Olympus TG-830 iHS vs Samsung NX100: A Comprehensive Hands-On Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing the right camera is a balance of technical performance, usability, and how the tool fits your photographic vision. Today, I’m diving deep into two very different - but interesting - cameras: the Olympus TG-830 iHS, a rugged, waterproof compact designed for adventure and all-weather shooting; and the Samsung NX100, an early entrant into the mirrorless interchangeable lens category aimed at serious beginners looking for flexibility and quality. While these models are from different product camps released three years apart, their comparison reveals important lessons about sensor technology, real-world usage, and feature prioritization.

With a combined experience testing thousands of cameras across genres - from landscape to sports, wildlife to macro - I’ll share insights you won’t find in typical spec sheets. We’ll cover everything from sensor size to autofocus and ergonomics, grounding impressions in hands-on evaluation and performance metrics. Whether you want a super tough point-and-shoot or an entry-level mirrorless to grow into, this article will illuminate their strengths and compromises.

At First Glance: Ergonomics and Build Quality

When unboxing these two, the Olympus TG-830 iHS immediately stands out for its compact, tough design. Measuring roughly 109x67x28 mm and weighing 214g, it’s pocket-friendly and built for abuse - waterproof to depths, shockproof, freezeproof, and crushproof. The reinforced shell gives peace of mind for hiking and extreme sports, making it one of the most rugged cameras I’ve handled in the compact category.

Conversely, the Samsung NX100 is bulkier at 120x71x35 mm, tipping the scales at 282g. Its rangefinder-style mirrorless body embraces a more traditional–yet minimalistic–ergonomic layout, with a deeper grip and exposed external dials. It’s not built to endure harsh environments like the TG-830, and lacks weather sealing. But for controlled shooting contexts or indoor studios, its solid build and metal frame feel reassuringly robust.

Design Language and Control Layout

Controlling the TG-830 iHS is straightforward with minimal buttons and a fixed 3-inch screen on the back - no articulated display, no viewfinder. It is designed with simplicity in mind for quick snapshots under demanding conditions. On the top plate, a large shutter button and a dual zoom toggle provide intuitive handling even with gloves.

The NX100, meanwhile, offers more tactile controls including dedicated exposure compensation, program modes, and manual dials. While it lacks a built-in viewfinder (an external accessory is optional), it compensates with extensive customization and manual focus functionality - favored by those learning and growing their photographic craft.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Sensor performance often makes or breaks the photographic experience. Size, resolution, and processing directly impact everything from dynamic range to noise levels.

Sensor Size and Resolution

The Samsung NX100’s APS-C sensor measures 23.4x15.6 mm, which is approximately 13 times larger in physical area compared to the compact 1/2.3-inch sensor (6.17x4.55 mm) inside the Olympus TG-830 iHS. Despite the similarity in megapixel count - 15MP for NX100 and 16MP for Olympus - the much larger sensor on the NX100 offers a huge advantage in image quality, especially in low light.

In practical terms, the NX100’s sensor yields better control over noise, superior dynamic range (measured at 10.7 EV by DxO Mk, an impressive figure for its era), and more natural color gradations. The TG-830’s sensor, though respectable for a tough compact, is constrained by its smaller size and inherent noise at higher ISOs.

Color Depth and ISO Sensitivity

Recorded maximum native ISO is 6400 for both cameras. However, the NX100’s bigger sensor and more advanced DRIMe engine processor handle higher ISOs with cleaner output. For shooting events, indoor portraits, or dimly lit environments, the NX100 will maintain detail and skin-tone fidelity without resorting to aggressive noise reduction that smudges textures.

The Olympus is best reserved for daylight, action-packed scenarios - where ruggedness and weather resistance overshadow the noise challenge.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Chasing Action and Staying Sharp

Autofocus Mechanisms and Performance

The TG-830 iHS, built for simplicity, relies on contrast-detection autofocus with face detection and some degree of tracking. It’s adequate for static or moderately moving subjects but struggles to maintain focus in fast sports or wildlife scenes. The camera offers no continuous AF during burst shooting and limited user control over focus points.

The NX100 offers a 15-point contrast-detection AF system (no phase detection) but includes AF continuous mode and selective AF area choice - useful for tracking erratically moving subjects. In practice, the NX100 proves snappier focusing and more accurate lock-on, especially in good lighting.

Burst Rates and Shutter Speed Ranges

Regarding burst shooting, the NX100 supports up to 3 fps continuous, a modest figure but perfectly adequate for casual sports or street moments. Olympus does not specify burst mode speed, which suggests it’s less suited to rapid sequences.

Shutter speeds vary: the Olympus limits to 1/2000s max, while the NX100 can reach 1/4000s, offering more flexibility to freeze action in bright conditions or wide apertures.

