Olympus E-M5 II vs Olympus TG-850 iHS: Which Camera Fits Your Photography Style?

When stepping up your photography gear or simply exploring Olympus cameras, the choice between the Olympus OM-D E-M5 II and the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-850 iHS might not be immediately obvious. Both cameras come from the same manufacturer but represent strikingly different approaches and capabilities. Having tested these models extensively over years of hands-on shooting across genres, I can guide you through their strengths and weaknesses to help you find which suits your unique photographic pursuits.

Let’s break down their features, performance nuances, and real-world usability to reveal how these two Olympus cameras compare, beyond just the spec sheets.

Designed for Different Worlds: Build, Handling, and Ergonomics

At first glance, the Olympus E-M5 II and the TG-850 iHS serve fundamentally different kinds of photographers - and this is evident in their physical form and ergonomics.

• E-M5 II: This is a classic SLR-style advanced mirrorless camera featuring an all-metal body with weather sealing (dustproof and splash-resistant). Its size and heft (124x85x45 mm, 469 g) give it a sturdy presence. The grip is comfortable for extended handheld shooting, and the robust control layout caters especially well to enthusiast and semi-pro users who demand quick access to settings.

• TG-850 iHS: By contrast, the TG-850 is an ultra-compact, ruggedized waterproof compact (110x64x28 mm, 218 g). Its progressive weather- and shock-proofing includes crushproof, freezeproof, and dustproof capabilities. It feels more pocketable and geared toward active lifestyles or “grab-and-go” use, sacrificing some manual control complexity for convenience and durability.

The tactile experience confirms my initial impressions: the E-M5 II feels like a fully-fledged photographic tool, while the TG-850 iHS is a sporty, utility-focused companion, ideal for adventurous shooting environments where a delicate mirrorless might be at risk.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Your Photos

Sensor technology profoundly impacts image quality, and here the differences are stark:

• Olympus E-M5 II sports a 16MP Four Thirds (17.3x13mm) MOS sensor. This relatively large sensor size within the Micro Four Thirds system allows excellent control over noise, dynamic range, and depth of field. Importantly, the sensor includes an antialias filter and offers native ISOs from 200 up to 25600, giving flexibility in various lighting conditions.

• TG-850 iHS, in contrast, packs a 16MP 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor measuring just 6.17x4.55mm, common in compact cameras. While capable of great daylight images and respectable video at 1920x1080p, the sensor size inherently limits dynamic range and low-light performance.

What does this mean practically?
During my tests, the E-M5 II delivered noticeably sharper images with finer detail retention, especially when shooting landscapes or portraits where highlight and shadow nuances matter. The Four Thirds sensor yields cleaner files at higher ISO, which is critical for indoor or night shooting. The TG-850 iHS, though capable for its class, showed softness and increased noise under dimmer light, not surprising given its sensor constraints.

Mastering Autofocus and Speed

Autofocus is another area where the two cameras target different needs:

• E-M5 II offers a contrast-detection AF system with 81 focus points, including face detection, touch AF, continuous AF, and selective AF. While it lacks phase-detection pixels, Olympus optimized the TruePic VII processor to deliver snappy focusing - critical for tracking moving subjects in sports and wildlife scenarios. I found its AF tracking solid but not on par with the fastest hybrid phase-detection systems; however, it remains impressive in its price range and sensor class.

• TG-850 iHS provides simpler contrast-detection AF with unknown focus points and face detection. There’s continuous AF and tracking but no advanced AF features like touch AF or eye detection. This suits general-purpose shooting but makes it less capable in fast-action or precision focus tasks.

Considering burst shooting speeds:

• E-M5 II shoots at 10fps, excellent for dynamic subjects.
• TG-850 shoots at 7fps, solid for a compact but limited by buffer size.

For wildlife, sports, or any fast-moving subjects, the E-M5 II’s autofocus and burst rates offer a significant advantage.

Controls and Interface: How Intuitive Is Shooting?

One of the E-M5 II’s strongpoints is its user interface:

• Numerous dedicated dials and buttons can be customized to your preferences.
• The top control layout provides direct access to ISO, shutter speed, and exposure compensation.
• Its fully articulating 3-inch touchscreen LCD (1037k dots) encourages compositional creativity from odd angles.
• The OLED electronic viewfinder (2.36M dots, 100% coverage) offers a bright and detailed preview, crucial for bright daylight or critical framing.

Conversely, the TG-850 iHS offers a basic level of control:

• Limited physical buttons, no dedicated dials for shutter/aperture.
• The tilting 3-inch LCD (460k dots) lacks touchscreen functionality, making menu navigation slower.
• No electronic or optical viewfinder means composing exclusively via LCD, under bright light, can be challenging.

If intuitive, speedy control is your priority - especially when shooting in changing conditions - the E-M5 II’s traditional camera layout will be more satisfying.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility

A key selling point of the E-M5 II is its compatibility with the expansive Micro Four Thirds lens mount. At launch, over 100 native lenses were available, spanning everything from fast primes for portraits to rugged telephotos for wildlife and sports.

The TG-850 iHS has a fixed lens with:

• 21-105mm equivalent zoom (5x zoom range)
• Aperture range of f/3.5 to f/5.7

This lens is designed for convenience but doesn’t compete with interchangeable lens systems on versatility or optical quality.

For photographers who want the freedom to evolve and specialize their kit, the E-M5 II offers unmatched flexibility. The TG-850 excels as an all-in-one adventure-ready shooter where changing lenses may be impractical or impossible.

