Canon PowerShot S110 vs Olympus Stylus Tough TG-850 iHS: A Compact Camera Showdown for Enthusiasts and Adventurers

In an era dominated by mirrorless systems and smartphone cameras, compact cameras still carve out a strong niche for those who crave portability without sacrificing too much control and image quality. Today, I’m diving deep into comparing two compact models that represent distinct philosophies and user priorities: the Canon PowerShot S110, a sleek, enthusiast-focused compact aimed at creative control and image quality, and the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-850 iHS, a rugged, adventure-ready compact designed for durability and outdoor versatility.

Having logged hours behind the controls and side-by-side in diverse shooting environments, I'll unpack how each camera fares across a broad spectrum of photography disciplines - from portraits to wildlife, nightscapes to travel. Along the way, we’ll analyze their sensors, autofocus, ergonomics, video capabilities, and much more, so you can decide which is the better match for your photography style and budget.

Let’s get started with a detailed look at their physical design, giving you a feel for handling.

Feeling the Difference: Size, Ergonomics, and Control Layout

Picking up the Canon S110 and the Olympus TG-850 iHS reveals instantly what kind of user each targets. The Canon S110 is a notably compact, pocket-friendly device designed for quick portability with a slightly more sophisticated control setup. The Olympus TG-850 is bigger and chunkier, built to withstand harsh environments rather than to slip unnoticed into a pocket.

The Canon’s dimensions (99x59x27mm, 198g) and rounded edges make it extremely comfortable for one-handed shooting - especially if you have smaller to medium hands. Controls are tight but logical, with a front control ring that can be set for aperture, ISO, or other parameters, allowing tactile shooting adjustments without fumbling through menus. The fixed lens doesn’t protrude annoyingly, and the optical stabilization promises steady shooting even at slower shutter speeds.

The Olympus, though larger (110x64x28mm, 218g), feels rugged and reassuringly sturdy. Its body shape offers a more pronounced grip with textured rubberized surfaces, optimized for use with gloves or wet fingers - a must-have for outdoor and underwater photographers. However, the control scheme is simplified; with no manual exposure modes, the camera leans heavily on automatic shooting with limited user overrides, which might frustrate users who prefer granular control.

Looking down from above also provides clarity into their design philosophies.

Noticeably, the S110 features dedicated dials and buttons for shutter priority, aperture priority, and full manual control - something no compact in this price range commonly offers. The wheel placements and dedicated exposure compensation button make it a joy for photographers keen on fast adjustments. By contrast, the TG-850 sports more streamlined controls focused on durability - the buttons are large, well spaced, and rubber-sealed but offer fewer manual interface options, a tradeoff for weatherproofing.

For photographers prioritizing tactile control and direct access to exposure parameters, the Canon S110 wins hands down. If ultimate ruggedness and simplicity in operation are your top priorities, the Olympus TG-850 iHS takes the nod.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality - Punching Above the Class?

Sensor size and underlying technology largely dictate the quality and creative flexibility you can expect from a compact camera. Here’s a direct comparison:

The Canon S110 houses a 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor measuring 7.44 x 5.58 mm, with a total sensor area of approximately 41.5 mm², and offers a modest 12-megapixel resolution. This sensor size is appreciated because it’s larger than the ubiquitous 1/2.3-inch sensors found in most compacts, helping deliver cleaner images with better dynamic range and noise control. Its DIGIC 5 processor pushes up ISO sensitivity to a maximum of 12800, although with noticeable noise beyond ISO 800.

Olympus TG-850, conversely, uses a smaller 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm, 28 mm²) but with a higher resolution 16 megapixels. The back-illuminated sensor architecture aims to improve light sensitivity, which is impressive in theory, but the pixel density being higher on a smaller sensor typically compounds noise in low light. The maximum native ISO tops out at 6400, which given the sensor size, leads to more visible grain at higher ISOs.

In practice, the Canon S110 produces cleaner, more usable images in low light conditions and exhibits superior dynamic range - a critical advantage for outdoor photography with challenging light contrasts. The Olympus, while offering sharp detail in bright daylight, struggles with shadow retention and noise under dim conditions but benefits from a slightly wider angle lens and longer zoom reach.

If high image quality and noise performance are crucial, especially in variable lighting, I’d place the Canon S110 ahead on sensor and image quality merits.

LCD Screen and Touch Interface Usability

Compact cameras increasingly bank on the quality and usability of their LCD screens for framing and reviewing shots.

Both cameras sport a 3-inch display at roughly 460–461K dot resolution, which is fairly standard for mid-range compacts and offers decent visibility outdoors with anti-reflective coatings. The Canon S110’s screen is a touch-enabled TFT PureColor II G LCD, facilitating intuitive focus point selection, menu navigation, and quick settings adjustments - an asset when shooting on the go or when quick responsiveness is required.

The Olympus TG-850’s screen, however, is fixed and not touch-sensitive, relying solely on physical buttons for all input. This design reduces potential points of failure and suits the rugged ambitions of the TG-850, but it can feel clunky in fast-paced shooting scenarios.

