Olympus E-M10 vs. TG-820 iHS: Detailed Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

Selecting the right camera hinges on understanding nuanced differences tailored to specific photographic disciplines and usage scenarios. Here we undertake a deep dive into two Olympus models targeting distinct market segments: the Olympus OM-D E-M10 (an entry-level mirrorless system camera announced in 2014) and the Olympus TG-820 iHS (a rugged waterproof compact launched in 2012). Both cameras aim to serve different purposes and audiences, yet share certain commonalities as Olympus products. Drawing on extensive hands-on testing and data analysis informed by industry-standard protocols, this article elucidates their strengths, limitations, real-world performance, and appropriateness across a wide range of photography genres.

Design and Ergonomics: Handling and Build Quality Beyond First Impressions

At first glance, the Olympus E-M10 and TG-820 differ fundamentally in their physical approach. The E-M10, fashioned in SLR-style mirrorless form factor, boasts a solid grip facilitating stability with interchangeable lenses, while the TG-820’s compact design embodies extreme portability with rugged construction designed for harsh environments.

• Dimensions & Weight: The E-M10 measures 119x82x46 mm and weighs 396 g (body only), nearly doubling the TG-820’s 101x65x26 mm and 206 g. This disparity underscores divergent priorities; the E-M10 favors handling comfort when paired with substantial lenses, whereas the TG-820 emphasizes pocketability.

• Build Quality and Weather Resistance: The TG-820 excels in environmental sealing, offering comprehensive waterproofing, dustproofing, shockproofing, crushproofing, and freezeproofing certifications. This makes it reliable in trauma-inducing situations - underwater, snowy conditions, or rugged treks. The E-M10, however, lacks any weather sealing, reflecting its entry-level enthusiast positioning requiring cautious use in adverse conditions.

• Ergonomics and User Interface: The E-M10’s control layout (see top-view-compare.jpg below) provides dedicated dials for exposure adjustments, an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 100% coverage at 1440 resolution, and a 3" tilting touchscreen for flexible composition. In contrast, the TG-820 compensates for its small size with a fixed 3" screen (non-touch) and button-centric controls optimized for straightforward operation, but has no EVF.

From an ergonomics standpoint, the E-M10 favors photographers who value tactile control and extended shooting comfort, critical for prolonged assignments or deliberate manual work. The TG-820 caters to users prioritizing durability and simplicity over complex settings access.

Imaging Hardware: Sensor Technology and Image Quality Trade-offs

The core imaging components - sensor size, resolution, and processing - largely dictate image quality potential.

• Sensor Size and Resolution: The E-M10 employs a Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, equating to approx. 225 mm² sensor area, with 16 MP native resolution. Conversely, the TG-820’s 1/2.3" sensor measures just 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28 mm²), with 12 MP resolution. This marked sensor size difference translates directly into superior dynamic range, noise handling, and overall image quality for the E-M10.

• Image Processing: The E-M10 benefits from the TruePic VII processor, Olympus’s then state-of-the-art engine enhancing noise reduction and color fidelity, while the TG-820 uses the older TruePic VI. The newer processor supports better low-light algorithms and tonal gradations.

• Image Quality Metrics: According to DxOMark measurements, the E-M10 achieves an overall score of 72, with color depth at 22.8 bits, dynamic range at 12.3 EV, and low-light ISO performance rated at 884. The TG-820 remains untested by DxOMark but given its sensor constraints and older processor, its color depth and dynamic range are significantly lower, with higher noise at ISO beyond 400.

• Anti-Aliasing Filters: Both cameras implement AA filters, which balance fine detail capture against moiré occurrence.

Practically, the E-M10's sensor architecture grants photographers greater flexibility in post-processing and results in higher fidelity images especially in complex lighting situations - vital for portrait and landscape applications. The TG-820, suitable for casual snapshots and extreme conditions, produces acceptable images within daylight but struggles with low light and wide dynamic range scenes.

Autofocus Systems: Precision Versus Simplicity

Autofocus (AF) performance is pivotal across almost all photographic disciplines, critically influencing success in fast-paced environments.

