Olympus TG-850 iHS vs Samsung PL170

Let's examine more in depth at the Olympus TG-850 iHS vs Samsung PL170, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Ultracompact by competitors Olympus and Samsung. The resolution of the TG-850 iHS (16MP) and the PL170 (16MP) is very close and they feature the exact same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The TG-850 iHS was revealed 3 years later than the PL170 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus TG-850 iHS being a Compact camera and the Samsung PL170 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a short summation of how the TG-850 iHS scores versus the PL170 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-850 iHS and Samsung PL170. The full galleries are available at Olympus TG-850 iHS Gallery and Samsung PL170 Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera often, you need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus TG-850 iHS provides exterior dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.1") with a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs) and the Samsung PL170 has dimensions of 95mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus TG-850 iHS vs Samsung PL170 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the TG-850 iHS and the PL170.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the TG-850 iHS and PL170 is 91 and 99 respectively.

Typically, it is hard to visualise the gap in sensor measurements merely by viewing specs. The graphic here may provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the TG-850 iHS and PL170.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements and the identical resolution therefore you should expect comparable quality of pictures although you need to take the release date of the cameras into account. The fresher TG-850 iHS is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.