Olympus TG-850 iHS vs Sony NEX-6: Which Camera Suits Your Photography Journey?

As someone who's spent over fifteen years elbow-deep in camera tech - testing, tweaking, shooting in every environment imaginable - I know firsthand that picking the right camera is part science, part soul-searching. Today, we’ll dissect two very different beasts: the rugged, outdoor-ready Olympus Stylus Tough TG-850 iHS, and the versatile, image-quality-focused Sony Alpha NEX-6 mirrorless. Both cameras carry necks of fame among casual shooters and enthusiasts alike, yet they cater to disparate needs and styles.

Whether you’re a weekend warrior craving durability or a budding pro chasing crisp image control, I’ll guide you through the meaningful specs, real-world performance, and what the “feel” of using these cameras actually is like. Let’s roll up our sleeves.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

Before getting geeky with sensors and autofocus, I want to talk about how each camera feels when you hold it - because no amount of megapixels compensates for user frustration.

The Olympus TG-850 iHS is a compact stunner - pocket-sized (110mm x 64mm x 28mm) and lightweight (218g), essentially designed for “grab-and-go” - or should I say, “grab-and-splash.” Its waterproof, shockproof, dustproof, and freezeproof construction makes it the bruiser of tough cameras. For hikers, beach bums, or parents chasing toddlers, this camera’s durability is the standout.

Conversely, the Sony NEX-6 feels like a grown-up rangefinder, with a heftier body (120mm x 67mm x 43mm, 345g) that firmly sits in your hands. Its mirrorless design with interchangeable lenses calls for a more deliberate setup but offers serious ditch-your-smartphone image quality. It’s not rain-resistant, so you’ll want an umbrella or a weatherproof bag for outdoor shoots.

Ergonomics? The NEX-6 has physical dials and buttons - nice clubs for your thumbs when fine-tuning exposure - while the TG-850 keeps it simple with fewer controls, geared towards snap-quick shooting rather than manual mastery.

Sensor Showdown: Image Quality Fundamentals

Let’s open the hood and talk sensor tech because that’s where raw image potential is born.

The Olympus TG-850 iHS sports a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring just 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28.07 mm² area) with a 16MP resolution. This is the classic compact sensor that balances size and cost but inherently limits dynamic range and low-light prowess. The pixel density is high, meaning noise can creep up fast under dim conditions. Its max ISO tops out around 6400, but realistically you’d want to keep it at 800 or below for acceptable noise levels.

On the flip side, the Sony NEX-6 packs a much larger APS-C CMOS sensor (23.5 x 15.6 mm, 366.6 mm² area), also 16MP. This is the same sensor format used in many enthusiast DSLRs, translating to fundamentally better image quality: better dynamic range, superior color depth, and lower noise. With a max ISO reach of 25,600, it thrives even in challenging light. And it shoots in raw format, giving you freedom in editing - a key advantage for pros and hobbyists who aren’t satisfied with JPEGs.

This sensor gulf is the primary driver of image quality differences you'll see in portraits, landscapes, and low-light shooting.

Peeking Through the Viewfinder and Screen

A photo’s worth is only as good as how well you can compose it, and both cameras approach this task differently.

The TG-850 has a 3-inch tiltable 460k-dot TFT LCD. It’s decent for framing but a little grainy and struggles under bright sun. No electronic viewfinder (EVF) here, so you’re staring at the screen, which can be tricky in direct light.

The NEX-6 upgrades the experience with a high-res (921k-dot) 3-inch Xtra Fine LCD, which tilts smartly 90° up and 45° down for creative angles. Best of all, it features a sharp 2359k-dot EVF covering 100% of the frame - a boon for precise composition, especially in bright conditions. The EVF’s 0.73x magnification also makes manual focusing smoother and eliminates glare struggles.

If you’re serious about framing your images under any light, the Sony’s viewfinder and screen combo is worth its weight.

Autofocus Systems: Speed and Accuracy in the Wild

Fast, sharp focus can make or break spontaneous shots - particularly wildlife, sports, or street photography.

The Olympus TG-850 uses a contrast-detection autofocus system with face detection and supports continuous AF and tracking modes. It has no phase-detection AF, and the number of focus points isn’t specified but is limited. In practice, it’s decent for casual snaps but occasionally hunts or lags behind fast-moving subjects - understandable given its sensor and processor specs.

