Olympus TG-4 vs Sony WX350: A Comprehensive Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing the right camera involves carefully weighing your priorities across image quality, handling, system compatibility, and specialized features. In this review, I compare two fascinating compact cameras - the Olympus Tough TG-4 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX350 - side by side. Both cater to enthusiasts looking for pocket-sized shooters but with markedly different philosophies and strengths. With many hours of hands-on testing, including extensive field trials in varying conditions, I’ll provide a detailed, data-driven analysis, tap into each model’s unique value, and help you pinpoint which suits your photography style best.

First Impressions: Design, Ergonomics, and Build Quality

When you pick up the Olympus TG-4 and Sony WX350, their physical identities couldn’t be more distinct. The TG-4 embraces a rugged, adventure-ready design while the WX350 prioritizes sleek utility and optical reach.

The TG-4’s robust construction is immediately apparent. At 112x66x31 mm and 247 g, it's thicker and heavier than the WX350, but that bulk is deliberate: it’s built to survive water depths of up to 15 m, freezing temperatures, shocks, crushing forces, and dust. It’s a niche tool designed for underwater shoots or rough terrain. The tactile grip is firm, with rubberized overlays that maintain traction wet or gloved. Buttons are chunky but well spaced, engineered for operation even with gloves on.

Conversely, the Sony WX350 is a more traditional pocket compact (96x55x26 mm, 164 g) with a minimalistic design. It fits unobtrusively in a jacket pocket or purse. The build isn’t weather sealed and doesn’t claim ruggedness, but retains a sturdy feel for its class. The control layout is simpler, favoring casual users who want fast, point-and-shoot functionality.

Examining the control schemes confirms these design intentions. The Olympus TG-4 top plate features a dedicated mode dial with aperture priority, program, and manual focus options (note - no manual exposure). The buttons are tactile, and there’s an extra function button for quick access to focus stacking or bracketing. The WX350 takes a pared-back approach, with minimal scrolling dials and no manual control - just the essentials. Its built-in zoom lever dominates the right shoulder.

Bottom line: If you crave a rugged, ready-for-any-condition camera, the TG-4’s bona fides are unmatched at this price point. For a slim, discreet superzoom with straightforward handling, the WX350 checks all the boxes.

Sensors and Image Quality: Scrutinizing the Details

Both cameras sport a 1/2.3" BSI CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm - an extremely common size for compacts - so we start on somewhat equal footing regarding sensor physics. Where they differ is sensor resolution and processing.

• Olympus TG-4: 16 MP resolution, TruePic VII processor, maximum ISO 6400, with RAW support
• Sony WX350: 18 MP resolution, no confirmed processor model, maximum ISO 12800, no RAW support

In theory, the higher pixel count on the WX350 promises slightly sharper images in detail-rich scenes, but noise tolerance and dynamic range often matter more. Manual and aperture priority control on the TG-4 lets you optimize depth of field and exposure on demanding shooting conditions, which can significantly impact image quality.

In controlled lab tests and real-world samples, both sensors deliver suitable image quality for casual to enthusiast use in good light. The TG-4’s TruePic VII engine handles color with a slightly warmer tone and better skin tone reproduction. Its RAW capabilities afford more latitude in post-processing - crucial for landscape and advanced users.

The WX350, while limited to JPEG, impresses with excellent detail rendition thanks to 18 MP resolution, especially when paired with its longer zoom range. However, noise and artifact levels are noticeably higher beyond ISO 800, making it less suitable for low-light photography despite its higher max ISO figure.

Olympus TG 4 front Olympus TG 4 screen back Sony WX350 front Sony WX350 screen back

A striking difference emerges in macro and close-up shots. The TG-4 supports macro focusing down to 1 cm, unveiling fine textures with sharpness and natural colors. The WX350 lacks a dedicated macro range, making tight close-ups less compelling.

In daylight portraits, the TG-4’s subtle edge detection for face priority autofocus yields crisper eyes and more pleasing skin tones, which is impressive given its rugged build.

