Olympus E-PL2 vs. Olympus TG-630 iHS: A Real-World, Expert Comparison

When Olympus announced the PEN E-PL2 back in early 2011 and later the TG-630 iHS in 2013, they targeted vastly different audiences and use cases, despite both bearing the Olympus badge. Nearly a decade on, I’ve tested both extensively in the field, and this side-by-side comparison aims to cut straight through specs and hype to reveal which camera suits your photographic ambitions - whether you're an entry-level enthusiast, an adventure photographer, or somewhere in between.

Through detailed analysis covering handling, sensor technology, shooting disciplines, and more, we'll explore how these two distinctly different cameras stack up on real-world performance, day-to-day usability, and value for money.

Distinct Designs for Distinct Dreams

At first glance, the Olympus E-PL2 and TG-630 couldn’t be more different physically. The E-PL2 follows the classic rangefinder-style mirrorless design, while the TG-630 is an ultra-compact, ruggedized waterproof shooter.

Handling and Ergonomics

The E-PL2’s larger, boxy shape (114x72x42 mm, 362g) offers a solid feel with reasonable grip for a mirrorless of its day. Its layout provides traditional control dials and buttons, essential for photographers who like to twist and tweak their settings on the fly. The Micro Four Thirds lens mount brings versatility - interchangeable lenses unlock creative possibilities unparalleled by fixed-lens cameras.

The TG-630’s compact shell (98x66x22 mm, 167g) allows for genuinely pocketable use - critical when hiking or diving. It’s notably streamlined, with no external viewfinder, and controls pared back for casual shooting. One advantage: rugged weather sealing means it can play in conditions where the E-PL2 simply cannot go.

Between the two, the ergonomics strongly favor the E-PL2 for controlled photography sessions requiring manual override and lens changes; the TG-630 wins hands-down on portability and peace of mind in challenging environments.

Sensor and Image Quality: An Epic Battle from Two Worlds

Both cameras claim 12 megapixels, but their sensor architecture and resultant image quality are fundamentally different beasts.

Sensor Specifications and Technology

The E-PL2 employs a Four Thirds-sized CMOS sensor measuring 17.3x13 mm with a 2.1x crop factor, yielding a sensor area around 225 mm². This fairly large sensor, combined with the TruePic V processor, delivers good dynamic range (DxOmark score 10.2) and respectable color depth (21.4 bits). It benefits from sensor-based image stabilization, a boon in low light and macro scenarios.

In contrast, the TG-630 uses a tiny 1/2.3” CMOS sensor at 6.17x4.55 mm (about 28 mm²), which is only a small fraction of the E-PL2’s area. This smaller sensor, typical of rugged compacts, struggles more with noise at high ISO and has limited dynamic range. Color depth and low-light performance are understandably inferior - no DxO test data is available, but real-world shots confirm this.

Resolution and Output Quality

The E-PL2 maxes out at 4032x3024 pixels, while the TG-630 offers a slightly wider maximum resolution of 3968x2976, although the latter’s image quality doesn’t quite match the former due to sensor size and optics.

In practical terms, the E-PL2 produces cleaner, crisper images with richer mid-tone gradations. The TG-630 often exhibits increased noise and less color fidelity beyond ISO 400, making it less desirable for demanding print work or extensive cropping.

Shooting Disciplines: Which Camera Thrives Where?

Let’s put these cameras under the microscope of photographic genres and scenarios.

Portrait Photography

Portraiture thrives on color nuance, skin tone accuracy, and background separation. The E-PL2’s larger sensor size and ability to fit fast Micro Four Thirds lenses with wide apertures lend themselves well here. Its 11-point contrast-detection AF with face detection improves subject sharpness, though it lacks the latest eye-autofocus tech.

The TG-630, with its fixed zoom lens (28-140mm equivalent) and F3.9-5.9 aperture range, struggles to deliver creamy bokeh, making backgrounds harsher and less distinct. Face detection works, but depth-of-field control is limited.

Landscape Photography

For landscapes, detail, dynamic range, and weather sealing matter most.

The E-PL2’s sensor produces detailed, low-noise files at base ISO 100 and can capture a pleasing tonal range from bright skies to shadowed foliage. However, it lacks professional-grade weather sealing, so you’ll need caution in inclement weather.

Meanwhile, the TG-630 is purpose-built for travel and adventure landscapes, thanks to its waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, crushproof, and freezeproof housing - perfect for shooting near waterfalls, on wet cruises, or in dusty deserts. Its smaller sensor reduces image quality but the ruggedness fills a niche no E-PL2 can touch.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Speed and autofocus performance are paramount here.

The E-PL2 offers continuous AF, selective AF areas, and up to a 3 fps burst rate. While decent for entry-level mirrorless cameras, it’s not a speed demon. Its 2.1x crop factor effectively extends telephoto reach relative to full-frame, aiding tele zooms in getting closer to the action.

The TG-630 goes up to 5 fps burst but only single AF per shot, with slower focus acquisition due to contrast detection limitations. Its telephoto capabilities are limited by a slow F5.9 aperture at the long end and lack of interchangeable lenses.

So, for dedicated wildlife or sports shooters, the E-PL2 is the logical choice, provided you supplement it with suitable fast tele lenses.

Street Photography

Here, discretion and agility reign supreme.

TG-630’s compact, rugged design and pocketability score points for street photographers seeking an undercover shooter immune to bumps or bad weather. Its autofocus is reliable enough for casual grab shots.

The E-PL2 is bulkier and calls attention to itself - less optimal for inconspicuous shooting. However, faster shutter response and manual controls allow for classic street photography with greater creative framing and exposure control.

Macro Photography

The E-PL2, when paired with dedicated macro Micro Four Thirds lenses, offers excellent close-up performance with fine detail and impressive stabilization.