• Olympus E-M10 AF: The E-M10’s hybrid contrast-based AF system comprises 81 focus points, including eye detection, face detection, center weighted modes, and continuous/ tracking AF modes. It supports touch AF for intuitive focusing on the LCD. However, it lacks phase detection AF points, which limits speed compared to state-of-the-art systems but remains competent in daylight and moderate movement.

• Olympus TG-820 AF: In contrast, the TG-820 relies solely on contrast-detection AF with no phase detection. It has fewer AF modes, no touch-focusing, and no manual focus. Face detection is integrated but AF speed is limited, with a tendency toward hunting in low contrast or low light. Continuous AF is not supported, but AF tracking is available in limited capacity.

In real-world testing, the E-M10 consistently focuses quicker and more accurately, especially useful for portraiture with eye detection and wildlife or sports photography where tracking moving subjects is essential. The TG-820’s AF suffices for stationary subjects and general snapshots but is less reliable for dynamic scenes.

Viewfinders and Screens: Framing and Usability Under Diverse Conditions

Image composition demands effective viewfinding options tailored to shooting scenarios.

• E-M10 features a bright electronic viewfinder with 0.58x magnification and 100% coverage, ideal for bright daylight, precision manual focus, and composition robustness. The 3" tilting touchscreen (1037k dots) enables shooting from creative angles and rapid menu navigation.

• The TG-820 omits a viewfinder entirely, providing only a fixed 3" screen with HyperCrystal III TFT technology (1030k dots), supporting clear outdoor visibility but lacking tilt or touch functionality.

For street and travel photography where discreet eye-level framing may be beneficial, the E-M10’s EVF is a definite advantage. The TG-820’s screen suffices for casual use, though the lack of articulation limits creative shooting angles.

Build Versatility: Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

• The Olympus E-M10 offers Micro Four Thirds mount compatibility, enabling access to over 100 native lenses (wide-angle, standard zoom, telephoto, macro, tilt-shift) from Olympus and third-party manufacturers. This flexibility enables customization for diverse photography genres, including macro with specialized optics or wildlife with long telephotos.

• The TG-820 incorporates a fixed 28-140 mm (35mm equivalent focal length) 5x zoom lens with a varied maximum aperture of f/3.9-5.9. Its macro focus range reaches a close 1 cm for detailed close-ups but lacks the option to swap lenses or use telephoto glass.

Lens system divergence dramatically shapes user potential: the E-M10 serves as a comprehensive creative tool while the TG-820 delivers simplicity, ideal for travelers or adventure shooters uninterested in lens swapping.

Shutter and Burst Capabilities: Capturing Motion

• The E-M10’s shutter speed ranges from 60 s to 1/4000 s, with an 8 fps continuous shooting mode, adequate for fast action like sports or wildlife to a moderate degree.

• The TG-820 offers shutter speeds between 4 s and 1/2000 s and slower continuous burst shooting at 5 fps, aligning better with casual photography rather than professional sports needs.

Higher shutter speed ceilings and burst rates in the E-M10 support freezing rapid motion and creating action sequences, increasing its utility in demanding scenarios.

Image Stabilization: Sensor-Based vs. Sensor-Shift Systems

Both cameras employ sensor-based image stabilization:

• The E-M10 uses 5-axis sensor-shift stabilization, compensating for pitch, yaw, roll, and translational movements - very effective in maintaining sharpness with longer lenses or handheld night photography.

• The TG-820 also offers sensor-shift stabilization but within the limits of a compact fixed lens system and less sophisticated implementation.

Strong image stabilization favors handheld low-light and macro photography and video shooting, with the E-M10’s system delivering more robust performance.

Video Capabilities: Resolution, Codecs, and Usability

• The E-M10 records Full HD 1920 x 1080 at 30 fps using H.264 and Motion JPEG codecs. Its tilting screen and manual exposure control through shooting modes provide creative flexibility. However, it lacks microphone and headphone jacks, limiting audio control.

• The TG-820 also records 1080p video at 30 fps employing MPEG-4 and H.264 formats but only allows for fully automatic exposure with no manual adjustment.

Neither camera supports 4K, which is standard in more recent cameras; however, the E-M10’s video feature set is more sophisticated and suited to enthusiasts.

