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Kodak Z1485 IS vs Olympus TG-630 iHS

Portability
91
Imaging
36
Features
25
Overall
31
Kodak EasyShare Z1485 IS front
 
Olympus TG-630 iHS front
Portability
94
Imaging
36
Features
34
Overall
35

Kodak Z1485 IS vs Olympus TG-630 iHS Key Specs

Kodak Z1485 IS
(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
Olympus TG-630 iHS
(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
Photography Glossary

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

Kodak Z1485 IS vs Olympus TG-630 iHS size comparison

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 vs Olympus TG-630 iHS top view buttons comparison

  • 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 Z1485 IS vs Olympus TG-630 iHS sensor size comparison

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

Kodak Z1485 IS vs Olympus TG-630 iHS Screen and Viewfinder comparison

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

Detailed spec comparison table for Kodak Z1485 IS and Olympus TG-630 iHS
 Kodak EasyShare Z1485 ISOlympus 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