Fujifilm F550 EXR vs Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS: An Expert’s In-Depth Comparison

Over my 15+ years testing digital cameras, I’ve often found that compact travel superzooms and rugged waterproof compacts occupy distinct niches - but occasionally, two models cross paths, prompting a thorough showdown. Today, I share a detailed comparison between two such cameras launched about a year apart: the Fujifilm FinePix F550 EXR and the Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS. These cameras each target enthusiasts seeking portability and versatility, but with different emphases - Fujifilm opts for extensive zoom reach and versatile shooting modes, whereas Olympus touts impact and weather resistance with a premium lens.

Having spent extensive hands-on time with both cameras under varied lighting and shooting conditions, I aim to provide you with an honest, practical guide to which model aligns best to your photography style, budget, and priorities. This review incorporates direct experience, technical analysis, and user-centric insights so you can feel confident in your decision.

Size, Handling, and Build: Compact Versatility Meets Rugged Durability

The first thing I noticed handling both cameras side-by-side is their mobility and ergonomics, fundamental for prolonged use in travel, street shooting, or adventure.

Fujifilm F550 EXR: This camera commands a slightly smaller footprint. At 104 x 63 x 33 mm and weighing just 215 grams (without battery), it easily slips into a jacket pocket or bag. Its plastic body lacks environmental sealing, but its sleek, lightweight design makes it ideal for travelers prioritizing weight and compactness. Grip ergonomics are modest but comfortable - especially for casual shooting.

Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS: Weighing a bit more at 230 grams with a bulk a touch larger (112 x 67 x 30 mm), the TG-1 is engineered differently - built tough with rugged environmental sealing and crush resistance. The magnesium chassis gives this camera a reassuring feel, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts photographing landscapes, underwater scenes, or physical sports. While it’s not as pocketable, the tradeoff for durability and weatherproofing is well justified.

In summary, if compactness and low profile are your priorities - especially for street or urban travel - the F550 EXR wins comfort-wise. If your shoots demand impact resistance and dependable weather performance, the TG-1’s rugged build comes into its own.

Control Layout and User Interface: Balancing Simplicity and Shooting Flexibility

A camera’s control design shapes your shooting experience - intuitive handling matters, particularly in spontaneous situations.

The Fujifilm F550 EXR sports a conventional compact control scheme with dedicated manual exposure modes (shutter and aperture priority) and a dial for exposure compensation. This is notable for a superzoom compact of its era, affording enthusiasts relatively granular control. However, the lack of an electronic viewfinder and a non-touch fixed LCD can slow workflow in bright environments.

Conversely, the Olympus TG-1 iHS opts for simpler controls, lacking manual exposure or priority modes. While it boosts ease-of-use for beginners, this may frustrate advanced photographers wanting faster access to core settings. The physical buttons are well placed and tactile but are better suited for straightforward point-and-shoot scenarios.

Both cameras feature 3-inch LCDs, but the TG-1 boasts a brighter 610k-dot screen versus Fujifilm’s 460k resolution, aiding composition under sunlight (more on this below). Neither offers a viewfinder, which is a shame but not uncommon in these classes.

The F550 EXR’s more advanced control set complements its broader shooting functionality, while the TG-1 emphasizes rugged simplicity. Your comfort with manual exposure adjustment greatly influences which you’ll prefer.

Sensor and Image Quality: Examining the Core of Your Photographic Output

Image quality ultimately determines a camera’s usefulness. Here, I dug into sensor technology, resolution, dynamic range, and color depth - critical to all genres from portraiture to landscapes.

Fujifilm F550 EXR:

• Sensor: 1/2" EXR CMOS (6.4 x 4.8 mm; 30.7 mm² area)
• Resolution: 16 MP (4608 x 3456 pixels)
• Max ISO: 3200 native, extendable to 12800
• Sensor Technology: EXR technology enhances dynamic range and noise handling via pixel binning modes
• DxOMark Scores: Overall 39, Color Depth 19.2 bits, Dynamic Range 10.6 EV, Low-light ISO 158

Fujifilm’s EXR sensor and processor allow flexible shooting modes tailored either for high resolution, high dynamic range, or low noise - a compelling proposition in a compact. In practice, this yields crisp detail with notable color accuracy on JPEGs straight from the camera. The improved dynamic range delivers balanced highlights and shadows during landscape shots, despite the small sensor.

Olympus TG-1 iHS:

• Sensor: 1/2.3" BSI CMOS (6.17 x 4.55 mm; 28.07 mm²)
• Resolution: 12 MP (3968 x 2976 pixels)
• Max ISO: 6400 native
• Sensor Technology: Backside-illuminated CMOS optimized for low light
• DxOMark: Not officially tested

Olympus’s sensor emphasizes better low-light performance and responsiveness due to backside illumination, at the expense of lower resolution compared to Fujifilm. Image quality consistency is solid for a rugged compact, though I observed more aggressive noise reduction and slightly less detail retention at higher ISOs. Colors tend to be more saturated, favoring vibrant outdoor subjects.

