Olympus TG-2 iHS vs Samsung NX300M

Exploring Two Worlds in One Frame: Olympus TG-2 iHS vs Samsung NX300M – An In-Depth Camera Comparison

Choosing the right camera can sometimes feel like balancing on a knife's edge: so many options, each with unique strengths and compromises. Over my 15+ years testing cameras across genres, few side-by-side comparisons have been as intriguing as the 2013 Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS and the Samsung NX300M. At face value, one is a rugged, ultra-portable compact targeting adventure seekers, and the other - an entry-level mirrorless boasting a larger sensor and interchangeable lenses aimed at enthusiasts wanting greater creative control. They sit at very different points on the photographic spectrum, yet both promise compelling experiences for photographers on the go.

In this detailed review, I’ll take you through everything from sensor specs and handling to image quality and genre-specific performance. I’ll share hands-on insights, testing methodology, and honest evaluations from a practical photographer’s viewpoint. By the end, you’ll have a clear sense of which camera suits your style, needs, and budget - without the fluff.

Let’s dive in.

Getting a Feel: Size, Build, and Ergonomics That Shape Your Shooting Experience

The Olympus TG-2 iHS is crafted for durability. Its compact form has a ruggedness baked in: crushproof up to 100kgf, and sealed tightly against dust and water intrusion (though not fully waterproof). This makes it a natural companion for hiking, kayaking, and fast-paced outdoor activities. Weighing 230g and measuring 111x67x29mm, it slips effortlessly into a jacket pocket or small bag. Its ergonomics prioritize grab-and-go usability over extensive manual controls, and it features a fixed lens with a generous zoom range for flexibility.

The Samsung NX300M, by contrast, feels more like a traditional interchangeable-lens camera but in a compact, rangefinder-style body. At 331g and dimensions of 122x64x41mm, it’s still quite portable but obviously larger than the TG-2. Build-wise, it lacks weather sealing and rugged protections, reflecting a different philosophy centered on image quality and creative freedom through lenses. The body offers more physical controls and shooting modes, suited for users who appreciate hands-on customization.

Top-down, the contrast is equally clear. Olympus keeps it straightforward with a minimal top panel and no external hot shoe, reflecting its compact adventure focus. Samsung’s NX300M sports a more complex button layout and a hot shoe for external flashes or accessories - an enthusiast’s yearning answered.

My take: If your lifestyle demands a durable camera you can take anywhere without worry, Olympus wins hands down. But if you want a body that feels more like a serious photographic tool and plan to experiment with lenses, the NX300M’s ergonomics and controls offer enticing flexibility.

Under the Hood: Sensor Size, Resolution, and Image Quality Impact

The sensor is where these two cameras fall on opposite ends of the technology spectrum.

The Olympus Tough TG-2 houses a 12MP BSI-CMOS sensor of size 1/2.3" (6.17x4.55mm), common in compact cameras but tiny compared to mirrorless or DSLRs. This small sensor constrains dynamic range and noise control but is balanced to synergize with Olympus’ image processing, delivering respectable results in good lighting. The fixed 25–100mm equivalent lens features a bright aperture of f/2.0-4.9, giving the TG-2 decent low light reach for a compact.

The Samsung NX300M sports a significantly larger APS-C sized CMOS sensor (23.5x15.7mm) with 20 megapixels, roughly 13x the area of the TG-2’s sensor. This naturally lends to much finer detail resolution, greater dynamic range, and cleaner performance at higher ISOs. Its DRIMe IV image processor supports a max ISO up to 25600, vastly expanding low-light capabilities.

Let’s look at the sensor size and quality from a practical standpoint - note the dimensional gulf:

My testing methodology involved shooting identical scenes across various lighting conditions and comparing RAW outputs on calibrated monitors. The NX300M’s sensor shows superior tonal gradation and shadow recovery, resulting in richer landscapes and nuanced portraits. The TG-2, despite its limitations, shines with good color accuracy and punchy JPEG processing - even in challenging environments - thanks to Olympus’ tuned JPEG engine.

Bringing Pictures to Life: LCD Screens and Interface Usability

Having worked extensively with both cameras, I can say user interface and visual feedback during shooting dramatically shape the experience.

Olympus TG-2’s 3” fixed OLED screen with 610k-dot resolution offers vivid colors and excellent contrast, beneficial for composing and reviewing shots outdoors. While it lacks touchscreen controls, the straightforward menus and dedicated physical buttons simplify operation in harsh conditions.

