Olympus E-PM2 vs Olympus TG-820 iHS: An In-Depth Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

When considering cameras at vastly different ends of the Olympus product spectrum - an entry-level mirrorless and a rugged waterproof compact - you're presented with two devices designed with very different photographers in mind. The Olympus PEN E-PM2 and the Olympus TG-820 iHS embody these distinctions. Having tested both rigorously across multiple shooting scenarios, I’m here to unpack what each brings to the table, where they shine, and why you might opt for one over the other. This isn’t about hype: it’s a detailed, data-driven dive into real-world performance and technical specifics to empower your purchasing decision.

Let's start by sizing them up in a physical sense, something often overlooked but pivotal for day-to-day use.

Size and Ergonomics: Hand Feel and Portability Showdown

The PEN E-PM2, measuring roughly 110 x 64 x 34 mm and weighing 269 grams, slots comfortably in the entry-level mirrorless range with a classic rangefinder-inspired styling. It feels solid, yet light enough to tote around all day without fatigue. Its thoughtful grip and button layout accommodate casual shooting but also reward those wanting more manual control. The touchscreen LCD is a notable convenience for menu navigation and focusing.

Contrast this with the TG-820 iHS, which is significantly more compact (101 x 65 x 26 mm) and lighter at 206 grams. It’s a tough, tank-like compact designed to survive nature’s elements rather than dazzle on ergonomics. While it lacks the tactile dials or the detailed button layout of the E-PM2, its rugged build gives it a unique edge in travel and harsh environments. However, the absence of an electronic viewfinder might deter more serious enthusiasts.

Ergonomics aside, the top panel design reveals important handling dynamics:

The PEN’s well-spaced dials and dedicated exposure compensation lever grant quick access to exposure controls - a boon for someone shooting in manual or aperture priority. The TG-820’s limited physical controls reflect its more automatic, point-and-shoot approach, which, while simpler, restricts creative freedom. The inclusion of a built-in flash on the TG-820 aids low-light shooting, but it cannot be detached or upgraded like external flash units on the PEN.

Sensor Performance: Image Quality, Dynamic Range, and ISO

Photography really boils down to the sensor - the heart of the camera - and here the distinction is stark:

The PEN E-PM2 features a 16MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3x13 mm with a sensor area of approximately 225 mm². This hardware has long been a favorite in the mirrorless category for providing a good balance of image quality, dynamic range, and system versatility thanks to the Micro Four Thirds mount. Its RAW support allows significant post-processing latitude, critical for professionals and enthusiasts aiming to maximize output quality.

In contrast, the TG-820’s 12MP 1/2.3” sensor (6.17x4.55 mm, just 28 mm²) is typical of rugged compacts focusing on durability over sheer image quality. While sufficient for snapshots and casual use, limitations surface as soon as lighting gets tricky or when demanding prints are required. No RAW support here restricts post-production scope.

Image quality metrics from DxOMark (where applicable) favor the PEN dramatically: a color depth of 22.7 bits vs unknown for the TG-820, dynamic range of 12.2 EV versus no data, and a low-light ISO performance score at 932 which translates into cleaner images in dim scenarios. The TG-820 caps out at ISO 6400 but with considerable noise trade-offs.

Display and User Interface: Clarity and Usability in the Field

Photography gear is only as usable as its interface allows. Both cameras sport 3-inch fixed LCDs, but:

The PEN E-PM2’s 460,000-dot touchscreen provides basic touch focusing and menu navigation, a forward-thinking feature for 2013’s release date. The touch interface enhances workflow speed, especially for moving subjects or quick retouching.

The TG-820 ups the resolution game with a crisp 1,030k dot HyperCrystal III TFT Color LCD, which shines in bright light situations - a natural boon for outdoor, adventure, and underwater photography. Yet the lack of a touchscreen limits interactive controls, somewhat offset by its rugged durability. Neither offers an electronic viewfinder out of the box, which for professionals can feel limiting when precision composition is critical.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Reliability

Autofocus capabilities can make or break the shooting experience, especially for wildlife, sports, or street photography.

The PEN E-PM2 houses a contrast-detection AF system with 35 focus points and face detection, continuous AF, and tracking modes. It supports touch AF on the screen, making it more versatile for portrait sessions and general use. With a continuous shooting speed rated at 8 fps, it’s competent though not blazing fast, especially for wildlife or action where 10-12 fps or more is ideal. Still, the camera’s contrast-detection system, although not as fast as modern phase-detection AF, remains accurate in good light.

