Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Olympus TG-2 iHS

Let's look a little more in depth at the Olympus SP-590 UZ versus Olympus TG-2 iHS, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Waterproof and both are manufactured by Olympus. The image resolution of the SP-590 UZ (12MP) and the TG-2 iHS (12MP) is very close and they enjoy the exact same sensor size (1/2.3").

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The SP-590 UZ was introduced 5 years before the TG-2 iHS and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus SP-590 UZ being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Olympus TG-2 iHS being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a full comparison, below is a simple summary of how the SP-590 UZ matches up versus the TG-2 iHS with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus SP-590 UZ and Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SP-590 UZ Gallery and Olympus TG-2 iHS Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera frequently, you will have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus SP-590 UZ comes with outer measurements of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") along with a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs) and the Olympus TG-2 iHS has measurements of 111mm x 67mm x 29mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.1") and a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SP-590 UZ versus Olympus TG-2 iHS in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the SP-590 UZ against the TG-2 iHS.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SP-590 UZ and TG-2 iHS is 72 and 91 respectively.

Typically, its hard to envision the difference in sensor measurements only by looking through technical specs. The graphic below should give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the SP-590 UZ and TG-2 iHS.

As you have seen, each of the cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements and the same resolution so you should expect comparable quality of images but you may want to factor the release date of the cameras into account. The older SP-590 UZ will be behind with regard to sensor technology.