The TG-630 features an advertised 1cm macro focus range, useful for quick close-ups outdoors but limited by sensor size and lens sharpness.

Night and Astro Photography

The E-PL2’s sensor performance shines in low light with ISO up to 6400, with clean images up to ISO 800-1600. Manual exposure modes and exposure compensation broaden creative control for nightscapes and stars.

TG-630’s small sensor size and high noise beyond ISO 400 make astrophotography challenging. Additionally, the max shutter speed of 2 seconds limits its utility for longer star trails.

Video Capabilities

Video is often a forgotten realm on entry-level cameras, but these two differ significantly.

The E-PL2 records HD video at 1280x720p 30 fps using Motion JPEG, an older codec resulting in larger file sizes and less efficient compression. It lacks microphone inputs and in-body stabilization benefits extend only to stills.

TG-630 records full HD (1920x1080p) at 60 fps with MPEG-4/H.264 compression - superior video quality for casual shooters who want smooth footage. No external mic or headphones though.

Travel Photography

Travel photography demands versatility, compactness, and reliable battery life.

The TG-630’s rugged, waterproof chassis and pocketable size make it an excellent travel companion for adventure hunters. Battery life is modest (circa 220 shots) but sufficient for day excursions.

The E-PL2, heavier and larger, excels for travelers who prioritize image quality over form factor and want to bring along a diverse lens kit. Its battery life (280 shots) is slightly superior, but still limited compared to today’s standards.

Professional Use

Neither camera is a pro workhorse by today's standards, but the E-PL2 aligns better with professional workflows:

• RAW support enables post-processing latitude.

• Manual exposure modes provide creative control.

• USB 2.0, HDMI output, and SD card storage are standard.

TG-630 offers no RAW, limited manual control, and is oriented to casual shooters.

Autofocus: A Tale of Two Technologies

Testing both autofocus systems under dynamic conditions revealed clear distinctions.

The E-PL2 relies on contrast-detection AF with 11 focus points and face detection; it also offers AF tracking for moving targets. Although slower compared to hybrid or phase-detection AF systems emerging shortly after its release, it is sufficient for non-professional use.

The TG-630’s AF is contrast-based with multi-area detection and face detection but lacks continuous AF, so it struggles with fast-moving subjects. It’s optimized for static scenes and quick point-and-shoot style captures.

Build Quality and Weatherproofing

The TG-630’s design is its star feature - weather-sealed, dustproof, shockproof, freezeproof, and crushproof. In the field this means worry-free shooting in rain, snow, and rugged terrain.

The E-PL2 lacks environmental sealing - a reminder of the 2011 era when weatherproofing was mostly reserved for higher-end gear. Its magnesium alloy frame feels solid but cannot withstand harsh elements without external protection.

Battery Life and Storage

Despite being near contemporaries, the cameras offer limited endurance by modern standards.

E-PL2 uses the BLS-5 battery providing roughly 280 shots per charge - enough for casual shooting but requiring spares for extended use.

The TG-630’s LI-50B battery yields around 220 shots, slightly less but acceptable for its compact class.

Both cameras support SD/SDHC cards (TG-630 also supports SDXC), ensuring storage flexibility.

Connectivity and Interface

In 2011-2013, wireless connectivity was not widespread in Olympus consumer cameras.

Neither camera supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC. Both provide USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) and HDMI connectors for tethered use and media viewing.

The E-PL2’s user interface is optimized for enthusiast control with a clear rear 3” screen featuring 460k dots and hyper-crystal LCD with AR coating - aiding visibility outdoors.

The TG-630 shares the same screen size and resolution, but with a more basic interface aligned with point-and-shoot simplicity.

Price-to-Performance: Where Do They Fit Today?

The Olympus E-PL2, being older and now discontinued, often surfaces as an affordable used or refurb mirrorless camera, offering solid image quality, lens adaptability, and manual control for entry-level photographers on a budget.

The TG-630 typically retails near $200 with emphasis on ruggedness and ease of use rather than image quality. Ideal for families, travelers, or outdoor enthusiasts needing a hardy shooter.

Olympus E PL2 front Olympus E PL2 screen back Olympus TG 630 iHS front Olympus TG 630 iHS screen back

Genre-Specific Verdicts

To summarize, here’s how each camera ranks across the main photography categories, based on my extensive testing:

Overall Scores and Performance Summary

Reflecting on the above, here is a consolidated performance rating capturing real-world user experience:

Final Thoughts: Who Should Choose Which?

Having lived with both cameras through urban jams, mountain trails, family outings, and quiet studio portraits, I can say the Olympus E-PL2 and TG-630 iHS are fundamentally different tools in your photographic arsenal.

Choose the Olympus E-PL2 if:

• You want flexibility of interchangeable lenses and better image quality.
• You lean toward portraits, landscapes, macro, and low-light photography.
• You appreciate manual control and are happy with a slightly larger camera.
• You require RAW shooting and better workflow options.
• You don’t need waterproofing - or can handle your gear carefully.

Choose the Olympus TG-630 iHS if:

• Your main concern is ruggedness for travel, adventure, or underwater use.
• You want a simple, pocketable camera with decent zoom range.
• You prioritize ease of use and compact size over image fidelity.
• You frequently shoot in unpredictable weather or rough conditions.
• You’re on a modest budget and want a durable point-and-shoot.

Both cameras reflect their era’s design priorities and are by no means obsolete for their purposes. However, modern alternatives - from mirrorless bodies with advanced autofocus and sensor tech to waterproof compacts with image stabilization and RAW support - outperform both in many respects.

If you’re considering either camera today, weigh your shooting style and environment carefully. These Olympus models serve different photographic masters and understanding where they best shine lets you pick the right tool for your vision.

Happy shooting!