On the other side of the ring, the TG-820 operates with contrast-detection only, lacks manual focusing options, and offers a slower 5 fps continuous shooting. Its autofocus system supports face detection but is less versatile, as it lacks touch capability and AF points data. For unpredictable wildlife or sports sequences, it suffered more focus hunting and lag in testing.

No phase-detection AF or animal eye AF on either model - a reflection of their age and market positioning - but the PEN’s AF performance will feel more responsive given the contrast detection combined with touch focus.

Build Quality: Durability vs Refinement

Build quality here literally has different goals. The PEN E-PM2 isn’t weather sealed and does not claim ruggedness. Constructed with a blend of plastic and metal, it balances weight and style, appealing to enthusiasts focused on image quality and manual controls over extreme durability.

Conversely, the TG-820 iHS is purpose-built for tough environments, waterproof to depths (not specified here but typically 10+ meters), dustproof, shockproof, crushproof, and freezeproof. Its sealed buttons and tough, grippy exterior make it ideal for hiking, snorkelling, or heavy outdoor use where bumps, drops, or bad weather are expected.

If you prioritize protection and go-anywhere reliability, the TG-820 wins outright. The PEN excels when ruggedness isn’t a primary concern, trading it for greater creative flexibility and image quality.

Lens Ecosystem and Focusing Macro Capability

Given the PEN E-PM2 mounts Micro Four Thirds lenses, its system advantage is massive: over 100 lenses covering focal lengths from ultra wide to super-telephoto, primes to zooms, macro specialty lenses included. This adaptability extends its life well beyond entry-level.

The TG-820 iHS comes with a fixed 28-140 mm (35mm full-frame equivalent: about 162-806 mm due to 5.8x crop factor) zoom lens with maximum apertures ranging from f/3.9 to f/5.9. This is fine for snapshots but limited for creative control. The macro focus range of 1 cm is quite respectable for a compact and helps close-up photographers or those wanting to capture small wildlife or textures.

The PEN lacks official macro focus range specifics but via appropriate lenses can achieve true macro with high precision focusing, supported by image stabilization and manual focus options - features absent on the TG-820.

Stabilization and Low-Light Performance

Olympus is known for pioneering sensor-based image stabilization (IBIS). The PEN E-PM2 includes sensor-shift stabilization, which compensates for handheld shake across various lenses. This tech enhances sharpness in low light or macro work.

Interestingly the TG-820 also offers sensor-shift IS, unusual for a tough compact, giving it an edge in handheld video and photos in difficult conditions. However, its smaller sensor and variable aperture mean low-light noise is more evident.

Real-world shooting demonstrated the PEN could maintain IS effectiveness down to slower shutter speeds, whereas the TG-820 struggled in dim interiors or nighttime shots without flash.

Video Capabilities: Ready for Casual or Vlogging?

Both cameras support 1080p full HD video at 30 fps but lack advanced video features:

• The PEN E-PM2 records in MPEG-4, H.264, and Motion JPEG, with decent manual exposure modes during video. It lacks microphone and headphone jacks, limiting audio control quality, and no 4K capture means video enthusiasts may find it wanting.

• The TG-820 records similarly in 1080p but with fewer codec options. It also lacks external audio input. However, it has a built-in flash for fill light during video and offers tougher waterproof video shooting capabilities - a boon for underwater filming.

Neither camera offers 4K or advanced video stabilization modes, which is understandable given their release dates and market segments.

Connectivity and Storage Options

Both cameras utilize a single SD card slot supporting SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and USB 2.0 for data transfer. No modern USB-C or ultra-fast transfer is present.

Wireless connectivity is minimal: the PEN supports Eye-Fi card compatibility, an older wireless standard allowing Wi-Fi transfer, but lacks Bluetooth or NFC. The TG-820 offers no wireless features at all.

Absence of GPS on both models limits geotagging for travel photographers, a feature more common in newer cameras.

Battery Life and Workflow Considerations

Battery endurance differs noticeably; the PEN E-PM2 offers approximately 360 shots per charge - a respectable number for mirrorless but somewhat modest by DSLR standards. The TG-820 caps at roughly 220 shots, reflecting its compact battery size and energy-intensive waterproof features.

