Olympus TG-810 vs Sony WX300: An Expert Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing the right compact camera can be a nuanced decision, especially when models like the Olympus TG-810 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX300 present differing strengths across a variety of photographic disciplines and practical scenarios. Both cameras target entry-level users seeking portability without sacrificing too much capability, yet their core design philosophies and feature sets diverge significantly. Drawing from extensive camera testing experience spanning hands-on use of countless compact cameras, this in-depth comparison article dissects their specifications, real-world performance, and usability aspects to cater to diverse photography pursuits.

We will systematically explore each critical area - from sensor technology and autofocus to ergonomics and video capability - embedding imagery to highlight relevant points. By the end, readers equipped with photography enthusiasm and professionals will clearly understand which camera suits their demands best.

Physical Design and Ergonomics: Handling Comfort Meets Durability

A camera’s design profoundly affects day-to-day use, influencing comfort, control accessibility, and durability - a key consideration for both outdoor photographers and casual travelers.

Size and Handling

The Olympus TG-810 is a rugged compact boasting comprehensive environmental sealing, including waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof capabilities. Its physical dimensions measure 100 x 65 x 26 mm, weighing 215 grams. In contrast, the Sony WX300 is a sleeker, lighter model aimed primarily at superzoom capabilities rather than rugged durability, sized 96 x 55 x 25 mm with a weight of 166 grams.

Despite the TG-810’s slightly bulkier build, it offers a textured exterior with reinforced grips ideal for outdoor use under adverse conditions. The Sony WX300, while pocketable and unobtrusive, lacks weather sealing altogether, making it better suited for controlled environments or casual outings.

Control Layout and Interface

Examining the top view designs of both cameras reveals their differing emphasis on manual control versus simplistic operation.

The Olympus provides a straightforward, durable set of buttons with easily reachable shutter release and zoom controls, but lacks advanced manual exposure toggles or customizable buttons. In contrast, Sony’s WX300 features a cleaner, minimalistic control panel optimized for quick zoom access and point-and-shoot operation, reflecting its more consumer-oriented design philosophy.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Balancing Resolution and Sensitivity

Sensor technology remains at the heart of photographic quality, dictating limits on resolution, noise performance, and dynamic range - parameters crucial to a wide spectrum of photographic genres.

Sensor Specifications

Both cameras use a 1/2.3" sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm with an identical sensor area (~28 mm²), yet they adopt different sensor types and resolutions.

• Olympus TG-810: Employs a 14-megapixel CCD sensor, a technology noted for its color rendition but generally trailing CMOS in speed and noise performance.
• Sony WX300: Utilizes an 18-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor, offering superior light-gathering efficiency, better high ISO performance, and generally improved noise handling.

Resolution and Image Output

The Sony WX300’s higher resolution (4896 x 3672 pixels) provides a slight edge in detail capture and cropping latitude over the TG-810’s 4288 x 3216 pixels. However, the higher pixel count on the relatively small sensor may bring about slightly increased noise at high ISO settings, somewhat mitigated by the BSI (backside illuminated) CMOS architecture.

Image Stabilization

Both cameras feature image stabilization - a vital aid given their superzoom lenses:

• TG-810 uses sensor-shift stabilization, effective for reducing blur from handshake.
• WX300 incorporates optical image stabilization, typically regarded as slightly superior at compensating for camera motion, especially at longer focal lengths.

Autofocus Systems and Shooting Performance: Speed and Accuracy Under Pressure

The responsiveness and precision of autofocus (AF) systems define usability across fast-moving subjects and varied lighting conditions.

Autofocus Technology

• The Olympus TG-810 relies on contrast-detection AF augmented with face detection capabilities. Its focus speed is modest but reliable for casual shooting, benefitting from some AF tracking.
• The Sony WX300’s autofocus similarly depends on contrast detection but integrates center-weighted AF area selection and face detection, missing live view autofocus support. Its continuous shooting rate of 10 fps is designed for more dynamic capture scenarios.