LCD Displays and User Interface

Both cameras sport a fixed 3-inch display, but the Samsung NX100 benefits from a higher resolution screen (614k dots vs 460k on Olympus) and an AMOLED panel that offers deeper blacks, better contrast, and superior viewing angles. In bright outdoor lighting, the NX100’s display retains clarity better, which is a critical factor for manual focus verification or composition.

Neither is touchscreen-enabled, which may feel archaic by modern standards but emphasizes physical control.

Image Gallery: Sample Shots in Varied Conditions

Olympus TG 830 iHS front Olympus TG 830 iHS screen back Samsung NX100 screen back

Examining sample output across multiple genres highlights the strengths and limits:

• Portraits: NX100’s APS-C sensor delivers smoother skin tones and better subject separation (helped by brighter lenses in the Samsung NX mount), with more natural bokeh. TG-830 images show evidence of noise and less creamy backgrounds, but benefit from face detection aiding focus accuracy.

• Landscapes: Sharpness and dynamic range favor the NX100, capturing subtle shadows and highlights. The Olympus’s rugged build is a plus outdoors, but smaller sensor limits fine detail.

• Wildlife & Sports: NX100’s faster focusing and lens choices (telephoto zooms) capture wildlife more effectively. Olympus’s limited zoom range and AF make it a challenge beyond close-range macro or casual animal shots.

• Street & Travel: Olympus’s compact and weatherproof design excels for travel photographers seeking a lightweight, worry-free companion. The NX100’s better image quality and manual controls suit users who prioritize creative control over portability.

Versatility in Photography Genres: A Comparative Breakdown

Video Capabilities: More Than a Still Camera?

Video shooters will note the Olympus TG-830 iHS offers Full HD 1080p recording at 60 fps, a respectable feature even today for a compact. However, the lack of microphone input, absence of advanced video stabilization modes beyond sensor-shift IS, and limited manual exposure controls restrict its appeal for serious videography.

The Samsung NX100, while offering HD 720p video, does not support Full HD and similarly lacks external audio inputs. Its video codec is the same (H.264), but frame rates are capped at 30 fps. These cameras are primarily still-image tools with basic video functions - video enthusiasts would be better served with more modern hybrids.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Both cameras utilize SD card storage, but the NX100 supports SDHC and earlier SD, while the TG-830 expands compatibility to SDXC cards - important for extended shoots.

Battery life favors the NX100 on paper with approximately 420 shots per charge versus 300 for the Olympus. Real-world conditions (especially cold weather) will influence these figures, but for extended travel or outdoor expeditions, battery consumption is critical.

Connectivity lacks robust wireless in either; neither supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC. This is understandable given their vintage but is a consideration for photographers who need instant sharing or remote control.

Price-to-Performance and Lens Ecosystem

Pricing contextualizes value. The Olympus TG-830 iHS is often found used or discounted and appeals primarily to specialized users needing ruggedness over image perfection. If your priority is all-weather documentation without worrying about drops or dust, it offers unique peace of mind.

The Samsung NX100, although older, marks a gateway into mirrorless photography. It supports a growing library of 32 lenses in the Samsung NX mount, facilitating upgrades into wide-angle, telephoto, macros, and primes - offering a future-proof platform for enthusiasts wanting creative flexibility.

Who Should Choose Which?

• Choose the Olympus TG-830 iHS if:
  You require a durable, waterproof camera for hiking, snorkeling, outdoor adventure, or harsh environments where a bulky system isn’t feasible. It’s perfect for casual photographers needing point-and-shoot simplicity with reliable ruggedness.

• Choose the Samsung NX100 if:
  Your goal is to advance photography skills with manual controls, higher image quality, and lens interchangeability. Ideal for portraits, landscapes, and controlled settings - especially if portability isn’t the overriding factor.

Final Thoughts: Experience Meets Practicality

Testing both cameras across multiple scenarios underscored their divergent philosophies. The TG-830 iHS champions resilience and simplicity; it’s a tool you can throw in a backpack or pocket without fear. Though limited by its compact sensor and minimal controls, it’s invaluable for specialized use.

The Samsung NX100 reflects the dawn of mirrorless versatility, pairing an APS-C sensor with manual controls and a growing lens ecosystem. Its image quality and creative potential remain impressive years later, despite lacking modern video features or wireless connectivity.

This comparison exemplifies the trade-offs between rugged convenience and optical/image quality depth. To find the ultimate camera for your needs, consider how and where you shoot most - then weigh these insights alongside budget and personal preferences.

For ongoing camera tests and expert buying advice tailored to professionals and enthusiasts alike, stay tuned - and happy shooting!