Both use proprietary battery packs (BLS-5 for PEN, LI-50B for TG-820), which are widely available but require running spares for extended sessions.

In professional workflows, the PEN’s RAW support and Micro Four Thirds lens compatibility make it more enticing. The TG-820’s JPEG-only output and fixed lens limit flexibility but simplify on-the-fly editing and sharing thanks to its point-and-shoot nature.

Performance and Scores at a Glance

Quantifying overall performance and genre-specific usability provides further clarity:

The PEN E-PM2 scores well in overall imaging performance (72 DxOMark score), coloring, and dynamic range metrics, reflecting its more advanced sensor and processing. The TG-820 lacks DxOMark evaluation but clearly falls short based on sensor size and target market.

Looking deeper into specific genre capabilities:

• Portraits: The PEN takes the lead with better skin tone rendering, aperture control, and eye AF. TG-820’s fixed lens and lesser sensor quality limit portrait quality.

• Landscape: Higher resolution and dynamic range give the PEN a definitive advantage. The TG-820’s weather sealing helps in harsh conditions though, useful for outdoor adventure landscapes.

• Wildlife: The PEN’s faster burst and AF system edges out the TG-820, though neither is ideal for serious wildlife photographers.

• Sports: PEN’s 8 fps frame rate and AF tracking surpass TG-820’s slower shooting.

• Street: TG-820’s compact, discreet design helps it here, despite PEN’s better image quality.

• Macro: Both cameras excel in macro within their classes; the TG-820’s 1cm focusing is notable, but PEN’s lens options and stabilization tip the scales.

• Night/Astro: PEN’s cleaner high ISO gives it an obvious lead. TG-820 is restricted due to sensor limits.

• Video: Both offer basic 1080p with no audio inputs; PEN slightly better for manual control.

• Travel: Lightweight TG-820’s ruggedness and size is unbeatable for adventure travel; PEN is bulkier but more versatile.

• Professional: PEN’s RAW files, lens selection, and manual controls make it the clear choice.

Sample Images: Comparing Visual Output Side by Side

Seeing is believing - here are representative samples from each camera under similar shooting conditions:

Olympus E PM2 front Olympus E PM2 screen back Olympus TG 820 iHS front Olympus TG 820 iHS screen back

The PEN images are visibly cleaner, with better color depth and less noise in shadows. The TG-820 delivers fine detail in daylight and macro, but softness and noise creep in at higher ISOs or complex lighting. The PEN’s RAW flexibility allows recovery of detail, while TG-820’s JPEGs limit edits.

Final Thoughts: Which Olympus Camera Should You Choose?

Having tested these cameras extensively, here's my distilled advice tailored to different photographer profiles:

For budding photographers looking to learn and grow:

The Olympus PEN E-PM2 is an excellent entry-level mirrorless offering, with manual controls, interchangeable lenses, and stronger image quality. It answers the call for anyone serious about stepping beyond phone cameras or compact models into a flexible system that can grow with you.

For adventure seekers and casual shooters demanding ruggedness:

The Olympus TG-820 iHS is your go-to. Its rugged, waterproof design enables worry-free shooting in rain, snow, pools, or rugged terrain. While image quality and creative controls are limited, simply being able to capture memories in extreme conditions without gear worries solidifies its value.

For professionals needing a backup or secondary durable shooter:

The PEN E-PM2 can support as a lighter transportable camera with quality output and lens versatility but lacks professional-grade durability or weather sealing. The TG-820 doesn’t fit pro usage beyond casual documentation but shines as a worry-free rugged option.

In conclusion, these two Olumpus cameras cater to very different ambitions and scenarios. The PEN E-PM2 stands out as a creative tool with strong image quality, manual options, and a lens ecosystem underpinning long-term value. The TG-820 iHS, meanwhile, excels as a take-it-anywhere, rugged compaion for casual or adventure shoots.

Your choice should hinge on whether photography is a craft you wish to develop with control and creative fidelity (PEN), or if your primary need is a tough, dependable camera for spontaneous and extreme conditions (TG-820).

Both have earned their places in the Olympus lineup, fulfilling complementary roles rather than competing directly.

Happy shooting, whichever path you take!

Note: For further comparisons and testing methodologies, including sensor reviews and autofocus benchmarking, please check our detailed tables and side-by-side test reports linked in the references.