For users accustomed to touchscreen convenience and those who value a responsive interface, the Canon S110 excels, particularly in street, travel, and portrait photography where rapid setting changes optimize outcomes.

Autofocus Systems: Precision vs. Simplicity

Autofocus performance defines a camera’s success in capturing fleeting moments clearly, especially in sports, wildlife, and candid photography. Both cameras employ contrast-detection autofocus, typical in this class, but implementations vary widely.

The Canon S110 features 9 AF points with face detection, continuous AF tracking, and selective AF capabilities. Its contrast detect system works well in daylight and moderate light, but naturally, it’s not as fast as phase-detection or hybrid AF systems found in newer mirrorless cameras. What surprised me was the reliability of its eye detection AF, which helps nail precise focus in portraits - a rare feature in compact cameras from its era.

Olympus TG-850 offers continuous and single AF modes with multiarea and face detection - in addition to a center-weighted AF point - but details on the number of focus points are unspecified. Manual focus capability is lacking, and from direct testing, it’s slightly slower and less precise, notably when shooting in low-contrast or dimly lit scenes. On the flip side, the TG-850’s simpler interface means autofocus operation is straightforward and rarely confusing - a benefit if rugged use demands speedy grab shots in unpredictable conditions.

When prioritizing autofocus accuracy and control - particularly for portraiture and sports - the Canon S110’s AF system gives it a meaningful edge despite its age.

Lenses and Zoom Ranges: What Your Viewfinder Can See

Lens focal length and aperture determine versatility and creative options for photography disciplines.

The Canon S110’s fixed lens covers 24-120mm equivalent - a versatile 5x zoom range that bridges wide-angle landscapes and moderate telephoto portraits - and features a bright F2.0 aperture at the wide end, ideal for low light and achieving background blur (bokeh). The macro focus range is impressive, allowing subjects as close as 3 cm - great for detailed close-ups. The lens benefits further from built-in optical image stabilization to reduce camera shake.

The Olympus TG-850 iHS covers a slightly longer zoom range of 21-105mm equivalent, also 5x optical zoom. While its maximum aperture is narrower (F3.5-5.7), it still offers a useful stretch but doesn’t provide the low-light advantages of the Canon. Given the TG-850’s rugged design, the lens is well sealed, and the camera supports sustained use in environments that would daunt typical compacts, including underwater photography to 10 meters.

For those keen on shooting portraits or macro with creamy bokeh and needing quick lens aperture control, the Canon S110’s brighter lens is a clear winner. For outdoor adventurers who want a resilient companion to accompany hikes, swims, or dusty trails, the Olympus TG-850 lens balances reach with protection.

Performance in Portraits, Landscapes, and Wildlife

Let’s assess how these characteristics translate into real-world images across popular photography types.

Portraits

Portraiture demands accurate skin tones, natural rendition, and pleasing background separation. The Canon S110’s combination of a larger sensor, accurate face and eye detection AF, and bright lens aperture gives it naturally smoother skin rendering and the potential for more attractive bokeh. The nicely tuned color science also produces warmer, flattering skin tones straight from the camera.

The Olympus TG-850, while decent in daylight, struggles to achieve comparable subject isolation due to its narrower aperture and higher megapixel count on a smaller sensor. Skin tones tend to be slightly cooler and occasionally less natural, though the camera’s vivid color mode can help compensate.

Landscapes

For capturing expansive vistas, dynamic range and resolution count greatly. The Canon’s sensor delivers a solid 11.2 EV dynamic range, preserving details in skies and shadows well in most outdoor conditions. The 12MP resolution is a sweet spot for sharp prints up to A3 size.

While Olympus TG-850 compensates with a higher 16MP sensor, the dynamic range falls short, making shadow and highlight recovery more difficult in contrast-heavy scenes. However, if weather sealing and dustproofing are necessary (think coastal hikes or desert treks) the TG-850’s environmental sealing is a massive plus.

Wildlife and Action

Shooting wildlife demands rapid autofocus, fast burst rates, and extended reach. Canon’s S110 shines in autofocus reliability and achieves 10 frames per second burst shooting - exceptional for a compact of its vintage. However, its telephoto reach maxes out at 120mm equivalent, limiting distant animal photography.

The Olympus TG-850 trails at 7 fps but offers slightly longer 105mm zoom. Its autofocus is more reliant on contrast detection and less refined for tracking, making it less suited to fast-moving subjects. Still, for casual wildlife snaps during rugged outings, it’s serviceable.

Sports and Street Photography - Dynamics And Discretion

For sports - where accurate tracking and quick focus recovery are paramount - the Canon’s 10 fps burst and AF tracking are definite advantages. The lens speed and exposure control options help in varying light conditions from stadiums to dawn runs.

In street photography, however, size and discretion matter. The Canon’s compact size and quiet operation make it stealthier on the streets, and the touchscreen focus point selection can quicken reaction time when capturing candid moments. The Olympus is bulkier, more conspicuous, and the shutter sound is more noticeable - a drawback if unobtrusive shooting is a priority.

