Olympus TG-850 iHS vs Panasonic LZ30

Following is a in depth review of the Olympus TG-850 iHS and Panasonic LZ30, former is a Waterproof while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the TG-850 iHS (16MP) and the LZ30 (16MP) is relatively similar and both cameras have the same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The TG-850 iHS was unveiled 13 months after the LZ30 which makes them a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus TG-850 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic LZ30 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going straight to a thorough comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the TG-850 iHS matches up vs the LZ30 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-850 iHS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ30. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-850 iHS Gallery & Panasonic LZ30 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry around your camera often, you should consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus TG-850 iHS enjoys outside dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.1") having a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs) while the Panasonic LZ30 has proportions of 124mm x 84mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.3" x 3.6") having a weight of 552 grams (1.22 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus TG-850 iHS and Panasonic LZ30 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have at that moment. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the TG-850 iHS against the LZ30.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the TG-850 iHS and LZ30 is 91 and 66 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to envision the difference between sensor sizes simply by reading a spec sheet. The image below will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the TG-850 iHS and LZ30.

As you can see, both of those cameras provide the same sensor dimensions and the same exact resolution and you can expect similar quality of photographs although you would want to factor the launch date of the products into consideration. The newer TG-850 iHS will have a benefit in sensor tech.