Olympus TG-850 iHS vs Panasonic GX8

Following is a detailed assessment of the Olympus TG-850 iHS and Panasonic GX8, former is a Waterproof while the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the TG-850 iHS (16MP) and the GX8 (20MP) is fairly well matched but the TG-850 iHS (1/2.3") and GX8 (Four Thirds) offer different sensor size.

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The TG-850 iHS was introduced 17 months prior to the GX8 making them a generation away from each other. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus TG-850 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GX8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a simple overview of how the TG-850 iHS matches up versus the GX8 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-850 iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8. The whole galleries are available at Olympus TG-850 iHS Gallery & Panasonic GX8 Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus TG-850 iHS comes with exterior dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs) while the Panasonic GX8 has measurements of 133mm x 78mm x 63mm (5.2" x 3.1" x 2.5") along with a weight of 487 grams (1.07 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus TG-850 iHS and Panasonic GX8 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are employing at the time. The following is a front view scale comparison of the TG-850 iHS vs the GX8.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the TG-850 iHS and GX8 is 91 and 74 respectively.

Usually, it can be difficult to picture the contrast between sensor sizes purely by checking technical specs. The image below will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the TG-850 iHS and GX8.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The TG-850 iHS with its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Panasonic GX8 will give you greater detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The more aged TG-850 iHS is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.