The Sony NEX-6 features a hybrid autofocus system combining contrast detection and 99 phase-detection points. This baby is faster and more accurate, locking focus on moving objects like runners or pets with impressive consistency. It supports continuous AF but, interestingly, lacks eye-tracking, a feature found in more modern cameras - but this was top-notch tech in 2013. For fast-action shooting - sports or wildlife - the Sony clearly outguns the Olympus.

Lens Ecosystem and Flexibility

Lens compatibility is a make-or-break for long-term photography investment. The fixed zoom lens on the Olympus versus interchangeable lenses on the Sony brings this into sharp relief.

• Olympus TG-850 iHS: Fixed 21-105mm equivalent f/3.5-5.7 zoom lens (5x optical zoom). Handy for shooting landscapes and casual portraits, but limited in aperture speed and reach, making low-light and creative blur challenging.

• Sony NEX-6: Compatible with the vast Sony E-mount lens family (currently 121 native lenses), plus adapters for A-mount and many third-party glass. You can pair it with fast primes for portraits, macro lenses for close-ups, or long telephotos for wildlife. This flexibility lets you tailor your kit as your skills grow.

In short, the Olympus is a “one-and-done” tool optimized for durability and convenience, while the Sony beckons with creative control and system expandability.

Shooting Experience in Different Photography Genres

With this technical groundwork laid, let me share how these cameras perform across the photography spectrum - because what really matters is how a camera serves your passion.

Portraits: Skin Tones and Background Separation

• Olympus TG-850: Limited by sensor size and lens speed, portraits tend to be “snapshotted” rather than artfully composed. Bokeh (the creamy out-of-focus background) is minimal, especially due to f/3.5-5.7 aperture range and small sensor, which affects depth of field. Skin tones are decent but don’t have the subtle gradations a larger sensor affords. Face detection improves focus accuracy, but image softness in low light is a downside.

• Sony NEX-6: Larger sensor and compatible fast primes (e.g., 50mm f/1.8) produce beautiful skin tones with smooth gradations and strong bokeh effects. Manual exposure modes allow for precise control over lighting and depth, essential for portrait work. Face detection aids autofocus, but lack of eye detection means you do need to double-check focus tightness.

Verdict: The Sony is the clear choice for anyone serious about portraits beyond the casual photo.

Landscape: Dynamic Range and Weather Toughness

• Olympus TG-850: True to its rugged DNA, this camera can handle harsh outdoor terrain - rain, dust, accidental drops - without flinching. However, its sensor constraints limit dynamic range, leading to clipped highlights in bright skies or crushed shadows. The 21mm wide-angle equivalent is decent, though some landscapes feel cramped.

• Sony NEX-6: The APS-C sensor gives you superior dynamic range (DxOMark rates it at 13.1 stops), preserving details in highlight and shadow. Combined with interchangeable wide-angle lenses (e.g., 10-18mm zoom), it excels in capturing landscapes with stunning clarity and tonality. The tradeoff? No weather sealing; you’ll need protection in foul weather.

Verdict: If you plan extreme outdoor adventures where durability trumps nuance, Olympus fits the bill. For image quality and creative control, Sony takes the crown.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus and Burst Performance

• Olympus TG-850: The 7 fps burst rate is respectable for a compact. However, contrast-detection AF can lag or misfocus on erratic subjects. The max zoom reaches 105mm equivalent - shortish for wildlife photographers needing reach.

• Sony NEX-6: Faster 10 fps continuous shooting and hybrid AF with 99 points empowers sharp tracking of moving subjects. Plus, attaching telephoto lenses (e.g., 70-210mm) expands your reach meaningfully. Low-light sensitivity keeps you shooting longer when light fades.

Verdict: For wildlife and sports, the Sony outperforms hands down.

Street and Travel Photography: Discretion and Portability

• Olympus TG-850: Ultra-portable and weatherproof, making it ideal for spontaneous street shots even in tough conditions. Its silent operation is a plus for candid shooting, and the tiltable screen helps with creative angles. Battery life is decent at 330 shots.

• Sony NEX-6: Also compact but bulkier and more conspicuous. Its slower startup and lens changes can hinder quick snaps. However, its image quality and EVF enhance composition. Battery life is marginally better at 360 shots.

Verdict: Olympus wins on stealth and ruggedness; Sony wins on image quality.

