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Olympus TG-310

 
Olympus TG-310 front
 
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Display
  • ISO 80 - 1600
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 28-102mm (F3.9-5.9) lens
  • 155g - 96 x 63 x 23mm
  • Announced January 2011
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
94
Imaging
37
Features
33
Overall
35

Olympus TG-310 summary

Olympus TG-310 is Olympus's Waterproof camera originally released on January of 2011. The camera has got a 14MP, CCD 1/2.3" size sensor with a full resolution of 4288 x 3216.

The TG-310 is scored #51 out of 75 in Waterproof cameras & overall #919 out of 1465 for digital cameras in our collection. Please look at our Advanced camera filter to see camera results based on your custom factors.

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The following is a diagram of various factors used in the rating system.

Olympus TG-310 family

The Olympus TG-310 has a history of related digital cameras. Below, you can identify all older and the latest models as well as key specifications.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Olympus-Tough-TG-6 front thumbnailOlympus TG-6
TG-310 vs TG-6
25-100mm
F2.0-4.9
12MP1/2.3"2019
Olympus-Tough-TG-5 front thumbnailOlympus TG-5
TG-310 vs TG-5
25-100mm
F2.0-4.9
12MP1/2.3"2017
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Olympus-Tough-TG-4 front thumbnailOlympus TG-4
TG-310 vs TG-4
25-100mm
F2.0-4.9
16MP1/2.3"2015
Olympus-Stylus-Tough-TG-860 front thumbnailOlympus TG-860
TG-310 vs TG-860
21-105mm
F3.5-5.7
16MP1/2.3"2015
Olympus-Tough-TG-3 front thumbnailOlympus TG-3
TG-310 vs TG-3
25-100mm
F2.0-4.9
16MP1/2.3"2014
Olympus-Stylus-Tough-TG-850-iHS front thumbnailOlympus TG-850 iHS
TG-310 vs TG-850 iHS
21-105mm
F3.5-5.7
16MP1/2.3"2014
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Olympus-Tough-TG-2-iHS front thumbnailOlympus TG-2 iHS
TG-310 vs TG-2 iHS
25-100mm
F2.0-4.9
12MP1/2.3"2013
Olympus-TG-630-iHS front thumbnailOlympus TG-630 iHS
TG-310 vs TG-630 iHS
28-140mm
F3.9-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2013
Olympus-TG-830-iHS front thumbnailOlympus TG-830 iHS
TG-310 vs TG-830 iHS
28-140mm
F3.9-5.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Olympus-Tough-TG-1-iHS front thumbnailOlympus TG-1 iHS
TG-310 vs TG-1 iHS
25-100mm
F2.0-4.9
12MP1/2.3"2012
Olympus-TG-820-iHS front thumbnailOlympus TG-820 iHS
TG-310 vs TG-820 iHS
28-140mm
F3.9-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2012
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Olympus-TG-320 front thumbnailOlympus TG-320
TG-310 vs TG-320
28-102mm
F3.5-5.1
14MP1/2.3"2012
Olympus-TG-810 front thumbnailOlympus TG-810
TG-310 vs TG-810
28-140mm
F3.9-5.9
14MP1/2.3"2011
Olympus-TG-310 front thumbnailOlympus TG-31028-102mm
F3.9-5.9
14MP1/2.3"2011
Olympus-TG-610 front thumbnailOlympus TG-610
TG-310 vs TG-610
28-140mm
F3.9-5.9
14MP1/2.3"2011
Olympus-Stylus-Tough-3000 front thumbnailOlympus Tough-3000
TG-310 vs Tough-3000
28-102mm
F3.5-5.1
12MP1/2.3"2010

Olympus TG-310 Pros and Cons

Here is a collection of upsides and downsides of the Olympus TG-310 based on criterias that are often regarded as essential in a camera.

built in lens has zoom (28-102mm 3.6 x zoom)
decently wide (28mm)
does have HDMI support
good minimum ISO (80)
has built in flash
has image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
lighter than competition (155g)
offers face detection focusing
offers tracking autofocus
resolution is good (14 megapixels)
weather proof
can't use external flash
doesn't have external mic jack
doesn't have headphone jack
doesn't have Time Lapse recording
does not contain selfie friendly display
focusing manually not possible
lacks phase detect AF
lacks RAW support
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
max fps low (1.0 frames/s)
no aperture priority mode
no manual control
no shutter priority mode
pixelated screen (230 thousand dot)
screen does not articulate
sensor size is small (1/2.3")
sluggish at long end (f5.9)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.9)
terrible battery life (150 per charge)
tiny screen (2.7 inches)
video res low (1280 x 720 pxls)
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Olympus TG-310 Sensor features

The Olympus TG-310 is run by the TruePic III+ processor. The sensor specification in the Olympus TG-310 is 6.17mm x 4.55mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor can capture 4288 x 3216 pixels . The camera features Image Stabilization (Sensor-shift). Sensor stabilization is more effective than digital stabilization as the latter might lead to cropping.