Verdict: If you want more control and flexibility in image quality, the TG-4’s RAW files and superior color science edge out the WX350. However, the WX350’s higher pixel tally might appeal to those prioritizing reach and detail in good light shoots.

Autofocus Systems and Shooting Speed

For many enthusiasts, autofocus responsiveness and burst shooting define the practical usability of a camera, especially in fast-paced genres like wildlife and sports photography.

The Olympus TG-4 uses contrast-detection autofocus with 25 focus points and face detection, offering continuous AF and tracking. The Sony WX350, meanwhile, employs contrast-detection AF as well, though its continuous AF implementation is limited, and autofocus tracking is less sophisticated.

In hands-on testing, the TG-4’s autofocus feels more reliable in macro and landscape shooting modes, locking focus swiftly on close subjects. Autofocus tracking during movement is average - adequate but not exemplary in chasing fast wildlife or sports action.

The WX350 autofocus struggles a little under low-contrast or low-light conditions but excels in still scenes thanks to quick single-shot focus lock. Its continuous shooting at 10 fps outpaces the TG-4’s 5 fps, which is a boon for spontaneous captures. But its lack of continuous autofocus during burst limits its effectiveness for action photography.

Neither camera offers phase-detection AF or eye/animal detection autofocus, which are technology features reserved for higher-end devices.

Summary: For casual video and street photography, the WX350’s faster burst shooting wins. For tight macro, portrait, and predictable landscapes, the TG-4’s more nuanced AF system prevails.

Lens Capabilities and Optical Zoom

The TG-4 sports a 25-100 mm equivalent f/2.0–4.9 4x zoom lens, while the WX350 houses a 25-500 mm f/3.5–6.5 20x zoom - a significant difference in reach.

The TG-4’s lens shines with a bright f/2.0 aperture at its widest, enabling good subject isolation and better low-light performance at short focal lengths. Image sharpness remains impressively consistent through its zoom range, but the upper zoom end lacks reach for distant wildlife or sports.

The WX350, on the other hand, offers phenomenal 20x zoom reach, extending to 500 mm equivalent. While slower optics and a smaller maximum aperture hinder low-light and high-speed performance, the extended reach is ideal for casual wildlife, travel, and even some sports shooting.

In terms of macro, the TG-4’s standout 1 cm macro focusing capability and accessory mount for underwater housing and external flashes open up creative possibilities that the WX350 cannot match.

Consider this: The TG-4 is your creative companion for close work and tough environments; the WX350 is your traveling telephoto all-rounder for subjects far away.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras offer Full HD 1080p video recording, but their video feature sets differ subtly.

• TG-4: 1080p 30 fps in H.264 and Motion JPEG formats, no microphone input or headphone jack.
• WX350: 1080p 60i/60p AVCHD and MP4 recording, no external audio support.

Neither model supports 4K recording nor advanced video features like log profiles or focus peaking, reflecting their entry-level, stills-first designs.

The TG-4’s sensor-shift image stabilization allows smooth handheld video capture in rough conditions, a blessing underwater or on hikes. The WX350 uses optical stabilization with similar effect, which is beneficial at longer zoom lengths.

Both cameras lack external mic jacks, limiting audio recording quality for serious videographers.

Handling for Different Photography Genres

How do these cameras fare across popular photography styles? Here’s what my field testing revealed:

Portrait Photography

• TG-4: Accurate skin tone reproduction, effective face detection AF, and bright lens aperture support creamy backgrounds with decent bokeh.
• WX350: Good detail but slower lens and narrower apertures yield less subject separation.

Landscape Photography

• TG-4: Sharper wide-angle imagery, RAW files for dynamic range recovery, built tough to endure inclement weather.
• WX350: Higher resolution might appeal; limited weather protection requires cautious handling.

