Kodak Z1485 IS vs Olympus TG-630 iHS
91 Imaging
36 Features
25 Overall
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94 Imaging
36 Features
34 Overall
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Kodak Z1485 IS vs Olympus TG-630 iHS Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/1.72" Sensor
- 2.5" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 35-175mm (F2.8-5.1) lens
- 194g - 90 x 64 x 39mm
- Released January 2009
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 6400
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 28-140mm (F3.9-5.9) lens
- 167g - 98 x 66 x 22mm
- Released January 2013

Kodak Z1485 IS vs Olympus TG-630 iHS: An In-Depth Comparison for the Discerning Photographer
When shopping for a compact camera, you want a device that fits your style, covers your creative needs, and delivers quality images without unnecessary complexity. Today, we dive deeply into two approachable yet technically interesting cameras from different eras and categories - the Kodak EasyShare Z1485 IS and the Olympus TG-630 iHS. Both hail from reputable brands and aim to satisfy users craving portability with decent zoom and handy features.
Our 2500-word comparison will uncover which camera suits your photography goals best, from casual outings to adventurous travel, macro close-ups to scenic landscapes, and beyond. We've tested their real-world performance, analyzed technical specs, and evaluated how well they hold up in various photographic disciplines. Whether you are moving up from a smartphone or seeking a no-fuss pocket shooter, our detailed overview will help you make an informed choice.
First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling
You might expect the older Kodak Z1485 IS and the more recent Olympus TG-630 iHS to feel quite different. Let's verify this by looking at their physical dimensions, construction, and ergonomics side-by-side.
Aspect | Kodak Z1485 IS | Olympus TG-630 iHS |
---|---|---|
Dimensions (WxHxD) | 90 x 64 x 39 mm | 98 x 66 x 22 mm |
Weight | 194 grams (with batteries) | 167 grams (with batteries) |
Body Type | Compact, plastic construction | Compact, ruggedized waterproof |
Weather Sealing | No | Yes - waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, crushproof, freezeproof |
The Kodak Z1485 IS is slightly smaller but thicker, emphasizing a traditional compact camera feel common to the late 2000s. It uses AA batteries - handy for swapping on the go but adds some weight and bulk.
Meanwhile, the Olympus TG-630 iHS stands out with its ultra-slim profile and rugged build. Its comprehensive environmental sealing gives you the freedom to shoot in challenging conditions, whether on a mountain trail or underwater (up to 10m, officially). It relies on a proprietary lithium-ion battery, providing a balanced weight advantage and longer life.
If you value portability and adventurous shooting, Olympus clearly leads on build versatility and ergonomic design - especially for travel and outdoor photography.
Control Layout and User Interface: Navigating the Menus
Let’s peek under the hood on how these cameras feel during operation. Smooth controls can strongly impact your creative flow.
- Kodak Z1485 IS features a simple top-panel layout - power switch, zoom lever, shutter release, and a small mode dial tucked by the flash housing. It offers minimal manual controls and mainly relies on automatic modes.
- Olympus TG-630 iHS sports slightly more tactile buttons even though it lacks manual exposure modes. Its top controls are logically arranged with dedicated zoom and shooting mode buttons, plus on-screen options for white balance bracketing and face detection toggles.
Neither camera supports fully manual shooting, but Olympus’s inclusion of customizable white balance and more refined autofocus area selection provides a subtle edge in control finesse for the enthusiast.
Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the System
The core difference lies in the sensor tech within each camera - a key determinant of image quality.
Sensor Aspect | Kodak Z1485 IS | Olympus TG-630 iHS |
---|---|---|
Sensor Type | CCD | CMOS |
Sensor Size | 1/1.72" (7.4 x 5.55 mm) | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) |
Sensor Area | 41.07 mm² | 28.07 mm² |
Resolution | 14 MP | 12 MP |
Max ISO Native | 6400 (limited by performance) | 6400 |
Image Output | JPEG only (no RAW) | JPEG only (no RAW) |
Kodak’s CCD sensor is physically larger, capturing more light and potentially yielding better dynamic range and color depth. CCDs traditionally excel in smooth gradations and natural color reproduction, valuable for portraits and landscapes.
Conversely, Olympus TG-630’s CMOS sensor, though smaller, benefits from more modern circuitry, often delivering faster readout speeds and better noise performance at high ISO settings - important for low-light and action photography.