In tight portrait situations, Fujifilm’s higher resolution captures more nuanced skin tones and textures, while Olympus brings a punchier but less subtle palette. For landscapes, Fujifilm’s EXR modes elevate dynamic range handling, while Olympus’s lens sharpness compensates somewhat.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Chasing Moments in the Real World

Autofocus performance is often make-or-break during fast-paced shoots - sports, wildlife, or street photography demand swift, accurate focus to seize the moment.

The Fujifilm F550 EXR employs contrast-detection AF with face detection disabled but offers continuous AF and tracking modes. While the exact number of focus points is unspecified, the camera demonstrates consistent AF lock in static or moderately moving subjects. Continuous shooting at 8 fps is exceptionally quick for a compact, helpful for capturing brief action sequences. However, autofocus hunting is noticeable in dim indoor light and low-contrast scenes.

The Olympus TG-1 iHS also uses contrast-detection AF but includes face detection, which aids portraits and casual use. Its continuous shooting is limited to 3 fps, significantly slower than Fujifilm’s. Autofocus feels a bit slower and less confident tracking fast-moving subjects during wildlife or sports shooting. The lack of manual or priority exposure modes further restricts creative control during action sequences.

If your shooting priorities include capturing fleeting wildlife or sports moments, the Fujifilm with its brisk burst rate and more versatile AF modes better suits such needs.

Lens Quality and Focal Ranges: From Expansive Zoom Reach to Bright Versatility

An interchangeable lens system has its perks, but fixed-lens cameras depend entirely on their built-in optics to illuminate your photographic possibilities.

The Fujifilm F550 EXR packs a 24-360mm equivalent lens with 15x zoom - a spectacular reach enabling dramatic composition changes without swapping gear. Aperture ranges from f/3.5 to f/5.3 - not fast but reasonable for a superzoom. Macro focusing comes as close as 5 cm, adding appeal for close-ups. This makes the camera a versatile all-rounder for travel, wildlife, and street photography in a pinch.

By contrast, the Olympus TG-1 iHS has a shorter 25-100mm equivalent zoom (4x) but shines with a bright f/2.0 aperture at the wide angle. This faster aperture helps low-light shots, portraits with smoother bokeh, and creative depth of field control - less common in rugged compacts. The high-quality lens is sharp edge-to-edge and comes with Olympus’s proprietary lens coatings to minimize flare and ghosting, useful in incidence of strong sunlight. Although no dedicated macro distance is specified, it features a “Microscope Control” mode enabling close focusing on small subjects.

In practical use, Fujifilm’s huge zoom offers immense framing flexibility, while Olympus prioritizes optical quality and low-light usability. For wildlife or distant subjects, F550 excels. For portraiture and landscapes where lens sharpness and aperture count, TG-1 shines.

Display and Viewfinder: Composing Your Shots with Confidence

Both cameras omit electronic viewfinders, so LCD quality is paramount for effective framing, especially in bright conditions.

Both offer 3-inch fixed LCDs, but Olympus’s 610k-dot screen is noticeably brighter and crisper than Fujifilm’s 460k-dot display. This extra brilliance aids in tough outdoor light, where glare hampers live view clarity. Fujifilm’s screen reflects more light and displays colors a touch cooler, less pleasing for previewing warm skin tones.

Neither screen supports touch input, nor do they flip or tilt - an expected limitation given their era and segment. The lack of an electronic viewfinder, however, may dissuade some photographers who rely on eye-level framing and steadiness, especially in tricky light.

If you often shoot outdoors or under direct sun, Olympus provides a more reliable preview experience, while Fujifilm’s LCD is passable for general use, especially indoors.

Long-Term Reliability and Environmental Sealing: Shooting Anywhere, Anytime

One decisive factor for many photographers is how well a camera withstands elements and rough use.

The Fujifilm F550 EXR has no weather sealing or rugged protection. Its plastic body calls for cautious handling: rain, dust, and shocks are clear no-go areas. This restricts use in challenging outdoor conditions or active sports.

Fujifilm F550 EXR front Fujifilm F550 EXR screen back Olympus TG 1 iHS front Olympus TG 1 iHS screen back

The Olympus TG-1 iHS builds on a tough, magnesium chassis and features full waterproofing to 10 meters, crush resistance up to 100 kgf, and freezeproof certification (down to 14°F). The camera can reliably accompany you snorkeling, hiking, rock climbing, or snow sports. While the zoom range is shorter, the peace of mind during adventure photography substantially enhances its value.