Wildlife Photography

• TG-4: Limited zoom frustrates distant subjects; AF tracking is average.
• WX350: 20x zoom and faster bursts improve chances to capture wildlife; AF tracking less consistent.

Sports Photography

• TG-4: Slow 5 fps burst and mid-tier AF reduce effectiveness.
• WX350: 10 fps bursts help but AF tracking limitations persist.

Street Photography

• TG-4: Bulkier, rugged design makes it less discreet.
• WX350: Small size and quiet operation make WX350 better suited.

Macro Photography

• TG-4: Dedicated macro mode focusing down to 1 cm excels.
• WX350: Lack of macro capability.

Night/Astro Photography

• TG-4: RAW output allows long exposure noise control; weather sealed for night shoots.
• WX350: Higher ISO ceiling but more noise; no RAW limits post-processing.

Video

Already covered; both have entry-level Full HD.

Travel Photography

• TG-4: Prioritizes durability over portability.
• WX350: Lightweight, versatile zoom lens ideal.

Professional Use

• TG-4: RAW support and solid exposure control are assets but limited exposure modes restrict formal workflows.
• WX350: Fully auto-oriented; no RAW makes professional output challenging.

User Interface and Display Technology

Both cameras feature a 3-inch fixed LCD with 460k-dot resolution - adequate for composing and reviewing images but far from vibrant high-res standards on modern cameras. Neither offers touchscreen operation.

The TG-4’s menu system leans toward enthusiasts, with options for custom white balance, exposure compensation (in aperture priority), and focus bracketing/stacking. The WX350 simplifies interface navigation for novice users, supporting multiple scene modes and face priority but no manual exposure modes.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

The WX350 uses the NP-BX1 battery, delivering an impressive 470 shots per charge, slightly ahead of the TG-4’s LI-92B battery rated at around 380 shots.

Both cameras support a single memory card slot; the TG-4 accepts SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, and the WX350 extends support to Sony Memory Stick Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo cards.

If you plan extended trips without charging access, the WX350 holds a slight endurance advantage.

Connectivity and Extras

Wireless connectivity is built-in on both, but limited to Wi-Fi - no Bluetooth or NFC supported. GPS is integrated only on the TG-4, which is useful for geo-tagged adventure shoots.

Ports are minimal on both - USB 2.0 and mini HDMI outputs for image transfer and external display. Neither features microphone or headphone jacks, diminishing appeal to hybrid shooters.

Pricing and Value Assessment

At a current street price around $379 for the TG-4 and $270 for the WX350, the TG-4 commands a premium reflecting its durability and sensor flexibility. The WX350 presents better value for those prioritizing zoom reach and portability on a tight budget.

Putting It All Together: How Do These Cameras Score?

Analyzing these multi-dimensional traits and user testing insights, the TG-4 scores higher in ruggedness, versatility, and image control, while the WX350 excels in zoom capability, compactness, and burst speed.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

For photographers craving a tough, reliable companion in adverse conditions who also desire creative control including RAW shooting, the Olympus TG-4 is the clear choice. It truly shines for macro, landscape, underwater, and adventure photography, though it sacrifices some zoom range and speed.

The Sony WX350 is tailored for travelers and casual shooters who want an ultra-long optical zoom and a pocket-friendly design for everyday and wildlife shooting in good light. Its simpler nature means less learning curve but also fewer creative controls.

If I had to summarize:

• Choose the Olympus TG-4 if you: Need ruggedness, RAW files, macro capability, and aperture priority; prioritize robust handling over size.
• Choose the Sony WX350 if you: Prioritize portability, silent discreet shooting, and a powerful zoom for casual wildlife or travel at an affordable price.

This comparison underscores how divergent use cases demand tailored cameras, even in the compact category. Both hold valuable niches. Your final decision depends on your shooting style, environment, and willingness to trade zoom reach for durability and control - or vice versa.

I hope this detailed analysis clarifies the strengths and compromises of each camera, giving you confidence to make an informed selection for your photographic journey. Happy shooting!