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The CCD sensor has 14 megapixels and provides a native ISO range of 80 - 1600. Sadly, RAW format is not supported so the user has less room to maneuver in post.

The picture below displays the TG-310's sensor size compared to other common sizes. The TG-310 sensor has a crop factor of 5.8 and is outlined in green.

Olympus TG-310 sensor size Jaw-Dropping Space Capture Exposes Earth's Mesmerizing Golden Luminescence

To get a sense of different aspect ratios, you can refer to the visual below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Olympus TG-310 dimensions

Olympus TG-310 is 0.34 lbs (155g / 5.47 oz) & the size of the camera is 96mm x 63mm x 23mm (3.8" x 2.5" x 0.9"). The weight of average Waterproof camera is 195g so the Olympus TG-310 is less heavy compared to its rivals.

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The following is a visual of the Olympus TG-310 besides a soda to help you to get a sense of its size.

Olympus TG-310 dimensions scale

The top view here will show you the button layout on the TG-310.

Olympus TG-310 topview buttons dials

Olympus TG-310 Lens features

The TG-310 includes an inbuilt lens giving a focal range of 28-102mm making it a 3.6 x zoom which won't be outstanding nevertheless it can be invaluable in a few scenarios.

At it's widest 28mm, the lens features an aperture of f3.9 and that is pretty sluggish and not great for low light conditions and you will likely find it difficult to get a shallow depth of field. You will probably also need to boost your ISO resulting in noisy files. Towards the long end, 102mm comes to f5.9 which is fairly slow and you would have to set slow shutter speeds.

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Olympus TG-310 Connectivity

The TG-310 has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • Wireless Yes
  • HDMI Yes

Digital cameras that contain NFC and Bluetooth connectivity can be controlled wirelessly with smartphones. You will be able to send photos and usually alter settings without connecting physically with the camera.

Many apps also enable a Liveview and release the shutter in case you are not near the camera. If the camera has a HDMI port, it can be connected to an external monitor. A lot of cameras will allow you to recharge the battery pack using the USB socket.

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Olympus TG-310 Video features

The highest possible video quality in the Olympus TG-310 is 1280 x 720 and you can save in Motion JPEG format. 720p is awful for today's standards. You should aim for a minimum FUll HD quality for video. The body does not offer a microphone and headphone port so you get zero control over the sound. It is perhaps a better idea to find an alternative camera if you want good sound for your video clips.

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Olympus TG-310 Weather Sealing

Olympus TG-310 provides weather proofing making it a excellent pick for use in challenging places. This is especially valuable any time you are unsure about the conditions you may encounter in outdoor photography.

Olympus TG-310 Display and Viewfinder

The Olympus TG-310 has got a 2.7 inch fixed display screen with a resolution of 230 thousand dots.

Sadly the display screen is not a touch screen.

Olympus TG-310 screen and viewfinder TikTok Developing Photo App to Challenge Instagram's Dominance

The ViewFinder specifications for Olympus TG-310 are as follows:

  • ViewFinder None

For bright outdoor conditions that make the camera displays washed out and challenging to see, viewfinders will be particularly useful.

Olympus TG-310 Shutter features

Olympus TG-310 continuous shooting speed is 1.0 frames/s. The max shutter speed is 1/2000 seconds.

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Olympus TG-310 Flash and Hot shoe features

Olympus TG-310 features just in-built flash with no external flash support.

Olympus TG-310 Autofocusing features

Olympus TG-310 features only Contrast Based Autofocus & lacks Phase Detect Autofocus. Phase Detection focusing is more faster & exact compared to Contrast Based focusing. The camera has got Face detect which is valuable for portrait photography.

It also comes with Tracking Autofocus for subjects on the move. Olympus TG-310 has not got manual focusing. Manual focusing ability is good in low light scenarios or you want to have more exact control on focus.

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Olympus TG-310 Battery life

The battery life (LI-42B) on the Olympus TG-310 is made to last for 150 shutters according to the CIPA benchmarks making it less as compared to it's rivals. The average Waterproof camera battery life is 275. Olympus TG-4 has got the best (380) battery life in this category of cameras.

Below is a collection of Waterproof cameras having the strongest battery life:

Olympus TG-310 for various styles of photography

The following bar chart provides a summary of the Olympus TG-310 for various styles of photography. To find out more, visit the specific paragraph below.

