A brief holiday review about the latest addition to my humble Olympus camera collection.
For several years, I’ve used an Olympus TG camera as my everyday camera. It all started with the TG-6 in August 2021 – “The Olympus Tough TG6“. In June 2022, I swapped the TG-6 for a TG-3 – “Downgrade your camera gear“, because I didn’t need all the features of the TG-6. Then in April 2022, I upgraded to the TG-4 since it could shoot in RAW, which was important to me – “Always Adventure Ready with an Olympus TG Camera the TG-4“. Being relatively compact and lightweight at 247g and 112 x 66 x 31 mm, it was still a bit bulky for a shirt pocket. So, I kept looking for an alternative, as mentioned in my article “A Tiny Every Day m4/3 Camera – Part II“.
One day, I got an alert from a second-hand website for a TG camera. Because my needs had changed over time, I was now hoping for a TG-5, 6, or even 7, but a 12-year-old TG-320 popped up. Weighing only 155g and measuring 96 x 63 x 23 mm, it was exactly what I was looking for. Unbelievably, it was brand new, still in its original packaging, with all accessories intact, and priced at just €50.
I’ve always been a bit envious of the Micro Four Nerds Tiny Camera Series and Emily’s Lumix GM-1, but importing one from Japan was not an option due to previous costly experiences. I already have tiny cameras with interchangeable lenses like the E-PM1 and E-PL6, but once you add a lens, they become quite bulky. The TG-320 is much smaller in comparison.
The Camera:
The TG-320 is a little gem. Mine is blue, but there’s also a red version. Although the body is plastic, the metallic paint gives it a metal-like appearance. Its waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, and dustproof features might not be as effective after 12 years, but since mine is brand new, it should handle a lot. Even a used model would likely be more durable than a compact camera without weatherproofing. It was the cheapest in its series at £140. For more specifications, visit https://www.dpreview.com/products/olympus/compacts/oly_tg320/specifications or https://www.ephotozine.com/article/olympus-tough-tg-320-digital-camera-review-18765.
Handling:
The camera is small and the metallic paint doesn’t help with grip, so you need to hold it carefully to avoid dropping it. The buttons are tiny and require a bit of force, making it a bit challenging to turn on and adjust settings, but that’s acceptable. Taking photos isn’t super easy either, but that’s expected with such a small camera. I chose a small camera intentionally, so I find it manageable. It’s so light and small that you can forget it’s in your pocket.
Picture Quality:
The TG-320 can take nice photos, but it needs good lighting, so it’s not great for dark winter days. You need to hold it steady despite its stabilization feature because of its small size and light weight. I set the ISO to auto high to keep the shutter speed as fast as possible. It’s not a Hasselblad, and given its original price, don’t expect more than what you would from a camera in that price range.
Pro’s and Con’s :
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| Small and Compact: Easy to carry and handle. | Limited Image Quality: Not as high quality as more expensive cameras. |
| Very Small: Its size makes it extremely portable for every day. | Plastic Build: Less premium feel compared to metal-bodied cameras. |
| Rugged Features: Waterproof, shockproof, and freezeproof. | Limited Manual Controls: Less flexibility for advanced users. |
| Affordable: Budget-friendly option for a rugged camera. | Slow Performance: Slower shooting speed and longer lag times. |
| Variety of Features: Includes filters, panorama mode, and other scene modes. | Low Light Performance: Struggles in low light conditions. |
| Sufficient Battery Life: Enough power for a day of adventure. | Basic Video Quality: Only 720p HD video recording. |
Final Thoughts:
If you want to take high-quality photos, buy a different camera. If you want a camera for everyday use that you can easily carry with you without worrying about weight or size, then the TG-320 is your electronic companion. This little friend is perhaps even easier to carry and use than your phone. It allows you to capture every moment—at the beach, in the forest, at a café, with friends, in the rain or snow. It can always be with you and is always ready for any adventure.
I love it!
Just some test samples :
Later, I will share more photos in my gallery that were taken with this amazing camera.
Press release :
“Olympus Imaging Corporation (President: Shuichi Takayama) is pleased to announce the OLYMPUS TG-320 compact digital camera that incorporates waterproof to a depth of 3 meters, shockproof against falls from as high as 1.5 meters, freezeproof at temperatures as low as -10° C, and DUAL IS feature in a stylish design. It is scheduled to go on sale in Japan at the end of January 2012.” – https://www.olympus-global.com/en/news/2012a/nr120118tg320e.html
The photo gallery of Open Source Photography, Olympus micro 4/3 system, Vintage Lens Photograpy, Film Simulation, PictureFX, HDR – Photographer : Marc R.
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The pictures from it are lovely. As you know, I’ve been using my little Lumix and Casio a lot more lately for walk around and family stuff, because they are just so small.
That camera looks really good Marc 👌👌👌
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Thanks Mark ! as you say they are great for walk around, and I much prefer using these little – almost vintage wonders – to a smartphone.
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When I began my projects involving macrophotography of bryophytes I started with an Olympus TG-6, in part on recommendation from a bryophyte mentor. I was doing a lot of photography around streams and the thought of dropping a high end camera in water was not attractive. It served me well. In fact I bought a second one to mount on a second short tripod when I was filming setae bending in wind, in order to get a 3D projective reconstruction.
Although I very much still have them I have had to switch to an Olympus four-thirds mirrorless with a variety of lenses on recommendation of a colleague. That was partly due to a change in me. In December 2021 I fell down some stairs and spent a couple of months in hospital. Although I am getting back, my balance is an issue, so I use powerful lenses and a larger stable tripod. I don’t balance near water unfortunately.
My camera at present is an OM-D E-M1 and I use a mix of lenses, from Olympus 90mm Zuiko, Olympus 60mm, Olympus 30mm, and more or less comparable from Rokinon, Laowa, and a couple of teleconverters. i may get another camera in a year (E-M10?). I stabilize of course but I primarily do handheld. I have done no microphotography since I have gotten out from hospital. I have taken macrophotos of on tabletops against white paper.
These options from the past are still there but I am seeing what I can learn and do with the E-M1 and lenses.
Thanks for your comments! The TG is a nice camera, but I am into other things.
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Hello and welcome!
I recently visited your site and was impressed by the incredible macro shots you’ve captured. The E-M1 is truly a fantastic camera!
I read here that you’re considering the E-M10, If that’s the case, you might want to check out the E-M5 MKII or MKIII as well. Both of these models offer some great features for macro photography, like focus stacking, a fully articulating screen, water resistance, and more.
Thanks for your visit and comments!
Marc
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Alas the E-M5 is discontinued. The way photo equipment goes
— Dad
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Yes, that’s right—but now you can find interesting deals on the second-hand market—and giving a camera a second life is beneficial for the environment. Have a great day.
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