Olympus TG-850 iHS vs Sony A580

Let's look much closer at the Olympus TG-850 iHS versus Sony A580, former being a Waterproof while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the TG-850 iHS (16MP) and the A580 (16MP) is pretty close but the TG-850 iHS (1/2.3") and A580 (APS-C) use different sensor sizing.

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The TG-850 iHS was unveiled 2 years later than the A580 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus TG-850 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony A580 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go in to a full comparison, below is a quick summation of how the TG-850 iHS scores against the A580 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-850 iHS & Sony Alpha DSLR-A580. The full galleries are available at Olympus TG-850 iHS Gallery & Sony A580 Gallery.

If you're intending to lug around your camera frequently, you'll have to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus TG-850 iHS has got 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 Sony A580 has proportions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") having a weight of 599 grams (1.32 lbs).

Look at the Olympus TG-850 iHS versus Sony A580 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you choose at the time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the TG-850 iHS vs the A580.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the TG-850 iHS and A580 is 91 and 64 respectively.

Typically, it can be hard to picture the difference in sensor measurements merely by researching specifications. The photograph below will provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the TG-850 iHS and A580.

To sum up, the 2 cameras offer the same exact megapixel count albeit different sensor measurements. The TG-850 iHS has got the smaller sensor which should make obtaining shallow depth of field more challenging. The more recent TG-850 iHS should have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.