Olympus TG-310 Portrait photography info

The Olympus TG-310 receives a points tally of 33 which is subpar, meaning that it is simply not very good for portraits. Photographing portraits leans heavily to sensor specs, RAW support along with the ability to utilize external flash.

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MP count good (14 megapixels)
comes with face detect autofocus
manual focus not available
manual mode not possible
no external flash support
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW format

Olympus TG-310 Street photography advice

Coming in at a nice rating of 66, the Olympus TG-310 is a good pick for street photography. A good street photography camera provides a good balance of picture quality and portability.

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image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
weather proof
lighter than competitors in class (155g)
fixed screen
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
does not have RAW support

Olympus TG-310 Sports photography information

A subpar sports photography rating of 40 indicates the Olympus TG-310 is simply not very good for taking pictures of sports. A camera must have good autofocus plus continuous shooting for sports photography.

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image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
sensor resolution is decent (14 megapixels)
has tracking focus
weather sealing
painfully slow continuous shooting (1.0 fps)
lack of shutter priority mode
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
terrible battery pack (150 CIPA)
has no phase detect autofocus

Olympus TG-310 as a Travel photography camera

Size is really important when picking a camera for travel. Overall, the Olympus TG-310 gets a above average 67 as a travelling camera which is a fine choice to take with you on your holidays.

OM System OM-1 Set to Enhance Autofocus
lighter than average (155 grams)
environment sealing
MP count decent (14MP)
flash built-in
reasonably wide (28mm)
doesn't have Timelapse function
terrible battery pack (150 shots)
screen is not selfie friendly
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.9)

Olympus TG-310 Landscape photography info

If you are planning to buy a digital camera for landscape pictures, the most vital factor will be image quality. The Olympus TG-310 with it's subpar grade of 39 as a landscape camera is simply not very good amongst its rivals.

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rather wide (28mm)
built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
MP count decent (14 megapixels)
weather proof
no manual focus
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.9)
small screen (2.7")
no manual mode
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
lack of RAW files
not so great battery power (150 CIPA)
lack of Time Lapse mode

Vlogging with Olympus TG-310

A camera for vlogging preferably should have a moving screen, microphone port and ideally image stabilization. Considering all the details, the Olympus TG-310 is simply not very good for vlogging as it receives a subpar rating of 32.

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pretty wide (28mm)
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
provides face detect focusing
lighter than competition in class (155g)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.9)
screen is not selfie friendly
low res video (1280 x 720 resolution)
does not have microphone port

Olympus TG-310 Alternatives

If you are shopping for alternatives to the TG-310, here is a collection of the highest placed cameras that fall into the class of Waterproof.

The line graph just below gives you an overview of the TG-310 vs it's top scored rivals listed above.

There are a bunch of cameras you may regard as alternate options. To browse through a detailed comparison, click the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Company
Olympus
Model type
Olympus TG-310
Class
Waterproof
Announced
2011-01-06
Body design
Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CCD
Chip
TruePic III+
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions
6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area
28.1mm²
Sensor resolution
14 megapixel
Anti alias filter
Highest Possible resolution
4288 x 3216
RAW support
Maximum native ISO
1600
Lowest native ISO
80
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Touch focus
Autofocus continuous
Autofocus single
Tracking autofocus
Autofocus selectice
Center weighted autofocus
Multi area autofocus
Live view autofocus
Face detect autofocus
Contract detect autofocus
Phase detect autofocus
Cross type focus points
0
Lens
Lens support
fixed lens
Lens zoom range
28-102mm (3.6x)
Highest aperture
f/3.9-5.9
Macro focusing distance
3cm
Crop factor
5.8
Screen
Display type
Fixed Type
Display sizing
2.7 inches
Display resolution
230 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch function
Display technology
TFT Color LCD
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
None
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating
not tested
DXO Color Depth rating
not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating
not tested
DXO Low light rating
not tested
Features
Minimum shutter speed
4s
Fastest shutter speed
1/2000s
Continuous shutter speed
1.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Change white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance
4.20 m
Flash options
Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in
External flash
AEB
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Video resolutions
1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 180 (30fps)
Maximum video resolution
1280x720
Video format
Motion JPEG
Mic input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless
Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environment seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight
155g (0.34 lbs)
Physical dimensions
96 x 63 x 23mm (3.8" x 2.5" x 0.9")
Other
Battery life
150 shots
Type of battery
Battery Pack
Battery ID
LI-42B
Self timer
Yes (2 or 12 sec)
Time lapse recording
Type of storage
SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage slots
1
Price at release
$0