Macro and Night/Astro Photography

Neither camera is designed primarily for macro or astrophotography, but let's see what’s possible.

• Macro: The Olympus lacks macro focusing range specs but has optical stabilization which helps handheld close-ups. The Sony’s interchangeable lenses include true macro glass and offer better manual focus options through the EVF, aiding precision.

• Night/Astro: The Olympus sensor noise limits night shots; decent stabilization helps, but detail and star dot sharpness are compromised. The Sony, with higher ISO capability and RAW support, is uniquely suited for starry skies, especially when paired with fast primes.

Video and Connectivity: Content Creation in Mind

Both cameras offer Full HD 1080p video, but with different chops.

• Olympus TG-850 iHS: Records up to 1080p at 60fps with H.264 codec, adequate for casual video. Lacks microphone input; audio quality is average. Optical stabilization helps smooth handheld footage.

• Sony NEX-6: Also offers 1080p at 60fps but supports AVCHD format for higher bitrate quality and MPEG-4 codec. No mic input either, but the EVF and manual exposure controls aid videographers. No in-body stabilization means you rely on lens IS.

Wireless connectivity is built-in for both, allowing easy photo transfer; neither has Bluetooth or NFC, which is expected for the era. HDMI and USB 2.0 ports facilitate tethering or external recording.

Battery Life and Storage

• Olympus TG-850: Rated for approximately 330 shots per charge - adequate for day trips but keep spare batteries if you shoot extensively. Uses removable LI-50B battery and accepts SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.

• Sony NEX-6: Slightly better battery life at about 360 shots, using the NPFW50 battery. Supports a broader array of memory formats, including Sony’s proprietary Memory Stick alongside SD cards.

Charging times and availability of spare batteries are practical considerations depending on your travel style.

Price-to-Performance: Making Your Wallet Talk

At launch, the Olympus TG-850 iHS usually hovered around $250, while the Sony NEX-6 was closer to $365 for the body alone. Here’s how I rationalize value:

• Olympus TG-850 iHS: For a modest budget, you get a nearly indestructible compact camera that serves well for casual outdoor shooting, travel, and rugged lifestyle photos without fuss. No raw files or manual controls, but enough punch for family snaps and basic adventures.

• Sony NEX-6: More costly, but you invest in a camera that grows with your skills, image demands, and creative ambitions. The lens system alone justifies the price for many beginners stepping into mirrorless or pros needing a lightweight backup.

Putting Numbers into Context: Overall and Genre-Specific Performance

To consolidate our above analysis, here’s a graphical snapshot comparing the two cameras across critical metrics:

(I've personally carried out studio and field tests across these categories, considering exposure latitude, autofocus response, ergonomics comfort scores, and image quality indices.)

Summary Table of Strengths and Weaknesses

Final Verdict: Which Camera Should You Buy?

• For the Outdoor Adventurer or Cheapskate Needing Durability: Go with the Olympus TG-850 iHS. It sacrifices some image quality for rock-solid build and convenience. The “point and shoot” simplicity with waterproofing is perfect for beach trips, hiking, and rough-and-tumble family outings. The built-in zoom and optical stabilization are handy, though don’t expect DSLR-level results.

• For the Photography Enthusiast Aiming for Quality and Growth: The Sony NEX-6 is a smarter investment. Its sensor size, advanced AF, and versatile lens mount provide higher caliber photos and creative control to experiment with different genres. Lack of weather sealing is a downside, but it rewards careful handling with cleaner images and more customization.

If you’re on the fence because you want both robustness and image quality, a word of advice from my testphotos: It's better to choose your priority - toughness or creative aspiration - and pick accordingly. You can’t have a small, bulletproof box and a pro sensor in the same budget.

Personal Parting Thoughts

Having shot thousands of cameras, I find the TG-850 is like an off-road Jeep - reliable and no-nonsense. The NEX-6 is more like a sports car with clubs for thumbs: nimble, precise, ready to tackle challenging photo scenarios if you invest a bit of TLC.

Whichever camera you choose, it’s your eye behind the lens that counts. But choosing gear that matches your style, budget, and needs will make your creative journey that much smoother and more enjoyable.

Happy shooting!

[Image credits: Olympus and Sony product photos and test shots courtesy of the author’s fieldwork.]

Olympus TG 850 iHS front Olympus TG 850 iHS screen back Sony NEX 6 front Sony NEX 6 screen back