The longer I do product reviews, the more I get the chance to do true comparison reviews. I really like these, especially when I can see the true differences in two products that look practically the same. Like in the case of the Olympus TG-810 camera that I've reviewed today. We reviewed it's cheaper counterpart, the TG-610 yesterday, and after trying out both cameras, it quickly became apparent that they are really the same camera with just a few niche-like upgrades.

Now whether the upgrades available in the Olympus TG-810 camera are features that you really need in your camera is yet to be determined, and maybe we can help you decide with this TG-810 review as to whether you actually need to spend the extra money on what appear to be really niche features above the TG-610.

Olympus TG-810 Waterproof Camera for Sale at Amazon

Olympus TG-610 Tough 14 MP Digital Camera , 5x Wide Optical Zoom (28mm), 3" 920K LCD (Black) List Price: $279.00 Sale Price: $184.95 You save: $94.05 (34%)

I like to get right at what's different in a camera with when it feels like a comparison type report. And so what the Olympus TG-810 digital camera offers over the TG-610 are the built-in GPS, an electronic compass, and an air or water pressure gauge (called a manometer). Aside from a thicker and thus more sturdy case, that's just about all you get for the extra $100 or so you pay for the TG-810 camera.

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But those items are what makes the Olympus TG-810 camera so appealing, and a little more able to stand the ruggedness associated with using one of the Tough series cameras in extreme environments. Starting with the air and water pressure gauge, you'll find that with diving to a maximum of 33 feet with the TG-810, a water pressure gauge at your fingertips will certainly come in handy. With the increased depth associated with using this camera (maximum of 16 feet with the 610 camera), you may need a better way to keep up with water depth using the water pressure meter. This camera can certainly help you out there.

The manometer doesn't just show you the water pressure at the point that you press the shutter button. The Olympus TG-810 also captures this data and stores it along with any other location specific information it has available to allow you to keep up with where you took each shot, long after you've left.

This is where the built-in GPS comes in also, allowing the photographer to find the precise location for shots taken in the past, whether for you so that you can make a return visit, or for someone else who might want to share the same experience long after you've gone. Share the coordinates with them, and let them see the same sites as you.

Olympus TG-810 Waterproof Camera Photos

The electronic compass built into the Olympus TG-810 can also be used to help locate a specific site. But those of us who tend to wander out in the wilderness might find the compass handy in helping to find the way out of the wilderness as well. The TG-810's compass isn't nearly as good as holding a real compass in your hand, but it will get the job done if needed.

Like I said, outside of those particular options, the Olympus TG-810 camera is just about the same as it's cheaper counterpart. The casing is just a bit more rugged, to allow for the extra waterproof depth. The sensor is the same 14 megapixel capable sensor as the cheaper version of this latest Tough series camera. Movie recording is not any higher, but still great quality at 720p, and recording is available via the conventiently located "one touch" button on the rear of the camera.

What does carry over as new for both the TG-810 and the 610 is the 3D image capability. It's a little bit tricky to get used to, but to create 3D images, turn on the 3D imaging mode, snap one photo, then slowly pan the camera to let it capture the same shot from a slightly different angle. The Olympus TG-810 camera puts both images together to create one great 3D shot. This is not the most ideal way to create 3D images, but at this price point, it's honestly just neat enough to have it available!

At the end of the day, what matters is that if you are looking at a waterproof camera, you need it to be able to handle your adventurous lifestyle. If constant scuba diving or snorkeling is something you love to do, then you might want to go for the Olympus TG-810 over the cheaper TG-610, just because of the increased depth associated with the higher priced camera. Maybe you won't dive as deep, but if constantly diving, it's probably going to be a better choice to go with the camera that can handle higher water pressure.

Myself, I rarely go in the water, and I don't think I've ever been below 20 feet. So, the TG-610 would probably work best for my lifestyle. As with most things, the choice is yours to make, but making the wrong choice could be costly in either direction. I hope this comparison review of the Olympus TG-810 and 610 cameras has been helpful to you!

Olympus TG-810 Waterproof Camera Specs

* Model / ASIN: 228075 / B004HO59ZG
* Colors Available: Black (most popular) and Silver
* Resolution: 14 megapixels using a CCD sensor
* Lens: Wide angle 5x optical zoom lens with 28 millimeters to 140 millimeters equivalency
* Digital Zoom: 4x digital zoom
* Video Recording: 720p high definition resolution video recording via one touch button start (15 frames per second)
* 3D Imaging: Yes, by panning the camera after the initial shot, create a single 3D image
* Minimum Focus Range: 2 feet in normal mode; 5 inches in macro mode; 1.1 inches in super-macro mode
* Shutter Speed: 1/2000 of a second to 1/4 of a second (4 seconds when set to Fireworks scene mode)
* Aperture: f/3.9 to f/5.9
* ISO: Automatic ISO or manuall set the ISO to 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, or 1600
* LCD: 3-inch LCD with 920k dot resolution
* Viewfinder: None
* Flash: Built into the body of the camera
* File Format: JPEG for single photos; MP for 3D images; MPEG-4 for movie file formats
* File Storage: 19.5 Megabytes of internal storage; compatible with SD, SDHC, SDXC, or Eye-Fi memory cards up to 64 Gb
* Outputs: Mini-HDMI (x1); USB (x1); A/V (x1)
* Power: Rechargeable Li-ion battery (model #LI-50B) for a maximum of 220 shots before recharge is necessary
* Dimensions: 2 1/2" x 3 9/10" x 1" (H x W x D) and weighs just under 8 ounces without the battery
* Release Date: January 2011

Reference

Olympus Tough TG-810 Camera - Express Review
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Olympus TG-810 Waterproof Camera - Youtube Video Review

Olympus TG810
20 May 2012 at 6:43pm

B. Daniels is the lead review expert with Find Cheap Bargains. B. was more than likely the person responsible for the hands-on review of every product on the site. He also spends time searching for sale bargains when not conducting and writing the reviews.