Olympus TG-850 iHS vs Panasonic ZS100

Here is a extensive analysis of the Olympus TG-850 iHS versus Panasonic ZS100, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the TG-850 iHS (16MP) and the ZS100 (20MP) is pretty similar but the TG-850 iHS (1/2.3") and ZS100 (1") come with different sensor measurements.

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The TG-850 iHS was revealed 23 months prior to the ZS100 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. The two cameras come with different body type with the Olympus TG-850 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting through a in depth comparison, below is a short introduction of how the TG-850 iHS grades versus the ZS100 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-850 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-850 iHS Gallery and Panasonic ZS100 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera regularly, you will want to consider its weight and size. The Olympus TG-850 iHS offers outside 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 ZS100 has specifications of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") along with a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus TG-850 iHS versus Panasonic ZS100 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the TG-850 iHS and the ZS100.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the TG-850 iHS and ZS100 is 91 and 87 respectively.

Typically, it is difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizing purely by reading a spec sheet. The photograph below might give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the TG-850 iHS and ZS100.

As you can see, the two cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The TG-850 iHS with its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic ZS100 will offer greater detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The older TG-850 iHS is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.