Olympus E-510 vs Olympus TG-820 iHS

Here, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-510 and Olympus TG-820 iHS, former is a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Waterproof and both of them are produced by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-510 (10MP) and the TG-820 iHS (12MP) is relatively well matched but the E-510 (Four Thirds) and TG-820 iHS (1/2.3") have different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-510 was introduced 5 years prior to the TG-820 iHS which is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-510 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Olympus TG-820 iHS being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a in-depth comparison, here is a concise view of how the E-510 grades vs the TG-820 iHS with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-510 & Olympus TG-820 iHS. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-510 Gallery & Olympus TG-820 iHS Gallery.

When you are going to carry around your camera often, you'll have to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-510 features physical measurements of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") with a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs) while the Olympus TG-820 iHS has sizing of 101mm x 65mm x 26mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.0") with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-510 and Olympus TG-820 iHS in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you select at that time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-510 compared to the TG-820 iHS.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the E-510 and TG-820 iHS is 69 and 92 respectively.

Generally, it is difficult to picture the contrast between sensor sizes only by looking at specifications. The picture here will help offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-510 and TG-820 iHS.

To sum up, both of those cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-510 with its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF simpler and the Olympus TG-820 iHS will resolve more detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures way more aggressively. The more aged E-510 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.