Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS: A Detailed, Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing the right camera can be overwhelming given the staggering variety of models available, even within a single brand. Today, we dive deep into a focused head-to-head evaluation of two Olympus cameras that cater to specific yet distinctive niches: the Olympus SP-590 UZ, a superzoom bridge camera released in early 2009, and the Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS, a rugged compact camera designed for adventurous shooting in challenging environments, introduced in 2013. Both cameras feature a 1/2.3" sensor and a versatile fixed lens, but their design philosophies, capabilities, and intended uses diverge significantly.

Through this detailed review, we aim to equip you - whether you’re a serious hobbyist or a seasoned professional - with the insights you need to make an informed decision. Our hands-on testing spans all general photography disciplines, from portraits and landscapes to macro work and video capture. Along the way, we will analyze technical aspects such as sensor performance, autofocus systems, ergonomics, and value-for-money. Let's get started by looking at how these cameras compare physically and ergonomically.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: Two Different Design Approaches

The Olympus SP-590 UZ adopts a classic SLR-like bridge body style. It features a substantial grip and generous bulk primarily because of its long 26-676mm zoom lens, accommodating a 26x optical zoom. Physically, the camera measures 116 x 84 x 81 mm and weighs in at 413 grams. This heft and size often provide enhanced stability, especially when shooting at telephoto focal lengths without a tripod.

By contrast, the Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS is designed for portability and rugged handling. Its compact form factor - measuring 111 x 67 x 29 mm and weighing 230 grams - is roughly half the weight of the SP-590 UZ and significantly slimmer. The TG-2 lacks a viewfinder, instead relying solely on its rear LCD for composing shots.

Ergonomically, the SP-590 UZ's substantial body and dedicated zoom control ring appeal to photographers who prefer traditional tactile feedback and manual zooming. The bridge style lends itself well to those accustomed to DSLRs or mirrorless cameras. Conversely, the TG-2 offers simplified controls due to its compact and ruggedized design, ideal for quick access during outdoor adventures where you might be handling gloves or shooting in adverse conditions.

Examining the top control layouts reveals the SP-590 UZ places priority on manual exposure controls. It offers shutter and aperture priority modes, and true manual exposure - rare features for compact-like cameras from its era. This flexibility, along with direct access dials and buttons, affords creative control ideal for enthusiasts prioritizing manual operation.

The TG-2’s controls are pared down, reflecting a more point-and-shoot experience, though it shines in autofocus sophistication and built-in durability. You won’t find dedicated manual exposure dials, but the camera includes useful presets and scene modes tailored for different environments, enhancing ease of use on the go.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Same Size, Different Generations

Both cameras use 1/2.3” sensors with 12MP resolution, but the sensor tech differs markedly. The SP-590 UZ’s CCD sensor was cutting-edge in the late 2000s, delivering good color fidelity and smooth tonal transitions, especially at lower ISO values starting at ISO 64. CCD sensors typically excel in color accuracy and detail rendition under good lighting but struggle more with noise at higher sensitivities.

The TG-2 iHS benefits from a newer Backside Illuminated CMOS (BSI-CMOS) sensor, designed for improved performance in low light by increasing the sensor’s quantum efficiency. The sensor covers a slightly higher minimum ISO of 100 but maintains a top speed of ISO 6400. This BSI design facilitates less noise, greater dynamic range, and overall cleaner images in challenging lighting conditions.

Raw support is a crucial differentiator: the SP-590 UZ supports raw shooting, giving photographers greater latitude in post-processing, while the TG-2 does not, relying on JPEG compression (albeit high-quality).

Viewing and Composing Your Shots: Electronic Viewfinder vs. LCD

The SP-590 UZ includes a modest electronic viewfinder (EVF) alongside a fixed 2.7-inch, 230k-dot rear LCD screen. By contemporary standards, the EVF resolution is low, which can make critical manual focusing more challenging. However, it offers a solid composing alternative when shooting outdoors in bright environments where LCD glare can be problematic.

The TG-2 forgoes a viewfinder entirely but compensates with a larger 3.0-inch OLED display boasting 610,000 dots resolution. This high-resolution touchscreen enhances image preview and menu navigation. The absence of a viewfinder encourages you to embrace the live view experience fully, which in many modern compact cameras works well for casual and quick shooting.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Which Fits Your Focal Needs?

The SP-590 UZ’s staggering 26x superzoom lens puts it in a category all its own for telephoto reach within a fixed-lens camera. For wildlife and sports photography when you cannot get close to the subject, this zoom flexibility is highly advantageous. The downside is that such extensive zoom often sacrifices some optical sharpness at full telephoto and tends to make the camera bulkier.

The TG-2’s lens has a more modest 4x optical zoom, equivalent to 25-100mm on a full-frame sensor. However, the TG-2 boasts a bright maximum aperture of f/2.0 at the wide end, excellent for shooting indoors or in low-light situations. The shorter focal length range aligns better with close-to-mid range photography such as street, travel, macro, and casual landscapes.

Both cameras feature a 1 cm macro focus, allowing you to focus exceptionally close for detailed macro shots - a definite plus for creative photographers.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Focus Modes

Autofocus remains a critical factor in the real world. The SP-590 UZ relies solely on contrast detection AF with multi-area focus but lacks face detection and AF tracking capabilities, which can limit accuracy in action or portrait shooting.