Burst and Shutter Speeds

The TG-810’s max shutter speed of 1/2000 sec suffices for general use but pales next to the WX300’s max of 1/1600 sec combined with faster burst potential (10 fps versus 1 fps), making Sony’s model more capable for sporadic action or sports photography in good light.

Lens and Zoom Range: Flexibility Across Focal Lengths

Lens quality and focal length range are critical for framing versatility, from sweeping landscapes to distant wildlife.

• Olympus TG-810: Fixed lens with a 28–140 mm equivalent zoom (5x optical) and aperture from f/3.9 to f/5.9.
• Sony WX300: Far more expansive 25–500 mm equivalent zoom (20x optical) with aperture f/3.5 to f/6.5.

This stark difference places the WX300 in a different performance class for telephoto photography, enabling close-up capture of wildlife or sports subjects from significant distances. The wider start focal length also benefits WX300 users in cramped interiors or street photography, albeit the slightly dimmer maximum apertures can limit low-light control.

Display and Viewfinding: Composition and Image Review Tools

Neither camera sports an electronic viewfinder, relying solely on their rear LCD displays for framing and reviewing images.

• The TG-810’s 3-inch HyperCrystal III TFT LCD with 920k-dot resolution offers crisp, vibrant viewing under various lighting conditions, critical for outdoor shooting.
• Sony WX300 features a 3-inch LCD with a lower 460k-dot resolution, delivering less detailed feedback and potentially challenging visibility in bright sunlight.

In absence of a viewfinder, screen readability is especially valuable; the TG-810 offers an edge here, enhancing compositional precision and post-capture assessment outdoors.

Durability and Environmental Sealing: Take Your Camera Anywhere

For photographers who venture into challenging environments, camera durability and weather resistance become deciding factors.

• The Olympus TG-810 excels as a waterproof (up to 10 m), shockproof (1.5 m drops), freezeproof (-10°C), and dustproof rugged camera. This robust construction allows confident use during hiking, snorkeling, or even winter sports.
• The Sony WX300, lacking any form of environmental sealing, is better suited for stable conditions and casual travel photography.

This fundamental design divergence means outdoor enthusiasts, adventure photographers, or families wanting a durable vacation camera will appreciate Olympus’s approach.

Video Capabilities: Quality and Versatility in Moving Images

Video features are essential criteria for many modern photographers, especially multimedia content creators.

• The Olympus TG-810 records 720p HD video at 30 fps, using MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs. While functional, its video specs fall short of contemporary standards.
• The Sony WX300 offers superior video recording at Full HD 1080p, up to 60 fps, using AVCHD format. This provides smoother motion rendering and higher definition footage suited for casual videography.

Neither camera supports microphone or headphone ports, limiting audio quality control. However, the WX300’s better frame rates and resolution make it preferable for users prioritizing video recording.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations for Extended Use

Long shooting sessions and ample storage options are significant practical priorities.

• Olympus TG-810 uses a proprietary LI-50B battery pack, rated for approximately 220 shots per charge.
• Sony WX300 employs an NP-BX1 battery, with manufacturer ratings varying but generally offering similar endurance.

Both depend on SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards (with the WX300 also compatible with Memory Stick Pro Duo formats), providing flexibility in storage media preferences. Neither camera supports dual card slots, which professionals might find limiting for backup needs.

Connectivity and Wireless Features: Simplifying Sharing and Workflow

Modern connectivity can streamline photo transfer and remote control.

• TG-810 features Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless image transfer, beneficial albeit relying on external card hardware rather than built-in Wi-Fi.
• Sony WX300 provides built-in wireless (Wi-Fi) connectivity, facilitating straightforward sharing to compatible devices without auxiliary accessories.

Neither camera supports Bluetooth or NFC communication, limiting more advanced or seamless connectivity options found in newer models.

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

The preceding technical analysis translates into tangible advantages and compromises in various photographic contexts. Below, we distill tested performance observations with alignment to common use cases.

Olympus TG 810 front Olympus TG 810 screen back Sony WX300 front Sony WX300 screen back

Portrait Photography

• TG-810: Successfully renders natural skin tones aided by CCD sensor color sciences, though lens maximum apertures limit shallow depth-of-field (bokeh) effects. Face detection autofocus works reliably.
• WX300: Higher resolution CMOS sensor captures fine details, and the longer zoom enhances framing flexibility; however, slightly cooler color tones and slower face AF can detract subtly from skin rendition.

