Olympus TG-850 iHS vs Panasonic Lumix ZS200: A Comprehensive Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

Choosing the right camera often boils down to more than just specs on paper; it’s about how those specs translate into real-world performance across various photographic disciplines. Today, I’m diving deep into two compact cameras from Olympus and Panasonic that, on the surface, serve very different purposes but appeal to enthusiasts seeking portability and ease without sacrificing too much in image quality or functionality. We have the rugged Olympus Stylus Tough TG-850 iHS released in 2014 and the more recent Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 (aka TZ200) from 2018. Let’s see how they stack up - from build and handling, sensor tech, through to image quality, autofocus, and suitability across genres including portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and even video.

Holding Them in Hand: Size, Ergonomics, and Controls

Ergonomics are a subtle but vital part of camera usability. I always recommend prospective photographers physically hold cameras where possible because a comfortable grip and intuitive controls can make or break the shooting experience.

At a glance, the Olympus TG-850 is noticeably more compact and lighter at 218g compared to the 340g Panasonic ZS200. The TG-850’s dimensions (110x64x28 mm) reflect its pocket-ready, rugged design optimized for outdoor adventures. It’s splashproof, shockproof, freezeproof, and crushproof - an all-terrain warrior. That said, the Panasonic’s larger body houses a bigger 1-inch sensor and a longer zoom lens, which name the trade-off for portability but promises superior image quality.

In terms of control layout, the Panasonic’s weight and size allow for larger, more tactile buttons and a textured grip, favoring more deliberate, photography-focused handling. The Olympus TG-850 feels a bit spongey in comparison, with smaller buttons and less dedicated dials controlling exposure modes, reflecting its point-and-shoot convenience emphasis. Neither camera has fully articulated screens or extensive customization, but the Panasonic edges ahead by including a touchscreen LCD with more detailed menus, enhancing user experience.

In short, if you want a camera that’s tough and ultra-portable for casual snaps or rough-and-tumble travel, the TG-850's built-in durability cannot be beaten. But for those who prioritize refined controls and feel in the hand, especially photographers accustomed to manual settings, the ZS200 is a more satisfying tool.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Now to my favorite part - image quality. This is where hardware choices like sensor size, resolution, and processing come to life.

The Panasonic ZS200 boasts a 1-inch, 20MP MOS sensor measuring 13.2x8.8 mm, significantly larger than the Olympus TG-850’s 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor with 16MP and a surface area roughly a quarter the size (6.17x4.55 mm). This jump in sensor size provides a substantial advantage in dynamic range, noise handling, and depth of field control.

From years of testing compact cameras with small sensors, I can confidently say the TG-850’s sensor is best suited for well-lit scenarios, where its performance is solid for casual travel shots and snapshots. However, it struggles in low light, producing increased noise and limited shadow detail beyond ISO 800.

Conversely, the ZS200’s sensor and Panasonic’s Venus Engine processor shine, delivering cleaner images at ISO 3200 and usable results at 6400 ISO, with reasonable detail retention. This sensitivity is highly beneficial for indoor photography, night scenes, or dimly lit streets.

The Panasonic also supports shooting in RAW, giving post-processing flexibility - a crucial feature for serious photographers. The Olympus’s inability to shoot RAW limits creative control to JPEG-level adjustments. Plus, the ZS200’s lack of anti-aliasing filter aids in resolving fine detail, whereas the TG-850’s sensor retains a standard AA filter, slightly softening images.

If ultimate image quality is on your checklist, especially in challenging lighting conditions, the Panasonic ZS200's sensor will clearly outperform the Olympus TG-850.

LCDs, Viewfinders, and Interface: Framing Your Shot

Composing images effectively requires clear feedback. The TG-850 comes with a 3" tilting TFT LCD at a modest 460k-dot resolution, while the Panasonic offers a non-tilting 3" LCD but at a far higher 1240k-dot and includes touch sensitivity.

The Panasonic’s screen delivers brighter, sharper rendering, helping to assess critical focus and exposure on-site. The touchscreen functionality allows quick navigation through menus and tapping to focus - a godsend when shooting on the fly.