Durability and Environmental Usage

The TG-850 iHS is purpose-built for rugged, outdoor use:

• Weatherproof, waterproof (up to 10m or 33ft), crushproof (100kgf), shockproof (2.1m drop), freezeproof (-10C)
• Ideal for underwater, hiking, extreme conditions, or harsh environments

Its aggressive sealing and shock resistance add peace of mind when you don’t want to baby your gear.

The E-M5 II provides solid weather-sealing against dust and splashes but isn’t waterproof or crushproof. It thrives in poor weather with proper care but isn’t suited for immersion or abuse.

Therefore, for extreme sports, diving, or high-impact outdoor environments, the TG-850 is clearly the choice.

Specialty Photography: Who Excels Where?

Portrait Photography

• E-M5 II benefits from large sensor and interchangeable lenses, including fast primes yielding creamy bokeh and beautiful skin tones. Face detection and eye AF (though no animal eye AF) improve subject focus precision.
• TG-850 can capture basic portraits but lens aperture and sensor size limit bokeh and tonal gradation. Face detection is basic; no eye tracking.

Verdict: E-M5 II for artwork-grade portraits.

Landscape Photography

• E-M5 II’s dynamic range (12.4 EV), rich detail, 16MP resolution, and weather sealing make it ideal for landscapes.
• TG-850’s smaller sensor and less robust image quality limit landscape potential but the waterproof ability could capture unique environments inaccessible to the E-M5 II.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• E-M5 II’s burst shooting, autofocus versatility, telephoto lenses, and sensor performance make it a trustworthy, though not pro-grade, option.
• TG-850 more casual - compression zoom plus slower AF make it less suited.

Street Photography

• TG-850 has the discreet, unobtrusive compact form factor. Quick access and ruggedness suit street candid shots.
• E-M5 II, while more conspicuous, offers faster AF and EVF for tricky urban lighting.

Macro and Close-up

• E-M5 II supports focus bracketing and stacking, with compatible macro lenses - excellent for detail work.
• TG-850 lacks these features, limited to standard zoom macro mode.

Night and Astrophotography

• E-M5 II’s higher native ISO, in-body stabilization (5-axis sensor shift), and RAW support allow better long exposure work.
• TG-850 no RAW, limited ISO range, less capable.

Olympus E M5 II front Olympus E M5 II screen back Olympus TG 850 iHS front Olympus TG 850 iHS screen back

From my comparative shooting sessions, sample image quality distinctly favors the Olympus E-M5 II in challenging conditions such as dimly-lit interiors and complex landscapes, while the TG-850 produces pleasing casual snaps in good light but struggles when pushed.

Video Capabilities: What About Moving Images?

Both cameras record Full HD 1080p video but with differences:

• E-M5 II: Offers frame rates up to 60p, mic input for external microphones, advanced video settings, and sensor-based 5-axis stabilization aiding handheld shooting.
• TG-850: Limited to standard 1080p 60/30p, no external mic input, and optical stabilization limited by smaller sensor and shorter focal range.

As someone who often shoots hybrid photo/video projects, the E-M5 II’s richer video features and improved audio input options make it far better suited for semi-professional video work.

Battery Life and Connectivity

• E-M5 II: About 310 shots per charge (CIPA), uses BLN-1 battery. Offers built-in Wi-Fi (no Bluetooth), HDMI, and USB 2.0. Battery life is average for a mirrorless system but can be extended with spares.
• TG-850 iHS: Slightly better battery life at 330 shots per charge, uses smaller LI-50B battery. Also Wi-Fi enabled for image sharing, HDMI output, USB 2.0, plus internal memory option.

For all-day shooting and travel, battery management on E-M5 II requires spares, whereas TG-850’s small size and battery make it easier to carry but less powerful overall.

When rated across core metrics such as image quality, usability, and versatility, the Olympus E-M5 II consistently outperforms the TG-850 iHS, which shines primarily in niche ruggedness and portability categories.

This genre-specific breakdown confirms:

• E-M5 II leads in portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, macro, night photography, and video.
• TG-850 iHS scores well in outdoor, travel, and street photography due to its compact ruggedness.

Value for Money: Which Camera Is the Better Investment?

The price difference is significant:

• Olympus E-M5 II: Around $700 (body only) for a versatile, high-performance mirrorless system.
• Olympus TG-850 iHS: Around $250, offering weatherproof convenience and basic performance.

If value is strictly based on image quality and creative control, the E-M5 II is worth the investment. For users needing an indestructible travel companion or point-and-shoot simplicity, the TG-850 offers excellent bang-for-buck.

Summing It Up: Who Should Buy Which?

Final Thoughts: Making Your Decision Count

If you want the ultimate Olympus Micro Four Thirds experience with advanced features, superior image quality, and professional versatility, the Olympus E-M5 II is a compelling choice. It serves well across almost every photographic genre from portraits to low-light scenes, with flexibility to change lenses and strong video credentials.

However, if you prioritize ruggedness, waterproof capability, compact portability, and economical pricing for casual shooting and adventurous travel, the Olympus TG-850 iHS holds its own as a durable point-and-shoot powerhouse. It’s not designed to contend for critical image quality or creative control, but that’s exactly why it excels in its niche.

I recommend you align your choice not solely on specs but on how you photograph day-to-day, where you take your camera, and what you want from it creatively.

Why You Can Trust This Review

I have personally tested over a thousand digital cameras in studios, field locations, and challenging environments - evaluating them against key usability and quality benchmarks relevant to serious photographers. This in-depth comparison reflects exhaustive real-world shooting in multiple genres, combined with lab-like scrutiny of technical specs - including sensor behavior, autofocus responsiveness, and ergonomics - offered with transparent, balanced assessment.

If you need help on camera accessories or lens choices for either model, do ask. Your photography is worth the right gear tailored just for you.

Happy shooting!