Olympus TG-850 iHS vs Panasonic GF1

In this article, we will be comparing the Olympus TG-850 iHS vs Panasonic GF1, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There is a huge difference among the sensor resolutions of the TG-850 iHS (16MP) and GF1 (12MP) and the TG-850 iHS (1/2.3") and GF1 (Four Thirds) enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

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The TG-850 iHS was launched 4 years later than the GF1 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus TG-850 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting in to a complete comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the TG-850 iHS grades against the GF1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-850 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1. The complete galleries are available at Olympus TG-850 iHS Gallery and Panasonic GF1 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you will need to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus TG-850 iHS enjoys physical measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.1") with a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GF1 has sizing of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") and a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs).

Examine the Olympus TG-850 iHS vs Panasonic GF1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you select at that moment. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the TG-850 iHS compared to the GF1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the TG-850 iHS and GF1 is 91 and 85 respectively.

Usually, it can be hard to envision the difference in sensor measurements purely by going through technical specs. The visual underneath might give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the TG-850 iHS and GF1.

As you can tell, both of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The TG-850 iHS featuring a smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF tougher and the Olympus TG-850 iHS will show more detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The fresher TG-850 iHS will have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.