Neither camera has a dedicated hot shoe for external flash units, but the Panasonic includes a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2.33 million dots resolution, 100% coverage, and decent magnification (0.53x). The viewfinder adds value especially for bright outdoor use, eliminating glare issues common on LCDs.

The Olympus forgoes any viewfinder, relying solely on its rear LCD, which limits compositional options and stability when handholding in bright conditions.

Overall, the Panasonic ZS200’s superior LCD and EVF combination make manual framing and reviewing easier and more precise, whereas the TG-850 focuses on simplicity for quick shooting.

Zoom and Lens Versatility: Flexibility in Your Frame

Both cameras sport fixed zoom lenses, as typical of their compact class, but their zoom ranges and apertures tell different stories.

• Olympus TG-850: 21–105mm (35mm equivalent), f/3.5–5.7, 5x optical zoom
• Panasonic ZS200: 24–360mm, f/3.3–6.4, 15x optical zoom

The ZS200’s 15x zoom is a standout - it triples the reach of the Olympus. This makes the Panasonic a much better choice for wildlife, sports, or travel photography where telephoto reach is essential. Though at the long end, the max aperture narrows to f/6.4, still typical for compact superzoom lenses.

The Olympus TG-850’s lens includes optical image stabilization, which helps in low-light shots and at telephoto - a necessity given the zoom length and small sensor sensitivity constraints.

Interestingly, the Panasonic also supports close macro focusing down to 5cm, ideal for flower or object detail close-ups. Olympus lacks specific macro mode data but considering sensor size and lens design, true macro photography is not its strength.

For general photography versatility, especially if you want telephoto and macro capability in one travel-friendly package, the Panasonic’s lens offers far more creative latitude.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Smart Assistance

Autofocus systems are another domain where technical details meet practical outcomes. I’ve tested cameras with both contrast-detection and hybrid phase-detection systems - the latter generally faster and more reliable for tracking moving subjects.

Surprisingly, neither camera uses phase-detection AF; both rely on contrast detection AF systems. The Panasonic ZS200 employs 49 AF points with multiple modes including face detection, touch AF, and contrast detection continuous AF modes for video and stills.

The Olympus TG-850 also supports face detection and continuous AF, but the exact number of focus points is undisclosed and its AF system is simpler.

In field tests, the ZS200 locks focus noticeably faster, especially in good light, and maintains accuracy when tracking moving subjects like runners or pets. The TG-850 performs adequately for static subjects but can struggle with autofocus hunting in dimmer environments or complex scenes. Eye detection autofocus, useful for portraiture, is absent on both cameras.

In disciplines demanding quick, confident AF - wildlife, sports, street photography - the Panasonic’s system clearly wins.

Continuous Shooting, Burst Rates, and Buffer Depth

For capturing crucial moments, frame rate and buffer depth can be decisive. The Olympus TG-850 can shoot at 7fps, while the Panasonic ZS200 pushes 10fps.

Olympus TG 850 iHS front Olympus TG 850 iHS screen back Panasonic ZS200 front Panasonic ZS200 screen back

While the Panasonic edges ahead, both cameras lack extensive buffer capacity, limiting continuous burst duration to a handful of JPEGs before slowing. Neither offers raw burst shooting, further constraining speed.

Still, 10fps on the ZS200 paired with faster AF tracking enhances chances of nailing action shots, compared to the TG-850’s modest burst.

Robustness and Weather Sealing: Ready for Adventure?

Here’s where the Olympus TG-850’s true spirit shines: environmental sealing.

• Waterproof to 10m (33 ft)
• Shockproof against 2.1m (7 ft) drops
• Freezeproof to -10°C
• Crushproof up to 100kgf

It’s the perfect companion for snorkelers, hikers, and anyone who needs a camera that survives rough conditions without a bulky housing.

The Panasonic ZS200, focused on image quality and versatility, offers no such protection. It’s a typical delicate large-sensor compact unsuitable for harsh environments without extra care.

This ruggedness makes the TG-850 invaluable for adventure photographers or families wanting to capture memories without worrying about weather or handling mishaps.

Battery Life & Storage: Extended Shooting Comfort

Battery life in cameras of this class is often overrated in spec sheets compared to reality.

