Olympus TG-2 iHS vs Ricoh GXR Mount A12: Diving Deep Into Two Unique Cameras

Choosing the right camera can truly feel like walking into a candy store laden with every imaginable sweet – except you’re starved for practical knowledge, not sugar highs. Today, I’m unpacking two fascinating yet vastly different cameras from Olympus and Ricoh: the Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS and the Ricoh GXR Mount A12. While they fall in different segments and were launched a couple of years apart, a head-to-head comparison will reveal who stands where in terms of real-world use, sensor tech, handling, and image quality. Having tested both in my 15+ years as a camera reviewer, I’m here to deliver you the kind of insights only come from rolling up sleeves and clicking thousands of shots.

Let’s buckle in!

Distinctive Designs: Size, Build, and Handling

Right out of the gate, one glance at these cameras says apples to oranges. The Olympus TG-2 iHS is a rugged compact aimed at the adventurous type who’d rather swim with their camera than baby it on a tripod. It measures a petite 111x67x29 mm and weighs a light 230 grams.

Conversely, the Ricoh GXR Mount A12 leans on the rangefinder-style mirrorless design, with a significantly bulkier footprint at 120x70x45 mm and a heftier 370 grams. This larger body hints at a more traditional photography experience - with clubs for thumbs in the form of manual controls and a modular lens-sensor block approach (more on that later).

The TG-2’s waterproof, crushproof, and shock-resistant body (weather sealing built-in, mind you) makes it a beast for outdoor excursions where your camera’s survival depends on more than a padded bag. Ricoh’s GXR, however, comes sans any environmental sealing and should be treated with typical gentle care.

Handling-wise, the TG-2’s compact size fits nicely in one hand, with buttons designed for gloved fingers. That said, the lack of a viewfinder means you’re mostly wrestling with LCD framing. The GXR’s rangefinder styling offers a grippier feel and the option of an electronic viewfinder (sold separately) - a boon for those who want disciplined composition without relying solely on the screen.

Controls and User Interface: Who’s in the Driver’s Seat?

The top view comparison highlights the philosophical differences in control design. The TG-2 is barebones when it comes to physical dials - it essentially behaves like a point-and-shoot, leaning heavily on automatic modes with a few manual tweaks here and there (mostly in the realm of white balance). No shutter or aperture priority, no manual exposure. Just boots-on-ground straightforwardness.

The GXR Mount A12, however, caters more to the enthusiast willing to wrestle with manual settings - with shutter speed range from 1 to 1/9000s, aperture and shutter priority modes, and even some exposure compensation. The dedicated buttons and dial layout reward users who appreciate direct access without hunting through menus (though the ergonomics are more niche).

For beginners or the casual user, the TG-2’s interface won’t overwhelm, but you’ll feel constrained quickly if ambition kicks in. The GXR feels more natural to photographers migrating from DSLRs or mirrorless systems craving more control.

Under the Hood: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Here’s where the rubber meets the road for image quality. The Olympus TG-2 employs a 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor measuring a mere 6.17 x 4.55 mm with 12 megapixels, typical for rugged compact cameras. On paper, that’s a tiny sensor that’s inherently limited by physics in gathering light compared to larger APS-C or full-frame counterparts.

The Ricoh GXR Mount A12, by contrast, has an APS-C sensor sized 23.6 x 15.7 mm, also 12 megapixels but across a canvas more than 13 times larger in area! This sensor size translates into distinct advantages: improved dynamic range, better high ISO performance, and greater control over depth of field.

In my hands-on testing, the TG-2 delivered acceptable image quality for casual outdoor snaps and diving scenes (when packaged in its ruggedness), but suffered noticeable noise and limited shadow detail in low light - unsurprising given its modest sensor. The GXR impressed with richer gradation, crisper details, and more forgiving high ISO results up to 1600 with minimal grain.

Neither has an anti-aliasing filter off, so sharpness is decent but subject to moire in fine patterns. Notably, the Ricoh supports RAW capture providing greater post-processing latitude, a missing feature on the Olympus.

Do you care about landscapes with sweeping tonal range? GXR. Need photos underwater or in harsh conditions without fuss? TG-2 wins.

The Viewing Experience: Screen and Viewfinder Realities

Both cameras sport 3-inch fixed LCD screens. The TG-2 uses a 610k-dot OLED, which pops colors pleasingly and acts as a bright window in direct sunlight - a plus for outdoor enthusiasts. The GXR’s 920k-dot LCD, though lacking OLED tech, offers sharper resolution that benefits critical manual focusing.

