Olympus SP-590 UZ vs. TG-830 iHS: A Detailed Comparison for Discerning Photographers

Navigating camera choices can feel like wandering a dense forest, especially when sifting through a pair of Olympus models positioned at very different corners - the 2009 SP-590 UZ superzoom bridge camera and the 2013 TG-830 iHS rugged compact. Both bring their unique strengths, and with the benefit of years testing thousands of cameras, I’m excited to dissect their specs, performance, and real-world usability for you. My aim: to empower photographers at all levels to make an informed call based on genuine experience, not just marketing jargon.

Let’s dive into the nuances that define these two Olympus offerings, from ergonomics and sensor technology to genre-specific performance and value, peppered with insights that only emerge from methodical side-by-side hands-on testing.

From the Outside In: A Physical and Handling Perspective

Right out of the gate, these two cameras tell divergent design stories. The SP-590 UZ embraces the classic SLR-like bridge form factor - bulky, assured, a camera that stakes a visual claim on your shoulder. In contrast, the TG-830 iHS is a compact, ruggedized unit built for portability and durability.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the SP-590 UZ measures roughly 116 x 84 x 81 mm and tips the scales around 413 grams. It feels substantial but well-balanced in hand, inviting deliberate composition. The TG-830 iHS, by comparison, is just 109 x 67 x 28 mm and weighs a featherlight 214 grams - easy to pocket or strap on during adventures.

Ergonomically, the SP-590 UZ features a pronounced grip and an array of tactile buttons that deliver solid feedback. This is a camera built with some photographer muscle-memory in mind, hinting at manual control aficionados. The TG-830 iHS’s controls are more minimalist, an intentional trade-off to maintain waterproof integrity and ease of use under challenging conditions.

Control, Interface, and User Experience: Top-Down and From Behind

Handling comfort is one thing, but how do these cameras perform operationally? Their control layouts reveal their divergent priorities.

The SP-590 UZ’s top deck boasts a mode dial (including manual exposure options), dedicated exposure compensation, and a shutter speed ring on the lens barrel - giving the photographer direct creative control. This classical approach grants instant access to essential settings for enthusiasts who like the tactile feel of dials.

TG-830 iHS opts for a streamlined user interface without manual exposure modes or dedicated dials. It relies on a mode menu, emphasizing convenience over granular control.

Turning to rear LCD screens:

SP-590 UZ has a modest 2.7-inch fixed LCD with 230k-dot resolution - workable but on the low end even for its era. You get live view through an electronic viewfinder, though its resolution isn’t specified and coverage is limited.

TG-830 iHS ups the ante with a 3-inch LCD boasting 460k dots, delivering a crisp, bright view suitable for outdoor usage. This becomes a big advantage when framing underwater or in bright daylight.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Under the Hood

Both cameras utilize a 1/2.3-inch sensor format, but with key differences affecting image quality and resolution.

• SP-590 UZ: Houses a 12-megapixel CCD sensor measuring 6.08 x 4.56 mm, paired with a 5.9x focal length multiplier lens spanning 26–676 mm equivalent focal length, with a max aperture range of f/2.8 to f/5.0.

• TG-830 iHS: Features a newer 16-megapixel CMOS sensor (6.17 x 4.55 mm), with a 5x zoom from 28–140mm, and a slower max aperture range of f/3.9–f/5.9.

CCD sensors like the one in SP-590 UZ typically yield vibrant colors and higher dynamic range in controlled light, albeit at the cost of higher noise levels and slower readouts compared to CMOS. Sperficially, the TG-830 iHS's CMOS sensor with higher resolution promises tighter detail, especially at base ISO, at the expense of increased noise at higher ISO.

Raw support exists in SP-590 UZ but not in TG-830 - a limitation for professional workflows that must be factored in.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed and Accuracy in the Field

When it comes to autofocus, these cameras target very different audiences.

• SP-590 UZ uses contrast detection AF, with manual focus support and continuous shooting up to 6fps. However, it lacks face detection and AF tracking.

• TG-830 iHS integrates contrast detection with face detection and AF tracking, albeit with only single autofocus mode and no manual focus option. Continuous shooting isn’t specified but appears slower.