The Olympus TG-850 specifies 330 shots per charge, while the Panasonic ZS200 rates a slightly better 370 shots.

In practice, the TG-850’s smaller screen and simpler features help conserve power, but aggressive use of the flash or continuous shooting reduces endurance noticeably.

The ZS200’s higher-resolution EVF and bright LCD may drain the battery faster, but its smarter power management delivers solid all-day shooting in the field, especially if judicious use of viewfinder and live view toggling is practiced.

Both cameras take SD cards (SDXC compatible), and each has a single card slot - typical but worth noting for professionals wanting dual redundancy.

Video Capabilities: Moving Pictures on the Go

Video is an essential component for many today, so I tested both in typical casual and semi-pro shooting conditions.

• Olympus TG-850 shoots Full HD 1080p at 60fps with H.264 compression
• Panasonic ZS200 steps up with 4K Ultra HD video up to 30fps, plus Full HD 1080p at 60fps, using AVCHD and MP4 formats

Neither camera has microphone or headphone ports, limiting audio control, but the Panasonic’s 4K support greatly appeals to vloggers and videographers wanting higher resolution and detail flexibility.

Image stabilization is optical on both - the TG-850’s is tuned for stills and video and holds up well for handheld footage during travel and quick pans.

The Panasonic’s more advanced video codecs and higher resolution, combined with touchscreen control for focus and exposure, provide a richer video experience overall.

Specialized Photography: How Do They Handle Different Genres?

Let’s break down how each camera fares across common photography types:

This breakdown underscores that the Olympus TG-850 is a specialized tool for rugged, casual shooting in tough environments while the Panasonic ZS200 is a more advanced all-rounder suited for enthusiasts demanding quality and flexibility.

Technical Features in Detail: Connectivity and Workflow

Connectivity is increasingly important for photographers sharing or backing up on the go.

The Olympus TG-850 offers built-in Wi-Fi to connect to smart devices but lacks Bluetooth and NFC. Its USB 2.0 port and full-size HDMI enable basic tethering and playback.

Panasonic ups the ante with built-in Wi-Fi plus Bluetooth - the latter enabling seamless pairing for remote control and geotagging applications (even if no GPS module onboard). The ZS200 uses a faster USB port and HDMI.

For professionals, the ZS200’s raw file support and wide compatibility with Adobe Lightroom and other editors offer a smoother workflow compared to Olympus’s JPEG-only output.

The Price-to-Performance Equation: What’s Your Money Worth?

At the time of this comparison, the Olympus TG-850 is found at around $250, targeted clearly at casual users or those needing a rugged point-and-shoot.

The Panasonic Lumix ZS200 commands roughly $800, reflecting its larger sensor, sophisticated features, and improved image quality.

If you prioritize robustness, simple controls, and a no-fuss camera to carry anywhere, the Olympus TG-850 delivers excellent bang for the buck.

On the other hand, if you want a compact camera offering versatile zoom, manual controls, better low-light performance, and 4K video, the Panasonic’s price tag is justified.

Closing Thoughts: Which One Should You Buy?

• Choose the Olympus TG-850 iHS if:

  • You’re an outdoor enthusiast needing a compact, waterproof, shock-resistant camera.
  • Your photography style is casual, prioritizing ease and ruggedness over advanced image quality.
  • Budget constraints favor a low-cost, dependable companion for travel, hiking, or poolside memories.

• Opt for the Panasonic Lumix ZS200 if:

  • Image quality and versatility are paramount. The larger sensor and 15x zoom dramatically expand your creative possibilities.
  • You require manual controls, RAW file options, and 4K video for both stills and movies.
  • You are a photography enthusiast or advanced amateur who wants a high-performing compact that can do serious work in various lighting conditions and genres.

Ultimately, these two cameras are purpose-built for contrasting niches. The Olympus TG-850 excels in rugged simplicity, while the Panasonic ZS200 stakes its claim as an all-purpose compact powerhouse.

Hopefully, this in-depth comparison helps you make an informed choice that suits your style and demands - putting the right tool in your hands is always the first step to creating great images.

Happy shooting!