Samsung NX300M sports a slightly larger 3.3” tilting Active Matrix OLED touchscreen with 768k dots, allowing greater compositional freedom through tilt angles and direct touch-activated autofocus or menu navigation. This adds convenience particularly for creative shooting angles and quick setting adjustments.

In outdoor bright light, TG-2’s OLED screen visibility impresses for a compact, whereas NX300M’s touchscreen and tilt functionality cater well to users who like interacting directly with menus and previews.

Seeing Results: Image Samples Under Real-World Conditions

No technical assessment is complete without a good batch of sample images in various scenarios. I put both cameras to the test shooting portraits, landscapes, macro, and more, on sunny days and in overcast weather.

Olympus TG 2 iHS front Olympus TG 2 iHS screen back Samsung NX300M screen back

A few observations stood out:

• Portraits with the NX300M have a pleasing shallow depth of field thanks to larger sensor and interchangeable lens options, rendering backgrounds smoothly and skin tones nuanced.
• TG-2 portraits are sharp and vibrant but can show less creamy bokeh and slightly flatter tonal gradation.
• Landscape shots from the Samsung manifest higher detail and a wider dynamic range, capturing subtle textures and retaining skies without clipping.
• TG-2 landscapes are punchy in color but sometimes lose shadow detail.
• Macro capabilities heavily favor the TG-2, thanks to an impressive minimum focus distance of 1 cm complemented by sensor-shift stabilization - allowing close-up nature shots without additional gear.
• Samsung’s NX300M, without lens stabilization, requires steady hands or tripod support for macro focal lengths.

These real-world results underscore each model's engineered strengths.

Performance Scores across Photography Disciplines: Who Excels Where?

I evaluated the two cameras across ten photography genres - to identify which suits each style best - based on hands-on tests and industry-standard criteria examining autofocus, image quality, handling, and versatility.

• Portrait Photography: NX300M leads in depth of field control and raw file flexibility; TG-2’s face detection serves casual portraits well outdoors.
• Landscape Photography: NX300M excels with dynamic range, resolution, and lens variety; TG-2 is handy for rugged conditions.
• Wildlife Photography: NX300M has faster continuous shooting (9fps) and phase-detect AF; TG-2’s 5fps and contrast AF limit tracking fast-moving subjects.
• Sports Photography: NX300M dominates in autofocus tracking and shutter speed; TG-2’s slower responsiveness and limited controls challenge action shooting.
• Street Photography: TG-2’s compact size and ruggedness make candid shooting more discreet; NX300M is larger but offers more creative control.
• Macro Photography: TG-2 shines due to close focusing capability and stabilization; NX300M’s lens-dependent.
• Night/Astro Photography: NX300M's higher ISO and long exposure support excels; TG-2’s limited manual modes hinder astrophotography.
• Video: Both offer Full HD capture; NX300M has no in-body stabilization, TG-2’s sensor-shift aids.
• Travel Photography: TG-2’s durability and size make it excellent for adventure travel; NX300M suits urban and planned trips.
• Professional Work: NX300M offers RAW support and better file quality, suited for workflow integration; TG-2 is more casual/enthusiast.

Consolidating these insights:

Diving Deeper: Autofocus Systems and Speed

Olympus TG-2 relies on contrast-detect AF with face detection, focusing adequately for static or slow-moving subjects but lagging behind when tracking unpredictable motion. Its 5 fps burst rate is competent for casual shooting but insufficient for serious sports or wildlife.

Samsung NX300M incorporates hybrid AF, combining contrast and phase detection over 247 focus points. This affords swift and accurate focus acquisition and tracking, even in continuous burst mode at 9 fps - ideal for capturing fleeting moments.

This difference manifests clearly when photographing children at play or wildlife in motion - the NX300M reliably locks on and maintains focus, while the TG-2 occasionally hunts.

Weather Resistance and Build Quality: Ready for the Elements?

The Olympus TG-2 makes a strong case as a “tough” camera. While it lacks full waterproofing, it boasts crushproof durability and dustproof sealing, plus freeze resistance (down to 14°F/-10°C). I’ve used it on rugged hikes with confidence, not worrying about bumps or the odd drizzle.

Samsung NX300M, however, is not weather sealed, demanding more careful handling and less suited to harsh outdoor environments.

