Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus TG-850 iHS

On this page, we will be matching up the Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus TG-850 iHS, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Waterproof and both of them are sold by Olympus. There exists a sizeable gap between the image resolutions of the E-P1 (12MP) and TG-850 iHS (16MP) and the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and TG-850 iHS (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor sizes.

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The E-P1 was launched 5 years earlier than the TG-850 iHS and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus TG-850 iHS being a Compact camera.

Before getting right into a detailed comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the E-P1 grades vs the TG-850 iHS in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P1 and Olympus Stylus Tough TG-850 iHS. The complete galleries are available at Olympus E-P1 Gallery and Olympus TG-850 iHS Gallery.

When you are planning to lug around your camera regularly, you will need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P1 features physical measurements of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") along with a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) while the Olympus TG-850 iHS has measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.1") and a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus TG-850 iHS in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you choose during that time. Following is a front view scale comparison of the E-P1 against the TG-850 iHS.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-P1 and TG-850 iHS is 86 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to envision the gap between sensor measurements just by reading through technical specs. The visual underneath will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P1 and TG-850 iHS.

As you have seen, the two cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-P1 because of its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF less difficult and the Olympus TG-850 iHS will give you more detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs more aggressively. The older E-P1 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.