Neither display is touch-sensitive - don’t expect the swipe-and-tap convenience of modern mirrorless systems here. The GXR’s optional electronic viewfinder makes a huge difference in bright conditions and for stabilizing shots. The TG-2’s absence of a viewfinder nudges you to rely on live view, sometimes uncomfortable in sunny or fast-action scenes.

While the TG-2’s screen design serves well underwater and rugged conditions, the GXR is better suited for deliberate framing in daylight or studio-like settings.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Fast Enough for Your Needs?

The Olympus TG-2 relies solely on contrast-detection autofocus, with face detection and tracking offered minimally. Continuous shooting tops out at a modest 5 frames per second (fps). There’s no dedicated phase-detection AF. The camera lacks manual focusing, which restricts your creative control - especially for macro work.

Ricoh’s GXR Mount A12 employs contrast-detection AF with selective and continuous modes, though without face or eye detection. Manual focus is fully supported and smooth, reflecting its heritage aimed at enthusiasts. The continuous shooting speed maxes out at 3 fps, slower than the TG-2, but with more exposure control and manual override.

Neither camera would be my choice for high-speed sports or fast wildlife but for slow-paced portrait or street work, the GXR’s manual focusing and exposure modes give it an edge.

Olympus TG 2 iHS front Olympus TG 2 iHS screen back Ricoh GXR Mount A12 front Ricoh GXR Mount A12 screen back

Real-World Image Gallery: What Do the Shots Tell Us?

In my side-by-side shooting, Olympus TG-2 excels in outdoor adventure shots - beach scenes with vibrant, punchy colors and sharpness that surprises for its class. The lens’ bright f/2.0 at the wide end helps in dimmer outdoor light, and its macro focus capability of 1 cm means you can get ridiculously close to tiny critters or textures.

Ricoh GXR images reveal superior richness, especially in portraits where skin tones naturally render without oversaturation. The APS-C sensor’s shallow depth of field beautifully separates subjects from backgrounds with soft bokeh - something the TG-2’s tiny sensor and smaller aperture range cannot mimic.

Landscape shots from GXR demonstrate stunning dynamic range, capturing subtle shadow details and clean highlights where TG-2 images often clipped sky highlights or lost shadow nuances. However, TG-2’s color pop and contrast give a pleasing “Instagram-ready” vibe directly out of camera without fuss.

Specialized Photography Situations: Who Wins Where?

Portraiture

• TG-2: Limited bokeh control due to small sensor and lens aperture limits. Face detection helps, but no eye detection.
• GXR: APS-C sensor and lens combo render smooth skin tones and background blur. Manual focus aids precision portraiture.

Clear advantage to GXR for portrait pros.

Landscape

• TG-2: Decent resolution, rugged build means you can shoot in rain or dust; however small sensor limits dynamic range.
• GXR: Larger sensor, higher resolution, better tonal range but no weather sealing - handle with care outdoors.

Landscape enthusiasts have a split choice: robustness vs image quality.

Wildlife

• TG-2: 25-100mm zoom (equiv. 25-100mm) is short for wildlife, but waterproofing lets you shoot in harsh spots.
• GXR: Interchangeable sensor-lens units (though limited in availability) offer potential for better telephoto reach but slower AF.

Neither is a wildlife champ here; serious shooters should look elsewhere.

Sports

• TG-2: 5 fps decent but slow AF and tiny sensor limit performance.
• GXR: Slower 3 fps but manual control helps in certain modes. Not optimized for tracking fast action.

Both cameras fall short for sports.

Street Photography

• TG-2: Compact, rugged, quick startup fits well; autofocus sometimes slow.
• GXR: More discreet lens options but bulkier.

Better portability and ruggedness for TG-2 in urban exploration.

Macro

• TG-2: Close focusing down to 1 cm is excellent; built-in stabilization assists handheld macro shots.
• GXR: Manual focus precision is great but no specialized macro lens included.

TG-2 stands out for casual macro shooters.

Night and Astro

• TG-2: ISO ceiling at 6400 but noisy images limit astrophotography.
• GXR: Cleaner high ISO to 3200 and manual modes allow longer exposure.

For stars and nightscape lovers, the GXR is preferable.

