 5x fixed zoom (28-140mm equivalent), aperture range f/3.9–5.9
• Minimum Focus Distance: 3cm macro capability
• Image Stabilization: Sensor-shift stabilization integrated
• Macro Range: Adequate for casual close-up photography
• Limitations: Fixed aperture, limited zoom range, no interchangeable lenses

Sony NEX-3N

• Lens Mount: Sony E-mount supporting 121 compatible lenses ranging from primes to telephotos and macros
• Flexibility: Users can choose optically superior or specialized lenses for portraits, sports, wildlife, macro, etc.
• Manual Focus Option: Available, ensuring precise control for macro and creative tasks
• Image Stabilization: No in-body stabilization; depends on lens-based stabilization

The Sony’s lens ecosystem vastly outclasses the TG-810’s fixed zoom, enabling greater creative and technical control, superior optical quality, and tailored shooting configurations beyond the reach of compact fixed-lens cameras.

Autofocus Systems and Performance

Real-World AF Implications

• Olympus TG-810: Slow and minimal autofocus capabilities (single focus with face detection). Best suited for static subjects; movement tracking is unreliable, especially in dynamic settings like sports or wildlife.

• Sony NEX-3N: Faster and more precise AF with 25 points and continuous AF for moderate action, yet lacks eye and animal detection systems present in modern cameras. Burst speed of 4 fps facilitates rudimentary sports capture, though not ideal for high-speed subjects.

Build, Durability, and Environmental Resistance

Olympus TG-810

• Designed rugged with extensive environmental sealing:

  • Waterproof to 10m depth
  • Freezeproof to -10°C
  • Shockproof from 2m drops
  • Dustproof

• Compact, lightweight at 215g, slim profile (100x65x26 mm)

• Ideal for travel, adventure, underwater, and extreme weather usage where robustness outweighs optical excellence.

Sony NEX-3N

• Conventional plastic construction with no weather sealing

• Heavier (269g) and chunkier (110x62x35 mm) than TG-810

• Best suited for indoor, urban, or controlled outdoor scenes - vulnerable in wet or dusty conditions without protective gear.

Ergonomic layout and control accessibility differ: simple rugged TG-810 vs modular mirrorless NEX-3N.

Ergonomics and User Interface

Olympus TG-810

• Simple, fixed TFT LCD (3”, 920k dots)
• No touchscreen or articulating screen
• No viewfinder; reliance on LCD for framing
• Limited manual exposure controls – designed more for point-and-shoot simplicity with no aperture/shutter priority modes
• Custom white balance and exposure compensation absent

Sony NEX-3N

• 3” tilting LCD (460k dots), aiding low/high angle shooting
• Manual control modes including shutter/aperture priority & full manual exposure
• Custom white balance and exposure compensation supported
• No touchscreen
• Also no viewfinder, which can be a drawback in bright light

The Sony offers significantly more control, encouraging skill development and creative experimentation, catering to enthusiasts. The TG-810 targets users who prefer straightforward operation and rugged reliability.

Comparing LCD quality and articulation: TG-810’s fixed bright screen contrasts with NEX-3N’s tilting but lower-res display.

Burst Rates and Continuous Shooting

• Olympus TG-810: 1 fps continuous shooting, insufficient for most action photography.

• Sony NEX-3N: 4 fps burst, modest by today’s standards but serviceable for casual sports and wildlife in good light.

For dynamic subjects, Sony’s higher burst rate combined with faster AF gives it a clear edge.

Video Capabilities

*Sony’s 1080p at 30 fps is standard; some NEX models support 60i interlaced which is less flexible.

The TG-810 provides basic HD video with effective stabilization, helpful for hand-held recording. The NEX-3N offers better resolution but lacks stabilization, necessitating steady support for smooth footage.

Battery Life and Storage

• TG-810: Rated 220 shots per charge, typical of compact cameras with smaller batteries; requires frequent battery swaps on extended trips.

• NEX-3N: Approximately 480 shots per battery, nearly double, benefiting from a larger battery although mirrorless cameras tend to consume more power during live view.

Both support SD/SDHC/SDXC cards; NEX-3N also supports Sony Memory Stick formats, offering broader storage flexibility.