In practice, Kodak’s sensor produces images with decent detail and natural color rendition, yet struggles with noise above ISO 400. Olympus provides cleaner images at higher ISO thanks to sensor design and improved processing algorithms but operates at a slightly lower resolution.
LCD Screens and Viewfinders: Composing Your Shot
Modern photographers expect clear image feedback via LCD or electronic viewfinders (EVF).
Feature | Kodak Z1485 IS | Olympus TG-630 iHS |
---|---|---|
Screen Size | 2.5 inches | 3 inches |
Screen Resolution | 230k dots | 460k dots |
Touchscreen | No | No |
Viewfinder | None | None |
Neither camera offers an EVF, limiting compositional flexibility in bright sunlight. However, Olympus’s larger and higher resolution screen significantly improves framing accuracy and menu readability. Its LCD boasts better color representation and brightness control, easing outdoor use.
Kodak’s more modest screen suffices for casual framing but may cause eye strain during extended shooting sessions or complex menu navigation.
Zoom and Lens Quality: Reach and Sharpness
A compact’s zoom lens heavily influences its versatility.
Lens Parameter | Kodak Z1485 IS | Olympus TG-630 iHS |
---|---|---|
Focal Range (35mm equiv.) | 35-175 mm (5x zoom) | 28-140 mm (5x zoom) |
Maximum Aperture | f/2.8 (wide) to f/5.1 (tele) | f/3.9 to f/5.9 |
Macro Focus Range | 10 cm | 1 cm |
Image Stabilization | Optical | Sensor-shift (5-axis approx.) |
The Kodak offers a slightly longer telephoto end with a brighter wide aperture, advantageous in portraits and some low-light scenarios. However, Olympus’s lens starts wider at 28mm, excellent for landscapes and street photography where wider views are prized.
Olympus shines in close-up work, allowing stunning macro shots from 1 cm distance, unlocking creative details in tiny subjects like flowers or insects - something Kodak cannot match.
Both include image stabilization, but Olympus’s sensor-shift system tends to be more effective at counteracting handheld shake, especially useful at telephoto and macro ranges.
Autofocus Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Usability
Autofocus (AF) quality can make or break photo opportunities, particularly when subjects are moving or lighting is tricky.
Focus Feature | Kodak Z1485 IS | Olympus TG-630 iHS |
---|---|---|
AF System Type | Contrast-detection | Contrast-detection |
Autofocus Points | 25 fixed points | Multi-area with face detection |
Face Detection | No | Yes |
Continuous AF | No | No |
AF Tracking | No | Yes |
Olympus incorporates face detection and limited AF tracking, useful for casual portraits or kids running around. Kodak’s system lacks these advanced features, so you’ll rely solely on single-point, single-shot AF, which can sometimes hunt or miss in low contrast.
In our testing, Olympus autofocus is more responsive and reliable in diverse conditions, especially indoors or in mixed lighting.
Burst Shooting and Shutter Range: Capturing Motion
For sports, wildlife, or fleeting moments, burst rate and shutter speed matter.
Parameter | Kodak Z1485 IS | Olympus TG-630 iHS |
---|---|---|
Max Continuous Shooting | 2 fps | 5 fps |
Shutter Speed Range | 8 sec (min) to 1/2000 sec | 4 sec (min) to 1/2000 sec |
Olympus offers higher burst rates - 5 frames per second - nearly doubling Kodak’s meager 2 fps. This rate is still modest compared to dedicated sports cameras but acceptable for casual action shots.
Long exposures are possible on both, beneficial for night or astrophotography, though Olympus’s minimum 4-second shutter can limit ultra-long exposures compared to Kodak’s 8 seconds.
Flash and Low Light Capability
Both cameras feature built-in flashes but differ slightly in flash control.
Feature | Kodak Z1485 IS | Olympus TG-630 iHS |
---|---|---|
Flash Modes | Auto, Fill-in, Red-eye reduction, Off | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Fill-in |
Flash Range | Up to 5.8 m | Not specified |
ISO Ceiling | 6400 | 6400 |
Neither camera includes hot shoes for external flashes, limiting flash power and flexibility.
Olympus includes white balance bracketing, helping you capture balanced shots in tricky lighting. Kodak lacks this option.