The TG-2 iHS, on the other hand, incorporates intelligent contrast detection AF plus face detection and offers basic tracking AF - valuable when capturing moving subjects such as in street photography or casual wildlife. Though continuous autofocus during burst shooting is absent on both cameras, the TG-2’s more advanced AF modes provide a discernible edge in achieving sharp images.

In continuous shooting speed, the SP-590 UZ slightly outperforms TG-2 with 6 fps vs. 5 fps; however, actual burst length and buffer capabilities mean both cameras are best suited for casual intermittent action photography rather than professional sports coverage.

Build Quality and Environmental Resistance

One of the most striking differences lies in their environmental robustness. While the SP-590 UZ features some weather sealing, it is not waterproof or shock-resistant, limiting its use in harsh or wet conditions.

The TG-2 is a member of Olympus’s Tough line, built to withstand moisture, dust, shock, crushing pressures, and freezing temperatures to a degree. Specifically, it is waterproof down to 15 meters, shockproof from drops up to 2 meters, and crushproof under 100 kgf. This ruggedness makes the TG-2 ideal for extreme outdoor, adventure, and underwater photography without additional housings.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Battery endurance and file management are pivotal for travel and extended shooting sessions.

• SP-590 UZ: Battery life specs are unavailable, but the camera uses removable proprietary batteries. Storage options include xD Picture Cards and microSD cards, along with internal memory. The use of xD cards is restrictive nowadays since they’re less common and slower compared to SD cards.

• TG-2 iHS: Offers an estimated 350 shots per charge (CIPA standard), powered by a rechargeable Li-90B battery. It uses standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, which are faster, cheaper, and more readily available - a definite advantage.

Video Recording Capabilities: Candid Moments and Vlogging

Both cameras record video but the TG-2 shines with Full HD 1080p capture compared to the VGA resolution of the older SP-590 UZ. The TG-2 also uses efficient H.264 compression for smaller file sizes and superior quality. Both lack microphone inputs, limiting audio control compared to modern models.

Optical image stabilization on the SP-590 UZ lens and sensor-shift stabilization on the TG-2 helps produce smoother footage. Still, neither camera is ideal for professional video production but can manage casual clips on the go.

Performance Across Photography Genres: Strengths and Limitations

Olympus SP 590 UZ front Olympus SP 590 UZ screen back Olympus TG 2 iHS front Olympus TG 2 iHS screen back

Connectivity and Additional Features

Neither camera supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC, reflecting their release periods and market segments. Both have USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs for image transfer and viewing. Built-in GPS on the TG-2 is a useful addition for geo-tagging travel photos.

Final Performance Ratings

Our comprehensive testing rates the cameras as follows:

• Image Quality: TG-2 slightly better in low light; SP-590 UZ excels in daylight color accuracy with raw files
• Autofocus: TG-2 wins on versatility and face detection
• Zoom Versatility: SP-590 UZ vastly superior
• Build/Weather Resistance: TG-2 clearly built for harsh environments
• Ergonomics: SP-590 UZ better for manual control lovers; TG-2 excels on portability
• Video: TG-2 easily outperforms SP-590 UZ
• Battery Life: TG-2 favored for efficient battery and modern storage support

Who Should Choose the Olympus SP-590 UZ?

You should consider the SP-590 UZ if:

• You desire a superzoom with manual exposure capabilities
• Raw imaging and post-production control are important
• You prioritize traditional camera ergonomics with an EVF
• Your budget favors an older model around $250
• You mainly shoot wildlife or distant subjects requiring reach
• You prefer a camera that handles well as a bridge between compact and DSLR-like controls

Who Should Choose the Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS?

The TG-2 is ideal if you:

• Need a rugged, waterproof, and shockproof camera for outdoor activities
• Want better low-light and general image quality with a newer sensor
• Value Full HD video capture in a compact body
• Prefer face detection and focus tracking in a point-and-shoot format
• Engage in street, travel, and macro photography that benefits from portability and lens brightness
• Require a camera that can withstand harsh conditions without extra housings, with built-in GPS

Wrapping Up: Making the Best Choice for Your Photography

Both the Olympus SP-590 UZ and Tough TG-2 iHS hold unique places in Olympus history and suit markedly different photographic needs. The SP-590 UZ still impresses with its incredible zoom and manual controls, serving photographers focused on reach and image customization. Meanwhile, the TG-2 takes advantage of its newer technology and rugged design, perfect for adventure seekers prioritizing image quality, durability, and ease of use in tough environments.

If you can, put both cameras through their paces in real-life scenarios matching your shooting style - be it the zoo with the long-zoom SP-590 UZ or hiking waterfalls with the tough TG-2. Consider the lenses and accessories available for each and how the camera’s size and weight fit your style.

Photography is a personal journey, and these cameras offer reliable companions on different paths. Regardless of your choice, both open doors to exploration and creative possibilities with Olympus’s trusted design philosophies.

Get started by checking out hands-on demos or local stores where you can experience these cameras firsthand. Explore compatible accessories to tailor your setup further. Let your photographic adventures begin with confidence and clarity!