Battery and Storage: Sustainability in the Field

• The E-M10 uses BLS-5 battery packs supplying approximately 320 shots per charge, typical for mirrorless systems utilizing EVFs and powerful processors.

• The TG-820, with the LI-50B battery, offers roughly 220 images per charge, reflective of compact camera efficiencies but limited capacity for extended shooting in remote environments.

Both cameras accept standard SD/SDHC/SDXC card media, but only one slot each, which may be a consideration for professional use demanding redundancy.

Connectivity and Additional Features

• The E-M10 offers built-in Wi-Fi connectivity enabling wireless image transfer and remote control. It supports HDMI output and USB 2.0 but lacks Bluetooth or NFC.

• The TG-820 does not feature wireless connectivity, limiting on-the-go sharing or remote operation.

• GPS functionality is optional for the E-M10 but absent in the TG-820.

Wireless features have become essential for modern workflow flexibility; the E-M10 noticeably outpaces the TG-820 in this regard.

Performance Ratings and Genre Suitability

Aggregated performance scores and genre-specific assessments (below images) shed light on application-specific strengths.

Olympus E M10 front Olympus E M10 screen back Olympus TG 820 iHS front Olympus TG 820 iHS screen back

Portraits

• E-M10: Superior skin tone rendering and bokeh quality thanks to a larger sensor and interchangeable lenses with wide apertures. Eye detection AF enhances sharpness on critical focus points.

• TG-820: Adequate for casual selfies or snapshots but limited background separation and softer details reduce portraiture impact.

Landscapes

• E-M10: Strong dynamic range preserves shadow/highlight details; high resolution for large prints.

• TG-820: Limited dynamic range and resolution reduce versatility in landscape photography.

Wildlife

• E-M10: Continuous AF and 8 fps burst enable capturing action; telephoto lenses required.

• TG-820: Limited focal length and slower AF restrict suitability.

Sports

• E-M10: Fast AF and burst rate advantageous for amateur sports.

• TG-820: Not optimal for fast-paced scenarios.

Street Photography

• E-M10: Bulkier size reduces discretion; EVF aids composition.

• TG-820: Compact, durable and discreet, suited for environmental challenges.

Macro

• E-M10: Compatible with specialized macro lenses; image stabilization assists.

• TG-820: 1 cm macro focus effective but limited by sensor performance.

Night / Astro

• E-M10: Larger sensor and long shutter speeds facilitate superior low-light photography.

• TG-820: Limited ISO range; less effective in dark conditions.

Video

• E-M10: More manual controls; higher quality output.

• TG-820: Basic video functions.

Travel

• E-M10: Versatile but heavier.

• TG-820: Waterproof and rugged; perfect for adventurous travel.

Professional Work

• E-M10: Raw file support, lens choices, and workflow integration make it suitable for pros on a budget or as a backup.

• TG-820: Limited controls and image quality exclude it from professional contexts.

Conclusion and Recommendations

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 and TG-820 iHS serve fundamentally different needs shaped by their technical underpinnings and design intent.

• Choose the Olympus E-M10 if:

  • You require a flexible, expandable system capable of tackling diverse photography disciplines including portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and low-light scenarios.
  • Manual exposure modes, eye-detection autofocus, and extensive lens options are priorities.
  • You need integrated Wi-Fi for workflow efficiency.
  • You accept a larger form factor and lack of environmental sealing in exchange for superior image quality.

• Opt for the Olympus TG-820 iHS if:

  • Your primary use involves rugged environments - underwater, extreme weather, or shock-prone situations.
  • Portability, ease of use, and durability outweigh image quality priorities.
  • You want a straightforward point-and-shoot camera that can withstand adventure travel.
  • Connectivity and advanced controls are not critical.

This clear demarcation at a technical and practical level should help serious buyers make informed choices. The E-M10 remains a cost-effective mirrorless gateway with commendable image quality and control, while the TG-820 fills a niche for extreme-condition photography requiring minimal babysitting. Neither substitutes the other, but together they illustrate Olympus’s varied approach to addressing distinct user requirements.

By blending hands-on testing insights with comprehensive technical evaluation, this analysis aims to offer photographers an authoritative guide to choosing between these two Olympus models based on their specific creative contexts and performance expectations.