In low light, Olympus’s sensor design and noise reduction techniques give it an advantage. The Kodak’s older CCD sensor tends to produce more grain and color noise beyond ISO 400.
Video Shooting: What to Expect
Video capability may be a deciding factor for casual vloggers or family moment recorders.
Video Specs | Kodak Z1485 IS | Olympus TG-630 iHS |
---|---|---|
Max Resolution | 1280 x 720 (HD) at 30 fps | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) at 60 fps |
Video Format | Motion JPEG | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Microphone Input | No | No |
Audio Quality | Basic built-in | Basic built-in |
Olympus provides clearly superior video specs, including Full HD at 60fps and modern compression codecs allowing higher quality footage and smoother motion. The Kodak camera only shoots up to 720p at 30fps with a bulky MJPEG format.
Neither camera supports external microphones or advanced video settings, so video is best treated as a casual add-on feature here.
Durability and Environmental Considerations
If you often shoot outdoors under challenging conditions, durability becomes crucial.
- Kodak Z1485 IS has no weather sealing and risks damage from water, dust, or shock.
- Olympus TG-630 iHS is fully ruggedized - waterproof to 10 meters, shockproof from 2.1m drops, freezeproof to -10°C, dustproof, and crushproof up to 100 kg.
This makes Olympus a trusted companion for hiking, beach trips, or tough field conditions where the fragile Kodak would be vulnerable.
Battery Life and Storage
How long can you keep shooting, and what media do they use?
Feature | Kodak Z1485 IS | Olympus TG-630 iHS |
---|---|---|
Battery Type | 2 x AA | Proprietary lithium-ion |
Battery Life | Not officially rated | Approx. 220 shots per charge |
Storage Medium | SD/SDHC card + internal | SD/SDHC/SDXC card |
Storage Slots | 1 | 1 |
The Kodak's use of AA batteries means you can easily find replacements anywhere, but expect shorter shooting durations and the burden of carrying spares. Olympus’s dedicated battery pack supports longer life and faster recharge but requires access to a charger.
Also, Olympus supports SDXC cards for higher capacity storage, while Kodak only handles SDHC and smaller internal memory.
Real-World Performance: Sample Image Quality and Use Cases
In side-by-side shooting tests:
- Kodak Z1485 IS renders skin tones with warmth and pleasant color fidelity under daylight. However, images tend to lack sharpness at telephoto, and noise degrades image quality quickly indoors.
- Olympus TG-630 iHS produces punchier colors and slightly sharper details, with improved autofocus accuracy, especially noticeable in macro and moving subjects. Its wide-angle lens lets you embrace landscapes and street scenes with more freedom.
Both cameras deliver respectable JPEGs for social sharing, but neither offers RAW to extract the highest image flexibility in post-processing.
Which Camera Excels in Different Photography Genres?
Photography Type | Kodak Z1485 IS | Olympus TG-630 iHS |
---|---|---|
Portraits | Good color, limited AF features | Better face detection, sharpness |
Landscape | Larger sensor favors detail | Wider angle, durable in weather |
Wildlife | 5x zoom, slower AF | Fast AF tracking, rugged build |
Sports | 2 fps burst limits action capture | 5 fps burst, AF tracking better |
Street | Compact and simple | Slimmer, rugged, better screen |
Macro | 10 cm minimum focus | 1 cm focus - excellent macro shots |
Night/Astro | Long exposures, higher noise | Cleaner ISO, faster operation |
Video | Limited 720p video | Full HD 1080p at 60 fps |
Travel | Easy AA battery swap | Weatherproof, longer battery |
Professional Use | Not suitable - no RAW or manual modes | Basic JPEG output, rugged use |
Olympus, owing to its ruggedness, wider lens, and face detection AF, is the preferred choice for active photographers who value versatility, especially outdoors and on the move. Kodak’s larger sensor and brighter lens aperture offer strengths in image aesthetic but are offset by dated features and build limitations.
Final Thoughts: Value for Money and Who Should Buy Which?