Landscape Photography

• TG-810’s rugged build and decent dynamic range make it suitable for outdoor scenes with harsh lighting, though lower resolution restricts large print sizes.
• WX300 delivers higher resolution landscapes with better detail but requires precautions given the lack of weather sealing; its lens start focal length at 25 mm provides a marginally wider framing.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• TG-810’s limited telephoto reach (140 mm) and 1 fps burst rate restrict utility in fast action or distant subjects.
• WX300’s robust 500 mm zoom and 10 fps continuous shooting give it a decisive advantage for incidental wildlife or sports photography, within the limitations of compact sensor depth of field and autofocus speed.

Street and Travel Photography

• TG-810’s bulk and ruggedness trade off against discreetness, while its waterproofing is a boon for versatile travel scenarios.
• WX300 offers a slimmer profile and longer zoom range, useful for candid street shots and distant landmarks, though less suited for extreme environments.

Macro Photography

• Olympus’s minimum macro focus distance of 3 cm facilitates reasonably close-up detail work with adequate sharpness.
• Sony WX300 lacks explicit macro specifications, making the TG-810 a better fit for close-up enthusiasts.

Night and Astro Photography

• Both cameras suffer limitations typical of small sensor compacts at high ISO, with TG-810’s CCD sensor trailing noisier than WX300’s CMOS design, which provides somewhat cleaner low-light images up to ISO 3200.
• Lack of manual exposure modes restricts astrophotography potential in either camera.

Professional Considerations: Reliability and Workflow Integration

While primarily consumer models, evaluating their potential role in professional environments is instructive.

• Neither camera supports RAW image output, limiting post-processing flexibility critical for professional-grade image quality.
• Absence of manual exposure modes constrains creative control.
• Environmental sealing on the TG-810 enhances reliability during travel-heavy shoots.
• Sony’s better video specs lend some utility for event documentation on a budget.

Overall, both models serve better as secondary or enthusiast cameras rather than frontline professional tools.

Summarized Ratings and Comparative Scores

The above charts quantitatively reinforce the narrative: the Sony WX300 excels in resolution, zoom range, burst speed, and video, whereas the Olympus TG-810 shines in environmental robustness and balanced color capture.

Final Recommendations - Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

Choose the Olympus TG-810 if you:

• Prioritize durability and ruggedness for outdoor, adventure, or underwater photography without sacrificing compact convenience.
• Need robust weather sealing for active, unpredictable environments.
• Prefer straightforward controls with dependable color rendition in portraits.
• Favor close-focusing macro capability and a reliable LCD screen outdoors.
• Accept limited zoom and video specs in exchange for body toughness.

Opt for the Sony WX300 if you:

• Desire a compact camera with outstanding superzoom flexibility (25–500 mm) supporting telephoto shooting scenarios like wildlife and sports.
• Require higher resolution images with improved video capabilities (Full HD 1080p at 60 fps).
• Value faster continuous shooting and better autofocus performance for dynamic subjects in good lighting.
• Shoot primarily in controlled or walk-around conditions without exposure to water or harsh weather.
• Want in-camera wireless connectivity for smoother sharing workflows.

Conclusion: Expertise-Driven Choice for Compact Camera Buyers

Both the Olympus TG-810 and Sony WX300 stand as compelling choices in their respective niches within compact photography. Drawing from over 15 years of comparative camera testing, these two models represent fundamentally different compromises: rugged reliability versus zoom versatility. Notably, the TG-810 caters to photographers engaged in active outdoor lifestyles requiring waterproofing and shock resistance, while the WX300's superior sensor, zoom range, and video features serve users focusing on versatility and image quality in everyday scenarios.

By thoroughly considering your predominant shooting style, subject priorities, and environmental conditions, this analysis enables informed, confident camera selection aligned with real-world photographic demands.

For further expert insights and sample galleries, consult the embedded imagery and performance score comparisons sprinkled throughout this article.