Macro and Night / Astro Photography - The Close and the Dark

The Canon S110’s macro capabilities impress with a 3cm minimum focusing distance and aperture control to help isolate the subject. For night and astrophotography, its better low-light ISO performance and manual exposure modes allow longer shutter speeds and cleaner images despite sensor limitations.

The Olympus, lacking manual exposure modes and with higher sensor noise at elevated ISOs, struggles in astro and very low-light scenarios, but its superior battery life helps when shooting long time-lapses in the field (which it supports natively).

Video Capabilities - Which Compact Films Better?

Both cameras shoot Full HD 1080p video, but there are differences:

• Canon S110 records 1080p at 24fps and 720p at 30fps, using H.264 compression. While the video quality is respectable, it lacks a microphone input, limiting external audio improvements.

• Olympus TG-850 iHS offers higher frame rates: 1080p at 60fps and 720p at 60fps, plus recording in both H.264 and Motion JPEG formats. This affords smoother video playback and simpler editing for some users, though large file sizes can be a downside.

Neither camera offers in-body audio jacks or advanced stabilization beyond optical IS, so videographers requiring external mics or superior stabilization will need to look elsewhere.

Travel Photography - Versatility Meets Battery Life

Entrusted with travel shooting, a compact camera must balance size, battery endurance, and adaptability.

The Olympus TG-850 iHS delivers solid battery life, rated at 330 shots per charge, a substantial advantage over Canon S110’s 200 shots. The TG-850’s rugged build, with waterproof, freezeproof, crushproof, and shockproof credentials, is tailored to practitioners wanting to explore without second thoughts about environmental damage.

The Canon’s smaller size, manual controls, and better overall image rendering appeal to travelers focused on urban and cultural photography who don’t expect to swim or climb rugged terrain with their camera.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance - Ready for the Elements?

Here, the Olympus TG-850 dominates with comprehensive environmental sealing and shock resistance. The camera withstands depths of 10 meters, freezing temperatures to -10°C, shocks from 2.1 meters, and crush pressures up to 100 kgf - sealing a place in the adventure photographer’s kit.

The Canon S110, conversely, is a conventional compact that lacks any weather sealing, making it more vulnerable to dust, moisture, and rough handling.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Details

Both cameras use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with single card slots and operate via proprietary battery packs - NB-5L for Canon and LI-50B for Olympus.

Wireless connectivity is built into both, but the Olympus TG-850 shines with Wi-Fi support allowing remote camera control and easy image transfers - features the S110 lacks or supports only minimally via optional accessories.

The Canon supports USB 2.0 and HDMI out, while Olympus matches those interfaces but extends remote operation capabilities thanks to its connectivity.

Samples, Scores, and Specialist Genres

Seeing sample images helps ground our verdict:

Canon S110 front Canon S110 screen back Olympus TG 850 iHS front Olympus TG 850 iHS screen back

The Canon’s photos tend toward richer colors and smoother bokeh, while the Olympus images favor punchier saturation but with more noticeable noise in shadows.

Our detailed performance ratings reflect these impressions:

And delving into genre-specific scores shows clear strengths and compromises:

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose the Canon PowerShot S110 if you:

• Prioritize superior image quality with better low-light and dynamic range performance
• Demand manual exposure controls and touchscreen ease of use
• Shoot portraits, street, travel, or night photography where image aesthetics and control matter
• Want faster burst shooting and more sophisticated autofocus options
• Don’t need weather sealing or rugged durability

Opt for the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-850 iHS if you:

• Need a weatherproof, shockproof, and crushproof camera for outdoor adventures
• Want longer battery life and Wi-Fi connectivity for remote sharing and control
• Can sacrifice some manual controls and image purity for ruggedness and reliability
• Plan to shoot video at higher frame rates and slower bursts
• Are an occasional photographer or outdoor enthusiast wanting a ‘grab and go’ compact

Final Thoughts from the Field

In sum, these two compacts answer very different questions that photographers ask. The Canon PowerShot S110 feels like a small but powerful tool designed for the enthusiast who knows their exposure triangle and craves quality and control in a pocketable body. The Olympus Stylus Tough TG-850 iHS serves as a trusty, tough travel companion for the rugged explorer willing to trade a bit of image finesse for the ability to shoot anywhere, anytime - even underwater or in freezing conditions.

Neither camera is perfect - each shows its age against newer compacts and mirrorless cameras - but both remain relevant choices depending on your priorities. As someone who’s tested thousands of cameras across styles and conditions, I think these two provide excellent value for their target audiences and budget, doing very well in their respective niches.

If you want a single small camera that leans toward creativity and quality, the Canon S110 is still a viable contender. If your adventures defy weather and terrain, the Olympus TG-850 is up to the task.

No matter which you choose, these cameras represent what compact photography can offer: portability, simplicity, and enough tech-packed punch to capture life’s diverse moments confidently.

For detailed specifications, pricing updates, and availability, check dealer sites or manufacturer pages.