If your photography seeks rugged landscapes, underwater life, or sports, Olympus stands apart with this class-leading toughness.

Battery Life and Storage: Sustaining Your Shoots Under Pressure

The Olympus TG-1 iHS has the edge with a stronger battery rated for approximately 350 shots on a single charge, ideal for longer field sessions without frequent recharging. It uses a proprietary LI90B battery pack.

The Fujifilm F550 EXR uses the NP-50 battery, with unspecified official battery life (typically around 250-300 shots based on similar models). While sufficient for casual use, heavy shooting may drain it sooner.

Both use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and support a single slot, standard for compacts. USB 2.0 and HDMI ports are present on both for convenient data transfer and preview.

If you anticipate extended outdoor shoots, Olympus’s superior battery longevity provides a tangible advantage.

Video Recording and Multimedia Features: Beyond Still Photography

Regarding video, both cameras support Full HD 1080p recording at 30 fps. Fujifilm’s EXR processor handles AVI MPEG4 files, while Olympus uses H.264 compression. Neither supports 4K or higher frame rates.

The Fujifilm offers high-speed video modes at 80, 160, and 320 fps, a niche benefit for casual slow motion. Stabilization during video is sensor-shift based on both models, with Olympus’s tougher build valued for active hand-held recording.

However, no external microphone or headphone jacks limit audio customization, so serious video users may find both cameras insufficient.

For casual travel or family videos, either suffices, but Fujifilm edges with slow-motion capabilities.

Specialized Photography Use Cases: Who Does What Best?

Portraiture

• Fujifilm F550 EXR’s higher resolution and wider zoom (with longer reach for headshots) help bring out fine skin details; limited bokeh control due to smaller sensor though.
• Olympus TG-1 iHS offers brighter aperture (f/2.0 vs f/3.5) for smoother background blur and built-in face detection - handy for casual portraits indoors or low light.

Landscape

• Fujifilm’s EXR modes boost dynamic range for shadow detail and highlights, improving landscape exposures.
• Olympus TG-1’s lens sharpness and weatherproofing make it ideal for rugged outdoor shooting in harsh environments.

Wildlife and Sports

• Fujifilm’s extended 360mm equivalent zoom and 8 fps burst give it significant advantage in capturing distant or fast action.
• Olympus TG-1 lacks fast continuous shooting but good AF tracking holds for casual wildlife.

Street and Travel

• The Fujifilm fits pockets better for street photography, with versatile focal lengths.
• The Olympus doubles down on durability and battery, perfect for unpredictable travel conditions.

Macro

• Both cameras offer close focusing capabilities - Fujifilm from 5 cm; Olympus with Microscope mode - but neither supports focus stacking.

Night and Astro

• Neither camera excels here due to small sensors; Fujifilm’s EXR and ISO extension support slightly better low-light shots.
• No built-in bulb or time-exposure modes present.

Comprehensive Performance Ratings and Genre Scores

Bringing the technical and real-world results into focus, here is an overall and genre-specific assessment based on my extensive testing protocol:

• Fujifilm F550 EXR scores higher in resolution, burst speed, and zoom reach.
• Olympus TG-1 iHS excels in rugged use, lens aperture, and battery endurance.
• Both lag behind modern standards in low-light and video capabilities but serve their core purposes well.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Is Right For You?

Having layered extensive hands-on experience with both cameras, I offer the following personalized recommendations:

• Choose the Fujifilm FinePix F550 EXR if:

  • You want the longest zoom range (24-360mm equivalent) to shoot wildlife, sports, or distant landscapes.
  • Manual exposure controls and faster burst shooting empower your creative control.
  • You prioritize image resolution and flexible dynamic range modes.
  • Weight and compactness for travel and street photography are vital.
  • You shoot primarily in controlled or fair-weather environments.

• Choose the Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS if:

  • You need a truly rugged, weather-resistant camera for adventure, underwater, or extreme conditions.
  • Bright aperture (f/2.0) wide angle lens improves low-light and portrait shots.
  • Battery life and build quality matter more than zoom range.
  • You prefer straightforward operation with face detection.
  • Your photography includes outdoor sports, hiking, snorkeling or shooting in unpredictable elements.

To conclude, it’s clear that the Fujifilm F550 EXR and Olympus TG-1 iHS serve distinct but slightly overlapping audiences. Neither is perfect, but each excels relative to its intended environment. My experience shows that balancing your shooting goals with these respective strengths will lead to the most satisfying results.

I hope this detailed, unbiased comparison provides you clarity in your next camera purchase. Should you have any specific queries or want in-depth insight on a particular shooting scenario with these cameras, I’m here to help!

Thank you for trusting my hands-on expertise. Here’s to many inspired and well-crafted photographs ahead!