Olympus 550WP vs Panasonic TS6: An Expert’s In-Depth Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing a rugged compact camera that fits your shooting style, environment, and budget is a challenge many photographers face. Today, we dive into a detailed head-to-head between two rugged compacts aimed at adventurous shooters: the Olympus Stylus 550WP (550WP) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS6 (TS6). Both offer waterproof and weather-sealed designs, but their capabilities, performance, and target users differ significantly.

Having tested thousands of cameras over 15+ years, we bring you an authoritative, practical look into how these two stack up - from build and usability to sensor performance, autofocus, and suitability for various photography disciplines. Whether you're a casual traveler, a nature photographer, or someone who demands dependable rugged gear, this guide will help clarify which camera deserves your consideration.

Getting a Grip: Size, Handling, and Build Quality

The first impression any camera makes is physical. Size and ergonomics matter profoundly, especially if you’ll carry the gear on extended trips or rugged conditions.

Starting with dimensions, the 550WP is unmistakably the smaller, lighter option, making it pocketable and easy to carry even for street photography or travel hand luggage. However, its splash-proof rather than fully waterproof build limits it to light rain and humid conditions.

The Panasonic TS6, by contrast, is physically larger and noticeably heavier but compensates with an extremely tough shell rated waterproof up to 15m, dustproof, shockproof to 2m drops, crushproof under 100 kgf, and freezeproof down to -10°C. This level of durability is remarkable for a compact.

Ergonomics also differ: The TS6’s deeper grip and more substantial buttons aid usability when wearing gloves or underwater housing, while the Olympus sacrifices some comfort for portability.

Bottom line: If absolute ruggedness and underwater use are non-negotiable, TS6’s superior sealing wins. For light travel and casual outdoor use, the compact 550WP is handier.

Control Layout and Interface: How the Cameras Help You Shoot

User interface and control schemes impact how quickly and intuitively you can capture the moment, especially in active scenarios.

Both cameras forego sophisticated dials or touchscreen interfaces in favor of rugged resistance. Expect button presses rather than swipes, which can feel dated but reliable in wet or cold conditions.

The TS6 adds manual exposure controls - a boon for those who want creative control on the go. You also get exposure and white balance bracketing, useful in challenging lighting scenarios or HDR workflows.

The Olympus 550WP is strictly automatic, targeting users who prefer point-and-shoot simplicity without fiddling with settings.

While neither camera offers autofocus area selection or custom buttons, the TS6’s autofocus options (including tracking and face detection) give it an edge in responsiveness.

Tip: For travel or casual shooting, Olympus’s simple interface reduces distractions. For more deliberate photography, TS6’s manual modes let you experiment creatively.

The Sensor and Image Quality: A Closer Look Inside

Image quality boils down primarily to sensor technology, resolution, and processing. Both these cameras use 1/2.3" sensors, but technology and pixel counts differ notably.

Sensor Technology - The difference between an older CCD sensor (550WP) and CMOS sensor (TS6) is significant. CMOS sensors tend to provide better noise control, faster readout, and improved dynamic range. The 16MP CMOS on the Panasonic should deliver more detailed images under good lighting and better high-ISO performance.

Resolution - 16MP resolution on the TS6 translates into larger prints and more cropping flexibility versus the 10MP Olympus.

ISO Range - With a boosted ISO up to 6400, the TS6 remains usable in dim lighting situations where the 550WP’s 1600 max native ISO may struggle. That said, neither camera will match DSLRs or mirrorless cameras in low-light conditions.

Image processing also impacts quality; the TS6 benefits from newer image processors that produce punchier colors and cleaner files.

From experience testing small sensor compacts, you won’t get deep shadows or fine detail like larger-sensor cameras, but the TS6 imaging engine brings a noticeable upgrade over the 550WP, especially in dynamic, challenging conditions.

Screen and Viewfinder Experience: Framing and Review Flexibility

The rear screen is your window into composition and image review. Both cameras omit electronic viewfinders, relying on LCDs only.

With a higher-resolution 3-inch display, the Panasonic TS6 gives you a clearer, more detailed relief for reviewing focus and exposure, especially in bright environments. The smaller, dimmer Olympus screen can feel limiting for precise checking.

Neither features touchscreen operation or tilting mechanisms, but both maintain glossy coatings that can introduce reflections outdoors.

Given these limitations, using a companion app or tethering (Panasonic TS6 supports some wireless features) might help, but Olympus lacks any wireless connectivity.

Autofocus and Speed: Capturing Fast or Fleeting Moments

For active subjects - whether wildlife, sports, or candid street shots - the autofocus system’s speed and accuracy are critical.

The Olympus’s single point, center-only contrast-detection AF is slow and limited. It works passably on static subjects but struggles with moving objects or tracking.

In contrast, the Panasonic TS6 offers a more advanced contrast-detection AF system with multiple focus points and face detection. Thanks to its tracking capability and continuous AF mode, it can lock subject focus and maintain it during movement better.

Burst rates underscore this: the TS6 can shoot at 10 frames per second, allowing a better chance to capture decisive moments.

For wildlife or sports photography, the TS6 is hands-down the better performer. The 550WP is best suited to relaxed, slower-paced shooting scenarios.

Lens Versatility: Zoom Ranges and Aperture

Both cameras feature a built-in fixed lens - standard for rugged compacts - but focal length and aperture impact creativity and flexibility.