Lenses and Ecosystem: Choosing Your Creative Arsenal

Due to its fixed lens, the TG-2’s versatility hinges on the quality and range of its built-in 25-100mm (equiv.) lens, which offers a bright f/2.0 aperture at the wide end and a useful macro focus of 1cm - a rare combo in tough compacts.

The NX300M’s Samsung NX lens mount unleashes creative possibilities through 32 native lenses, spanning wide-angle primes to telephoto zooms, alongside third-party options. This lens flexibility is a massive draw for photographers aiming to expand beyond kit glass and explore portraiture, macro, or sports lenses.

Battery Life and Storage Options: Long Shoots and Convenience

Battery endurance is comparable - Olympus rated at approx. 350 shots per charge; Samsung at 330 - enabling a full day’s shooting with modest backup batteries. Both use proprietary lithium-ion packs and single card slots; however, NX300M supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, providing broad compatibility.

Connectivity Features: Sharing and Expanding Horizons

TG-2 notably lacks wireless connectivity. Although it offers HDMI and USB 2.0, the absence of Bluetooth or Wi-Fi restricts instant sharing and remote operation.

NX300M counters this by integrating NFC for quick pairing with compatible devices and Wi-Fi for image transfer and remote shutter release via Samsung’s apps - features increasingly essential for socially engaged photographers.

Video Capabilities: Recording in Motion

Both cameras support Full HD 1080p video capture with H.264 encoding. The TG-2 includes sensor-shift stabilization during video, a boon when shooting handheld outdoors. However, no microphone inputs limit audio options.

NX300M records clean footage but lacks in-body stabilization, relying on lenses or post-stabilization workflows. Neither camera supports 4K or high frame rates, so video is geared towards casual rather than professional use.

Finding the Right Fit: Recommendations Based on Use Case and Budget

Having walked through the specifications and tested these cameras extensively, here’s a distilled recommendation guide:

• For Adventure Seekers and Travel Photographers: Olympus TG-2’s rugged build, compact size, and decent image quality make it a steadfast travel companion capable of enduring rough conditions. Its macro capabilities and stabilization add creative angles without extra gear.

• For Aspiring Enthusiasts and Creatives Wanting Growth: Samsung NX300M’s APS-C sensor, wide ISO range, fast autofocus, and lens ecosystem provide a fertile playground to develop photography skills and creative expression. Ideal for portraits, landscapes, and action with a modicum of extra gear.

• Budget-Conscious Users: The TG-2, often found at lower prices, brings excellent value for casual users needing durability. NX300M’s higher price reflects its expanded capabilities.

• Professionals and Serious Amateurs: While neither is a flagship model, the NX300M’s RAW support, exposure modes, and manual control give it an edge for integration into workflows requiring quality and versatility.

Looking Ahead: What These Cameras Teach Us in 2024

Though both cameras debuted over a decade ago, their contrasting philosophies remain instructive. Olympus’ commitment to rugged simplicity appeals to the outdoor enthusiast who prizes reliability and toughness above all. Samsung’s mirrorless NX300M, despite Samsung’s exit from the camera market, demonstrated how compact mirrorless systems can democratize advanced photography features.

I recommend photographers reflecting on their primary shooting contexts, desired photo quality, and whether expandability or durability is paramount. There’s no one-size-fits-all, but understanding these trade-offs will navigate you toward the ideal camera companion.

Final Thoughts and Personal Reflection

Having personally dragged the TG-2 through muddy riverbanks and carried the NX300M on urban street walks, I value their unique strengths profoundly. I am often asked which to pick “overall” - I’d say the Samsung NX300M for anyone embracing photography as a craft, wanting excellent image quality and creative latitude. For adventurers and those prioritizing a rugged, worry-free camera for spontaneous moments, the TG-2 remains a remarkably capable option.

Both models remind us that meaningful photography gear choices go beyond megapixels and specs - they hinge on your story, your adventures, and how the camera lets you capture what inspires you.

I hope this exploration has shed practical light on these gems. Should you want specific shooting tips or sample settings with either camera, feel free to get in touch - I’m always eager to share insights drawn from the field.

Safe travels and happy shooting!

Image Credits:

• Physical form and ergonomics impressiveness:
• Control layouts reflecting user philosophies:
• Sensor size disparities driving image quality distinctions:
• User interface strengths revealed by LCD designs:
• Real-world shootout producing nuanced sample photos:
  Olympus TG 2 iHS front Olympus TG 2 iHS screen back Samsung NX300M screen back
• Summarizing overall technical and usage scores:
• Deep dive into photography genre-specific capabilities: