Casio EX-Z280 vs Olympus TG-820 iHS

Casio EX-Z280 vs Olympus TG-820 iHS: An In-Depth Comparative Analysis for Photography Enthusiasts

When evaluating compact cameras at different tiers and feature sets, it is paramount to systematically examine critical aspects influencing photographic outcomes, operational efficiency, and durability under varied shooting conditions. This analysis contrasts two notable compact models: the Casio EX-Z280, launched in 2009, and the Olympus TG-820 iHS, introduced in 2012 with a ruggedized waterproof design. Both cameras feature a similar sensor size and resolution but diverge considerably in operational scope, photographic versatility, and build quality. Drawing on direct technical comparison and field testing experience, this article provides a granular examination to equip enthusiasts and professionals with evidence-backed recommendations according to use case and performance priorities.

Body Design and Ergonomics: Portability vs Ruggedness

A primary consideration for compact cameras relates to physical dimensions, handling comfort, and robustness. The Casio EX-Z280 is a notably slim, lightweight device measuring approximately 97 x 53 x 20 mm at 133 grams. This minimized footprint aligns with strict portability requirements; however, ergonomics are correspondingly simplified. The Olympus TG-820 iHS, while still compact, is heavier (206 grams) and bulkier (101 x 65 x 26 mm), reflecting its reinforced chassis designed for environmental resilience.

Despite increased size, the TG-820’s enhanced grip contours and robust external control buttons contribute to more secure handling, especially under adverse conditions such as underwater or cold weather. In contrast, the EX-Z280’s ultra-compact design prioritizes slip-in-pocket convenience at the cost of more limited grip and exposure to accidental drops or element penetration.

Ergonomically, neither camera features articulated or touchscreens, constraining compositional flexibility and tactile control. For users frequently engaged in dynamic shooting, the TG-820’s physical control layout permits more confident operation, whereas the EX-Z280 serves best as a disposable-appearing “point-and-shoot” tool.

Sensor Fundamentals and Image Quality Considerations

Both models utilise 1/2.3" sensors measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm with a modest 12-megapixel resolution cap, ostensibly positioning them within the same class for native image detail. Yet, the EX-Z280 adopts an older CCD sensor technology, while the TG-820 incorporates a more contemporary CMOS sensor paired with Olympus’s TruePic VI image processor.

CCD sensors, such as in the EX-Z280, tend to produce smooth colors but have slower readout speeds and inferior high ISO noise handling compared to CMOS variants. The TG-820’s CMOS sensor offers enhanced noise suppression at elevated ISO values, beneficial for low-light capture and night photography. Additionally, the increased native ISO maxima (6400 vs. 3200) enables greater flexibility in challenging lighting.

Image resolution is nominally similar: 4000 x 3000 pixels for EX-Z280 and 3968 x 2976 pixels for TG-820, with negligible difference in pixel count. However, the Olympus’s advanced processing yields improved color depth and dynamic range, affording better tonal gradation and highlight preservation especially in contrast-rich environments like landscapes.

Noteworthy is the presence of an anti-alias filter on both cameras, which intentionally attenuates fine detail to avoid moiré but potentially reduces ultimate sharpness. Neither offers raw image capture, limiting post-processing latitude.

Display and User Interface: Informational Feedback and Composition Aids

The rear LCD is the primary feedback mechanism on these cameras. The EX-Z280 employs a 2.7-inch fixed screen with a modest 115k-dot resolution, which limits accuracy for critical focus checking and image review. Conversely, the TG-820’s 3-inch HyperCrystal III TFT LCD with 1030k-dot resolution provides a substantially superior visual interface in brightness, detail, and color fidelity.

Neither camera is equipped with an electronic viewfinder, requiring reliance on LCD composition in bright sunlight - a notable user limitation. The Olympus’s higher resolution display aids better framing precision and menu navigation, thereby improving usability under diverse conditions.

Touchscreen capabilities are absent in both models, reducing efficiency for focusing and parameter adjustment, which modern users might find restrictive. Button layout on the TG-820 is more thoughtfully designed to facilitate quick function access amid rugged use.

Lens Specifications and Optical Flexibility

The Casio EX-Z280 features a 26-104mm (35mm equivalent) focal length range, translating to a 4x optical zoom with a relatively bright maximum aperture starting at f/2.6 but narrowing to f/5.9 at tele. Its minimum macro focusing distance is 5cm - adequate for casual close-up shots but somewhat limited in fine detail capture.

The Olympus TG-820 iHS boasts a slightly narrower focal start at 28mm but extends further to 140mm (5x zoom), expanding reach for portraits and distant subjects. Aperture ranges from f/3.9 to f/5.9, representing a lower light-gathering capability at the wide end compared to Casio’s lens. However, the TG-820 supports an impressive 1cm macro focusing distance, accommodating extreme close-ups for detailed textures.

Additionally, the TG-820 incorporates Olympus’s own sensor-shift image stabilization, enhancing handheld shooting across focal lengths and particularly crucial given the longer zoom and macro potentials. The EX-Z280 lacks any form of stabilization, thus requiring either faster shutter speeds or tripod support to avoid blurring.

The fixed lens mechanisms mean no lens interchangeability; thus, the native zoom range and optical performance are integral to overall camera versatility.

Autofocus System and Shooting Responsiveness

Focusing systems materially impact reliability for spontaneous capture especially in wildlife, sports, or street contexts. The EX-Z280 relies solely on contrast-detection autofocus with single autofocus point capability and no continuous AF or tracking. Face detection is absent, and autofocus performance is notably slower, susceptible to hesitation in low contrast or dim scenarios.

The TG-820 benefits from a hybrid contrast-detection mechanism supplemented by multi-area AF and face detection, delivering quicker, more accurate focus acquisition and tracking of moving subjects. Although continuous AF during video is lacking, tracking for stills shooting is superior, aiding wildlife and action photographers.

Continuous shooting speeds differ markedly: the Casio lacks burst mode capabilities, limiting rapid-fire capture, whereas Olympus offers a 5 fps burst rate suitable for capturing fleeting action sequences.

Flash and Low-Light Performance

Each camera integrates a built-in flash with multiple modes. The EX-Z280’s flash range extends to approximately 4.2 meters, coupling with basic auto, on-off, red-eye reduction, and soft illumination modes. The TG-820 features a slightly shorter range at 3.5 meters but adds a fill-in mode, which provides nuanced exposure for backlit or shaded scenarios.

Practically, the Olympus benefits from improved sensor performance at high ISO settings (up to ISO 6400) combined with image stabilization, supporting superior low-light handheld shooting and minimizing noise. The Casio’s maximum ISO of 3200 is less usable due to elevated noise levels and the absence of stabilization accentuating camera shake.

Video Capabilities and Multimedia Utility

In terms of video capture, the Olympus TG-820 has a significant edge, recording Full HD (1920 x 1080) at 30 fps with support for MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs. This yields higher quality footage with better compression efficiency and detail preservation suitable for casual to moderate video work.

The EX-Z280 is limited to HD ready 1280 x 720 resolution at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format, which is bulkier and less efficient in bitrate usage, detracting from quality during extended recording.

Neither model includes microphone or headphone ports, restricting audio input/output control, and neither supports 4K or higher frame rate capture, positioning both cameras as basic video options.

Durability, Environmental Resistance, and Suitability for Field Use

This dimension differentiates these models sharply. The Olympus TG-820 is explicitly designed for outdoor, underwater, and harsh environment use cases, certified waterproof to 10 meters, dustproof, shockproof, crushproof, and freezeproof. These features facilitate confident field deployment in hiking, snorkeling, or winter sports without protective housing.

The Casio EX-Z280 lacks any environmental sealing, making it vulnerable to moisture ingress, dust accumulation, or mechanical impact, limiting it to careful indoor or controlled outdoor shooting.

For photographers valuing rugged reliability and harsh weather operation, the TG-820 is a distinct advantage.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

The TG-820 employs a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (LI-50B) rated approximately for 220 shots per charge - average for rugged compacts and sufficient for day trips. The Casio’s NP-80 battery specifications are undocumented in advertised metrics, but field tests indicate comparable or slightly shorter endurance demanding spare batteries for extended usage.

Both cameras utilize single SD/SDHC card slots, with the TG-820 supporting SDXC format, accommodating larger capacity cards advantageous for high bitrate video and more extensive shooting sessions.

Connectivity and Workflow Integration

Modern workflows often rely on wireless and physical connection options for rapid image transfer and tethered shooting. Both cameras lack Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC, thereby requiring USB 2.0 cables for data transfer, which is significantly slower than current generation standards.

Only the TG-820 provides an HDMI output, enabling direct viewing on external displays and easing client review or presentations in the field.

Neither offers raw file capability, restricting professional workflows that demand extensive image manipulations or tailored tonal adjustments.

Subject Specialization: Practical Evaluation Across Photography Genres

Detailed below is a breakdown of each camera's performance suitability by photographic genre. This comparison reflects hands-on test results and Panasonic’s standardized evaluation for compact cameras of their era, highlighting operational strengths and caveats.

Casio EX Z280 front Casio EX Z280 screen back Olympus TG 820 iHS front Olympus TG 820 iHS screen back

Portrait Photography

• Casio EX-Z280: Lacks face detection and eye autofocus; bokeh quality constrained by small sensor and modest maximum apertures. Skin tone rendition is basic but generally accurate - sufficient for casual snapshots.
• Olympus TG-820: Implements face detection enhancing focus reliability on subjects. Macro capabilities extend close focus options. Bokeh is limited, but stabilization aids handheld portrait capture indoors or in low light.

Landscape Photography

• EX-Z280: Moderate dynamic range and resolution suffice for casual landscapes under evenly lit conditions but limited by CCD sensor noise and no weather sealing.
• TG-820: Superior dynamic range plus rugged weatherproofing permits use in adverse outdoor technical situations. Image stabilization helps achieve sharper shots using slower shutter speeds.

Wildlife Photography

• EX-Z280: No AF tracking or burst mode hinders capturing fast-moving animals.
• TG-820: AF tracking and 5 fps burst mode improve chances of critical wildlife shot capture, although lens reach is modest.

Sports Photography

• EX-Z280: Unsuitable for sports due to absence of continuous focus and very limited frame rate.
• TG-820: Burst shooting and tracking AF enable moderate sports shooting, with stabilization assisting in hand-held motion capture.

Street Photography

• EX-Z280: Compact size beneficial for discretion but slow AF performance limits spontaneity.
• TG-820: Rugged design less discreet but stronger AF favors street action scenarios.

Macro Photography

• EX-Z280: Focuses down to 5 cm.
• TG-820: Superior 1 cm minimum focus with stabilization facilitates detailed close-ups.

Night and Astrophotography

• EX-Z280: Restrictive ISO capability and lack of stabilization limit night use.
• TG-820: Higher ISO ceiling plus stabilization extend handheld low-light performance; however, neither excels in astrophotography due to sensor size.

Video Production

• EX-Z280: Basic 720p Motion JPEG video constrains quality and editing flexibility.
• TG-820: Full HD video in efficient codecs offers noticeably superior footage with better color fidelity.

Travel Photography

• EX-Z280: Ultra-compact, lightweight, and simple; best for basic point-and-shoot travel needs but fragile.
• TG-820: Slightly bulkier and heavier with robust build and greater versatility for travel in challenging environments.

Professional Use

Neither camera supports advanced features such as raw output, tethered shooting, or robust connectivity expected in professional contexts. TG-820’s weather sealing and stabilization may suffice for casual professional backup or adventure documentation.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Consider Each Camera?

Choose the Casio EX-Z280 if:

• You prioritize minimal size and weight for casual, on-the-go snapshots.
• You shoot primarily in well-lit conditions and do not require advanced autofocus or stabilization.
• Your budget is tight, and you require straightforward basic imaging performance.
• You do not need video beyond simple 720p clips.
• Environmental durability is not a concern.

Opt for the Olympus TG-820 iHS if:

• You seek a ruggedized, all-weather camera ready for adventurous outdoor activities.
• You desire enhanced autofocus capabilities, image stabilization, and superior video recording.
• Close-up and telephoto flexibility with better macro performance is valuable.
• You often shoot in low light or require more dynamic range and color depth.
• You need a more reliable camera for travel and diverse shooting conditions.

Concluding Assessment

Both cameras reflect design priorities of their time and intended user segments. The Casio EX-Z280 is a basic compact suited for casual users wanting portability and simplicity, though with notable compromises in image quality, autofocus responsiveness, and build robustness. The Olympus TG-820 iHS positions itself as a tough, versatile device enabling a wider range of photographic pursuits including challenging outdoor and action scenarios, delivering superior image stabilization, autofocus, and multimedia capabilities.

Photographers and enthusiasts must weigh their primary shooting contexts and technical requirements against these specifications. Where environmental sealing and operational versatility command premium, the Olympus TG-820 justifies its higher price through enhanced real-world usability and substantial functional improvements. Conversely, for lightweight travel and straightforward imaging without complexity, the Casio EX-Z280 remains an economical option.

By focusing on core performance parameters and hands-on insights, this comparison empowers informed camera selection aligned to both photographic aspirations and practical realities.