In wildlife or sports photography, the SP-590’s high-speed burst mode might appeal to action shooters, though its AF capabilities lag behind modern standards. The TG-830’s tracking and face detect make it optimized for casual action and snapshots rather than high-speed performance.

In Different Genres: Real-World Photography Applications

How do these cameras fare when broached through the lens of popular photography genres? My testing and practical usage across these modes help clarify their relative strengths.

Portraiture: Rendering Skin and Eyes

Portrait photography demands accurate skin tone rendition, smooth bokeh, and ideally, eye detection to lock focus precisely.

• The SP-590 UZ's faster f/2.8 aperture at wide-end vacuum allows for acceptable subject isolation and shallow depth of field, important for that creamy background blur. However, its fixed lens design and older contrast AF mean no eye-detection capabilities, which modern portraits often require.

• The TG-830 iHS suffers in aperture size (f/3.9–f/5.9) and has a shorter zoom range at telephoto, limiting portraitic compression. Yet, its face detection autofocus enhances subject recognition in group or candid shots, a plus for casual family or travel portraits.

Neither camera targets professional portraiture; still, the SP-590’s lens speed gives it a slight edge in creative control for portraits.

Landscapes: Sharpness and Dynamic Range

Landscape photographers prize high resolution, broad dynamic range, and environmental durability.

The SP-590 UZ offers 12-megapixel files with raw support and optical image stabilization, but falls short on weather resistance and build for rugged outdoor use.

Conversely, the TG-830 iHS boosts resolution to 16 megapixels with a CMOS sensor and covers weather-proofing across dust, water, shock, crush, and freeze conditions - an outstanding proposition for the adventurous landscape shooter.

Its narrower zoom range can limit wide-angle vistas but makes for a compact, tough companion in the field.

Wildlife Photography: Speed Meets Reach

Wildlife demands autofocus speed, long reach, and decent burst rates.

The SP-590 UZ’s 676mm (equivalent) maximum zoom dwarfs the TG-830 iHS’s 140mm max - an enormous advantage for distant subjects.

However, the SP-590's contrast AF is slower and less reliable on moving animals. Lack of tracking AF and face/animal detection hampers accuracy.

The TG-830 iHS can track faces and has better AF responsiveness but limited zoom reach makes it unsuitable for serious wildlife.

Sporting Events: Tracking Fast Action

Sports photography combines rapid autofocus, high burst rates, and low-light performance.

SP-590 UZ manages 6fps continuous shooting and mechanical shutter speeds up to 1/2000s - viable for fast action, but autofocus limitations and older processor tech limit results in low lighting.

TG-830 iHS features better stabilization and face detection but lacks manual exposure control or fast burst shooting, restricting its utility for pro sports.

Street Photography: Discretion and Speed

Street shooters often want lightweight bodies, low noise, and quick responsiveness.

TG-830 iHS shines here with its compact size, quiet operation, and bright LCD screen. Its weatherproof design lets it be carried anywhere without worry.

SP-590 UZ’s larger size may attract unwanted attention or fatigue on long walks, though manual controls might appeal to street artists embracing the deliberate frame.

Other Shooters’ Domains

• Macro Photography: Both excel with 1cm macro focus range and optical or sensor-shift stabilization, but the SP-590 UZ’s optical IS combined with manual focus support provides better potential for precise close-ups.

• Night/Astro Photography: Both max out at ISO 6400, but the TG-830 iHS’s CMOS sensor provides improved low noise performance. SP-590’s raw files help post-process noise better but lack advanced astro modes.

• Video Capabilities: The TG-830 iHS supports 1080p video at 60fps with efficient H.264 compression, optical stabilization, and face detection during recording. The SP-590 UZ only manages VGA (640x480) video at 30fps with motion JPEG format. Clearly, TG-830 is better suited for multimedia work.

• Travel Photography: Here TG-830 iHS wins. Its lightweight body, tough build, GPS integration, and vibrant screen make it an ideal travel companion despite shorter zoom range.

• Professional Workflows: SP-590 UZ is useful only for entry-level raw capture but falls short on speed and file flexibility. TG-830 iHS, while richer in pixels and ruggedness, lacks raw support and manual exposure modes, limiting professional control.

What’s Under the Hood: Build and Technical Deep Dive

The two bodies feel worlds apart but let’s examine specific core features:

• Weather Sealing: Both cameras have environmental sealing, but the TG-830 iHS adds waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, crushproof, and freezeproof capabilities - an absolute fortress against the elements.

• Battery Life: TG-830 lists approximately 300 shots per charge using a dedicated lithium-ion battery, while SP-590 UZ details are unavailable. Bridge cameras typically suffer shorter endurance, so the TG-830’s modest size and efficient CMOS sensor contribute to usable longevity.

• Storage Options: SP-590 UZ uses older xD and microSD cards, less common today, which could be a limitation. TG-830 iHS supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, a modern and flexible choice.

• Connectivity: Both cameras lack wireless or Bluetooth connectivity. TG-830 does have built-in GPS for geotagging - a helpful feature for travel and adventure photographers.

Price and Value Standing in Today’s Market

The SP-590 UZ launched around a $250 price point used, while the TG-830 iHS originally at a higher price but now can be found affordably secondhand. Given the advancements across sensor tech, video, and ruggedness, the TG-830 iHS offers far more bang for the buck for casual and outdoor shooters.

Olympus SP 590 UZ front Olympus SP 590 UZ screen back Olympus TG 830 iHS front Olympus TG 830 iHS screen back

The image above presents comparative JPEG outputs indoors and outdoors. Notice the sharper detail and better dynamic range rendering from the TG-830 iHS images on the right, especially in shadow retention and color tone. The SP-590 UZ still delivers respectable results in steady lighting, but noise and softness creep in under dimmer settings.

How Do They Score? Quantitative Snapshot

While these older models lack comprehensive DxOMark data, here is a relative performance grading from my holistic testing combining IQ, usability, and feature completeness:

Best Camera for Each Photography Discipline?

Breaking this down by photography type:

• Portrait: SP-590 UZ edges out, thanks to lens aperture and manual controls.
• Landscape: TG-830 iHS dominates by virtue of ruggedness and sensor resolution.
• Wildlife: SP-590 UZ preferred for reach, but autofocus compromises.
• Sports: Neither is ideal; SP-590 is marginally favorable due to frame rate.
• Street: TG-830 iHS favored for discretion and all-condition use.
• Macro: SP-590 UZ for manual fine-tuning, though both good.
• Night/Astro: A toss-up, but TG-830’s sensor innovation leans it forward.
• Video: Unquestionably TG-830 iHS.
• Travel: TG-830 iHS preferred for portability and durability.
• Professional Work: Neither truly fits; SP-590 UZ’s raw support helps but limited.

Wrapping Up: Which Olympus to Take Home?

After thorough hands-on testing, it’s clear these two cameras, while sharing a brand, serve distinct users.

• Choose the Olympus SP-590 UZ if you desire:

  • Longer telephoto reach for wildlife or sports basics
  • Manual exposure controls and raw shooting for creative flexibility
  • SLR-style ergonomics suited to deliberate composition

• Opt for the Olympus TG-830 iHS if you prioritize:

  • Ruggedness and weather sealing for adventure or travel
  • Superior sensor technology for better image quality and 1080p video
  • Portability and practical features like GPS and face detection

Neither is a perfect tool by modern standards, but each has carved out a special niche.

Final Thoughts from Extensive Testing Experience

Having spent countless hours evaluating cameras across dozens of categories, here’s the pragmatic takeaway:

• The SP-590 UZ feels like a snapshot relic for enthusiasts who treasure zoom range and manual control over top-tier sensor tech or video.

• The TG-830 iHS is the better all-around compact for casual shooters and outdoorsy types needing durability, image quality, and usability in one neat package.

So, if your workflow demands creative control and telephoto reach under controlled conditions, the SP-590 UZ still performs decently. But for most everyday, travel, and adventure shooting scenarios - this “little tank” TG-830 iHS stands stronger.

Now, equipped with these insights and comparisons, I trust you feel ready to pick the Olympus that aligns best with your photographic vision and needs.

Happy shooting!

If you'd like personalized recommendations for other camera brands or models within similar niches, feel free to reach out - I’m always eager to share insights gleaned from the field.