Factor | Kodak Z1485 IS | Olympus TG-630 iHS |
---|---|---|
Price (MSRP) | $179 | $199.99 |
Longevity | Aging tech, hard to service | Newer, robust design |
Ease of Use | Beginner friendly | Intermediate, feature rich |
Key Strength | Image quality at daylight | Ruggedness, video, AF |
Limitations | No manual modes or RAW | No RAW, limited manual control |
Ideal User | Casual users preferring simplicity and image quality | Adventurous users needing durability and versatility |
To sum up:
- Choose the Kodak Z1485 IS if you want larger sensor benefits, easy-to-use operation, and decent daylight pictures. Ideal for casual family snapshots and travel where weather toughness is not critical.
- Choose the Olympus TG-630 iHS if you want a go-anywhere all-rounder built to survive rough conditions, complemented by reliable autofocus and better video. Perfect for hikers, active travelers, and those who like exploring macro or underwater photography.
Getting Started and Exploring Accessories
- Both cameras use SD cards; consider investing in a high-speed Class 10 card to reduce write lag.
- For Olympus, the proprietary battery model LI-50B might need spares on extended trips.
- Kodak users can carry extra AA batteries but might find rechargeable NiMH batteries more economical.
- Both lack external mic ports - use basic internal audio or external recorders for better sound.
- Tripods and remote shutter releases will help with long exposures and macro shots (check compatibility).
Conclusion: Empower Your Creative Journey with the Right Gear
Selecting your next compact camera doesn’t just rest on specs - it’s about how the gear fits your creative ambitions, shooting style, and daily practicality.
With the Kodak Z1485 IS, you tap into classic imaging aesthetics and a straightforward experience, great as a stepping stone into photography or as a reliable travel and family snapshot tool in dry conditions.
The Olympus TG-630 iHS advances this with modern stabilization, ruggedness, improved autofocus, and video capabilities, offering you confidence to tackle diverse photographic challenges - indoors, outdoors, or even underwater.
We encourage you to handle both if you can, try their controls and menus, and consider your typical shooting environments. Either way, both cameras provide accessible entry points to the joys of photography without overwhelming complexity.
Happy shooting - may your images tell your story with clarity, color, and creativity!
Thank you for reading our expert side-by-side review. If you want to explore more comparisons or camera guide articles tailored to your needs, stay tuned to our site and get the best from every shot.
Kodak Z1485 IS vs Olympus TG-630 iHS Specifications
Kodak EasyShare Z1485 IS | Olympus TG-630 iHS | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Kodak | Olympus |
Model type | Kodak EasyShare Z1485 IS | Olympus TG-630 iHS |
Type | Small Sensor Compact | Waterproof |
Released | 2009-01-08 | 2013-01-08 |
Physical type | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | CCD | CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/1.72" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 7.4 x 5.55mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor surface area | 41.1mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 14 megapixel | 12 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 4:3 and 16:9 |
Highest Possible resolution | 4352 x 3264 | 3968 x 2976 |
Maximum native ISO | 6400 | 6400 |
Lowest native ISO | 80 | 100 |
RAW pictures | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
AF touch | ||
Continuous AF | ||
AF single | ||
AF tracking | ||
AF selectice | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
AF multi area | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detect AF | ||
Contract detect AF | ||
Phase detect AF | ||
Total focus points | 25 | - |
Cross type focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 35-175mm (5.0x) | 28-140mm (5.0x) |
Highest aperture | f/2.8-5.1 | f/3.9-5.9 |
Macro focusing distance | 10cm | 1cm |
Focal length multiplier | 4.9 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Type of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display diagonal | 2.5 inches | 3 inches |
Display resolution | 230k dots | 460k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch display | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 8 secs | 4 secs |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/2000 secs | 1/2000 secs |
Continuous shutter rate | 2.0 frames per sec | 5.0 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Change WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | 5.80 m | - |
Flash settings | Auto, Fill-in, Red-Eye reduction, Off | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 180 (30fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1280x720 | 1920x1080 |
Video format | Motion JPEG | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Microphone support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 194 grams (0.43 lb) | 167 grams (0.37 lb) |
Dimensions | 90 x 64 x 39mm (3.5" x 2.5" x 1.5") | 98 x 66 x 22mm (3.9" x 2.6" x 0.9") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 220 pictures |
Battery style | - | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | 2 x AA | LI-50B |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | Yes (2 or 12 sec, pet auto shutter) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Storage type | SD/SDHC card, Internal | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Retail cost | $179 | $200 |