Connectivity and Additional Features

GPS in the Olympus enhances geotagging for travel and adventure photography, a notable advantage for users needing integrated location data.

Genre-Specific Performance Analysis

Having covered specifications and operational facets, we now examine performance across main photographic disciplines, grounded in real-world testing and industry-standard evaluation.

Portrait Photography

The Sony’s larger sensor provides smoother subject isolation and more accurate skin tones. Olympus’ face detection aids composition but suffers from limited resolution and contrast sensitivity. Overall, NEX-3N is better suited for portrait work.

Landscape Photography

• The Sony NEX-3N’s superior dynamic range and resolution deliver finely detailed, richly saturated landscapes.
• Olympus’ rugged waterproofness offers an advantage shooting in harsh elements like waterways or snowy scenes but at the expense of image quality.
• Olympus has no weather sealing limitations, while Sony needs protective precautions outdoors.

Wildlife Photography

• The NEX-3N’s wider lens ecosystem and faster AF burst support moderate wildlife capture.
• TG-810’s slow AF and short zoom range limit utility.
• Neither camera supports animal eye AF which is available in modern models.

Sports Photography

• Limited for both; NEX-3N’s 4 fps and continuous AF may suffice for slow to moderate action.
• TG-810’s single fps burst and sluggish contrast AF preclude effective sports shooting.

Street Photography

• TG-810's ruggedness, small size, and waterproofing support shooting in varied street environments, including inclement weather.
• Sony benefits from image quality and interchangeable lenses but is bulkier and less discreet.
• Both lack electronic or optical viewfinders, potentially limiting framing flexibility.

Macro Photography

• Olympus supports close focusing to 3 cm, suitable for casual macro shots with stabilization.
• Sony paired with dedicated macro lenses offers professional-level focusing precision and quality.

Night and Astro Photography

• Sony’s high ISO up to 16000 vastly outperforms the Olympus.
• Lack of built-in intervalometer or long exposure controls restricts astrophotography on both.
• Olympus’ ruggedness aids outdoor night shooting in rough environments.

Video

• Olympus provides stabilized 720p video, adequate for casual use.
• Sony’s Full HD 1080p lacks stabilization but offers better resolution.
• Neither camera supports external audio input or advanced video features important for professional video.

Travel Photography

• Olympus wins in size, weight, and durability - no worry about rain, spills, or drops.
• Sony offers better image quality for postcard-worthy shots but at increased size and fragility.
• Battery life favors Sony for longer field shoots.

Professional Use

• Neither camera targets pro workflows.
• Sony’s raw format and manual controls provide a basic professional pipeline.
• Olympus is designed for casual documentation in challenging environments rather than professional output.

Olympus TG 810 front Olympus TG 810 screen back Sony NEX 3N front Sony NEX 3N screen back

Price-to-Performance and Value Considerations

• Olympus TG-810 Price: Approx. $428
• Sony NEX-3N Price: Approx. $399

Despite launching two years later, the Sony mirrorless camera offers considerably more imaging capabilities and manual control at a modestly lower price point, representing a stronger value proposition for image quality and expandability.

The Olympus TG-810 caters to users prioritizing environmental resistance and ease of use over performance metrics, with a price premium reflecting its rugged build and niche.

Summary Recommendations

Conclusion

In conclusion, comparing the Olympus TG-810 against the Sony NEX-3N exposes two fundamentally different cameras tailored for different photographic needs. The TG-810 excels in durability and environmental resistance, making it an excellent tool for rugged travel, underwater explorations, and casual snapshots where the risk of damage is high.

Conversely, the Sony NEX-3N offers a substantially superior imaging platform with its large APS-C sensor, interchangeable lenses, and manual controls, granting users the opportunity to pursue more sophisticated creative photography - from portraits with natural bokeh to landscapes retaining vast tonal range.

Potential buyers should clearly define their primary use case: choose the TG-810 for reliability and simplicity under challenging conditions or opt for the NEX-3N for higher image fidelity and creative versatility on a limited budget.

Appendices: Technical Comparison Tables

This comprehensive analysis should equip enthusiasts and professionals with critical insights to differentiate these two distinctive cameras intelligently based on use case and performance priorities.