Olympus TG-850 iHS vs Sony A500

In this article, we are comparing the Olympus TG-850 iHS and Sony A500, former being a Waterproof while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Olympus and Sony. There is a sizable difference among the sensor resolutions of the TG-850 iHS (16MP) and A500 (12MP) and the TG-850 iHS (1/2.3") and A500 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor measurements.

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The TG-850 iHS was revealed 4 years later than the A500 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus TG-850 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony A500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving through a thorough comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the TG-850 iHS scores against the A500 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-850 iHS & Sony Alpha DSLR-A500. The full galleries are provided at Olympus TG-850 iHS Gallery & Sony A500 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry your camera regularly, you will need to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus TG-850 iHS provides external measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.1") with a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs) while the Sony A500 has measurements of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") with a weight of 630 grams (1.39 lbs).

Compare the Olympus TG-850 iHS and Sony A500 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have chosen at that time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the TG-850 iHS vs the A500.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the TG-850 iHS and A500 is 91 and 63 respectively.

Generally, it can be difficult to see the difference in sensor sizing only by viewing technical specs. The graphic below might give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the TG-850 iHS and A500.

As you have seen, both of those cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The TG-850 iHS with its smaller sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field trickier and the Olympus TG-850 iHS will provide you with more detail because of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images a little more aggressively. The younger TG-850 iHS will have an edge with regard to sensor tech.