Video

• TG-2: 1080p Full HD with H.264 codec, basic stabilization, no mic input.
• GXR: Limited to 720p MJPEG - pretty outdated, no external mic port.

TG-2 better for casual video shooters.

Travel Photography

• TG-2: Compact, rugged, decent battery life (350 shots), built-in GPS.
• GXR: Bulkier, average battery (330 shots), no GPS.

TG-2 wins the travel convenience game.

Professional Work

• TG-2: No RAW output, limited adjustments, but tough build.
• GXR: RAW support, manual control, better image files.

Professional workflow demands GXR, raw lovers rejoice.

Technical Breakdown: Key Components Compared

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Olympus TG-2 iHS

Pros:

• Outstanding ruggedness (waterproof, crushproof)
• Great macro capabilities with close focusing 1 cm
• Compact and lightweight for travel and adventure
• Bright f/2.0 lens wide end
• Built-in GPS tagging
• Full HD video with stabilization

Cons:

• Tiny sensor limits image quality, especially in low light
• No RAW shooting option
• Limited manual controls
• No viewfinder
• Fixed lens with short zoom range

Ricoh GXR Mount A12

Pros:

• Large APS-C sensor for image quality superior to compacts
• RAW support for post-processing flexibility
• Manual exposure, focus, and compensation modes
• Optional electronic viewfinder available
• Interchangeable sensor/lens units (modular concept)
• Better dynamic range and low light performance

Cons:

• Bulky and heavier than compacts
• No weather sealing - handle with care
• No image stabilization built-in
• Limited video specs (720p only, MJPEG codec)
• Autofocus less sophisticated (no face detection)
• Manual focus required for precision, which might slow you down

Which One Should You Choose? Tailoring Recommendations to Your Style

After bouncing between these two units and their vastly different design goals, let's get down to brass tacks:

• If you’re an outdoorsy, adventure-loving photographer who prioritizes durability, portability, waterproofing, and the occasional macro or underwater shot, you will find the Olympus TG-2 iHS hard to beat. Its photo quality won’t match more capable sensors but the convenience and reliability under extreme conditions mean fewer worries and more fun. Plus, the built-in GPS is a nice tracking feature on hiking or explorations.

• If image quality, creative control, and manual exposure are your meat and potatoes, the Ricoh GXR Mount A12 offers a more versatile and rewarding artistic experience. Its large APS-C sensor delivers better colors, low light performance, and flexibility via RAW files. Professionals or enthusiasts who appreciate rangefinder ergonomics and are comfortable with manual focus will love the GXR. Be prepared for a chunkier feel and less weather resistance.

• Video shooters will lean towards Olympus TG-2 for its 1080p recording and stabilization, whereas filmmakers will find both cameras lacking.

• Budget-wise, the prices are close, but the value depends on your primary needs, not just cost. Don’t fall for the cheapskate trap of buying what’s less expensive but more limiting for your style.

Final Thoughts: What My Extensive Testing Tells Me

The Olympus Tough TG-2 and Ricoh GXR Mount A12 occupy different niches. I recall shooting underwater with the TG-2, marveling at its durability as I literally dunked it repeatedly while snapping colorful reef life - something you wouldn't dare do with a delicate GXR. Meanwhile, studio sessions with the GXR brought out silky tones and perfect exposures that the TG-2 could only dream of.

Neither claims to be a do-it-all powerhouse like today’s mirrorless flagships, but each excels at its raison d’être. When selecting between rugged reliability and sensor supremacy, it boils down to your photographic environment and priorities.

In the end: choose the camera that aligns with your creative ambitions - not just headline specs or cool features. The best camera is always the one you’re confident reaching for in the moment, whether careening down rapids or composing in a quiet café.

Happy shooting!

If you would like to explore more hands-on reports, sample images, or want lens recommendations for either system, let me know - I’m here to help you shoot smarter, not just harder.

Summary of Images Used

• Physical size and ergonomics comparison: size-comparison.jpg
• Top view design and control layout comparison: top-view-compare.jpg
• Sensor specifications and image quality discussion: sensor-size-compare.jpg
• LCD screen and interface comparison: back-screen.jpg
• Sample images from both cameras: cameras-galley.jpg
• Overall performance ratings: camera-scores.jpg
• Genre-specific performance analysis: photography-type-cameras-scores.jpg