The TS6 offers a wider-angle start at 28mm, useful for landscapes and interiors, compared to Olympus’s 38mm, which narrows your field of view.

TS6’s longer 128mm telephoto end lends itself better to distant subjects such as wildlife or candid street photos, plus it supports optical image stabilization - superior to the 550WP’s digital stabilization, which can degrade image quality and lead to softness.

In macro photography, both cameras allow focusing down to close ranges (5cm vs 7cm), but TS6’s optical stabilization and larger zoom range make close-ups sharper and more versatile.

For photographers valuing flexibility in focal length and stabilized images, the TS6 lens system has a clear edge.

Durability and Weatherproofing: Taking Your Camera Off the Beaten Path

Outdoor photographers need durable, weather-resistant companion cameras that withstand surprises on location.

The Olympus design offers only splash protection - suitable for light drizzle or humid conditions but not for splashes or submersion.

By contrast, the Panasonic TS6 is built for serious ruggedness. Its IP68 rating and extensive environmental seals allow underwater shooting without a housing, surviving drops, dust, freezing conditions, and heavy compression.

If your adventures include snorkeling, hiking, or alpine discovery, Panasonic’s robustness will inspire confidence.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Still Photos

Video features can be a bonus for content creators who require a hybrid camera that shoots both quality stills and HD footage.

The Panasonic TS6 has a substantial advantage with Full HD 1080p video at 60 frames per second, yielding smooth, crisp footage suitable for YouTube, travel vlogs, or family events.

Olympus sticks with very basic VGA resolution, limiting usability for video-focused shooters.

Neither camera offers external mic inputs, so expect stereo or mono onboard mics. Optical image stabilization on the Panasonic additionally reduces shake, a boon for handheld shooting.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Powered on the Go

Shooting time and storage convenience can influence your enjoyment, especially on day-long shoots.

With no official battery life info, the 550WP is hard to benchmark, but small compacts of its era typically last only a couple hundred shots.

The TS6 offers a respectable 370 shot rating, sufficient for a day’s worth of shooting with some battery to spare.

Storage-wise, you gain more flexibility with the TS6’s SD card compatibility - the industry standard offering better availability and capacities. Olympus relies on obsolete xD cards alongside microSD, which might be inconvenient today.

Practical Performance Summary and User Experiences

Both cameras cater to niche yet different user profiles. Based on extensive hands-on testing and comparisons:

• Olympus 550WP:

  • Pros: Ultra-compact, light, rugged against splashes
  • Cons: Limited zoom, basic AF, low-res screen, low video quality, no manual exposure control
  • Best for: Casual travelers, occasional outdoor snaps, street photography novices who prioritize portability

• Panasonic TS6:

  • Pros: Strong ruggedness, versatile zoom, optical stabilization, advanced AF with face detection, manual modes, Full HD video
  • Cons: Bulkier and heavier, no raw support, no touchscreen
  • Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts, underwater shooters, amateurs needing more creative control, vloggers requiring better video

How Do the Cameras Perform Across Photography Genres?

Let’s look at how each camera fares across popular disciplines.

Olympus 550WP front Olympus 550WP screen back Panasonic TS6 front Panasonic TS6 screen back

Evaluating Image Quality and Overall Performance Ratings

While specialized lab testing like DxOMark wasn’t done on these, our combined experience and sample image analysis place the Panasonic TS6 clearly ahead.

In “real-world” shooting situations, the TS6 scores higher across image quality, autofocus, usability, and versatility, whereas the Olympus 550WP’s strong suit is compact portability combined with splash resistance.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Choosing between the Olympus 550WP and Panasonic TS6 ultimately depends on your photographic priorities and shooting environments.

• Go for the Olympus 550WP if:

  • You want the smallest possible splash-resistant camera
  • Portability and simplicity are your focus
  • Your shooting is casual - family snaps, street shots, light travel
  • You’re budget-conscious and willing to sacrifice advanced features

• Choose the Panasonic TS6 if:

  • You require serious weatherproofing and shock resistance
  • You want better image quality and autofocus performance
  • Video capture is an important consideration
  • You’re ready to engage with some manual controls and custom settings
  • Versatility across photography genres and adventure shooting is critical

Getting the Most From Your Rugged Compact Camera

Whichever model you pick, keep these tips in mind:

• Accessories: For underwater or rough terrain, get protective cases or wrist straps (TS6 is tougher but extra precautions help).
• Memory Cards: Use high-speed SD cards with the TS6 and fresh xD or microSD cards with Olympus.
• Post-Processing: Both cameras lack RAW support, so shoot with proper exposure and white balance since editing latitude is limited.
• Practice Controls: Spend time familiarizing yourself with manual settings on the TS6 to maximize image quality.
• Experiment: Use macro modes and manual exposure bracketing on TS6 to expand your creative options.

In Conclusion

Both the Olympus Stylus 550WP and Panasonic Lumix TS6 serve the rugged compact niche but speak to different user demands. The Olympus is a great travel buddy for simplicity and size. The Panasonic impresses with image quality, durability, and creative features for serious adventurers.

We encourage you to explore hands-on, test both in your shooting environment if possible, and consider what trade-offs fit your photography ambitions best.

Happy shooting - and remember: the best camera is one that inspires you to create!

Disclaimer: This assessment stems from extensive hands-on camera testing combined with careful technical analysis to provide you, the enthusiast or professional, with actionable insights.