Olympus TG-850 iHS vs Sony NEX-7

Choosing the right camera can be a daunting affair, especially when faced with two machines as different as the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-850 iHS and the Sony Alpha NEX-7. Having spent countless hours testing cameras from the rugged compact segment to advanced mirrorless systems, I’d like to share a hands-on, deep-dive comparison to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer craving durability, or a creative photographer seeking versatility and image quality, this thorough comparison dissects both cameras in detail.

First Impressions: Design, Size, and Handling

When you unpack these two cameras, you immediately notice their divergent philosophies.

The Olympus TG-850 iHS is an ultra-rugged compact designed to survive adventurous scenarios - waterproof, shockproof, dustproof, and freezeproof with a reassuring solid feel. It’s small, lightweight, and easy to tuck into a pocket or backpack. The trade-off? A fixed lens and limited manual controls.

In contrast, the Sony NEX-7 sports a classic rangefinder-style mirrorless body that screams “advanced shooter.” It’s larger, heavier, and feels much more substantial in hand, built around a large APS-C sensor and interchangeable lens ecosystem, allowing far greater creative control.

Look at this size comparison image, and you’ll see the TG-850’s compact dimensions (110x64x28mm, 218g) versus the Sony’s 120x67x43mm, 400g footprint. Ergonomically, the Sony offers a heftier grip, more physical buttons, and dials for direct access to exposure settings - ideal when speed and precision matter. The Olympus is simplistic, with few physical controls and no manual focus ring or aperture dial, fitting its ‘point-and-shoot-but-tough’ ethos.

Design and Control Layout: A Look From the Top

Peeking at the top view reveals more clues about these cameras’ intended users.

The Sony NEX-7 integrates a traditional camera layout with dedicated dials for shutter speed, exposure compensation, and shooting modes. I appreciate these because they allow responsive adjustments without diving into menus - important in fast-paced environments like street or sports photography.

The Olympus TG-850, by contrast, keeps it minimal: a shutter button, zoom toggle, and mode dial with automated settings designed to keep things simple for casual shooting under tough conditions. This layout suits hands that may be gloved or wet during outdoor activities, but it’s limiting for those who prefer creative control.

Breaking Down Sensor and Image Quality: What’s Under the Hood?

This is where the comparison becomes truly striking.

The Sony NEX-7 is equipped with a 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor (23.5x15.6mm), meaning it benefits from a much larger sensor area (366.6 mm²) compared to the TG-850’s 16MP 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS (6.17x4.55mm; 28.1 mm²). That size difference dramatically influences image quality, noise performance, dynamic range, and depth of field control.

From years of testing, I can tell you that APS-C sensors like the one in the NEX-7 deliver far richer, cleaner images with higher resolution and better color reproduction. The Sony’s higher DxO score of 81 (not official for Olympus) reinforces this superiority - particularly in high ISO behavior and dynamic range.

On the other hand, the Olympus sensor, paired with the TruePic VII image processor, still manages respectable image quality for a compact waterproof camera, but its smaller sensor and lower resolution limit ability to capture fine detail and handle low-light effectively.

LCD and Viewfinder: Composing Your Shot

Both models feature 3-inch tilting screens, but their resolutions and additional viewfinding options vary.

The Sony NEX-7 has a denser 921K-dot LCD panel and adds an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 0.73x magnification and 100% coverage. For me, this EVF is a game-changer - especially under harsh daylight or for precise manual focusing, making the NEX-7 well suited to professionals or enthusiasts demanding accuracy.

The Olympus TG-850’s screen resolution is lower at 460K dots, and it lacks any kind of viewfinder. The single TFT LCD works fine for casual framing, but can struggle under bright sunlight.

If you often shoot outdoors or require fast, reliable framing without blinking or lag, Sony’s EVF edges ahead in my book.

Autofocus and Speed: Capturing the Moment

Autofocus (AF) performance can make or break capturing fleeting moments.

The Sony NEX-7 features a 25-point contrast-detection AF system combined with advanced algorithms enabling face detection and selective AF. It can shoot at 10 frames per second in continuous mode, appealing for sports and wildlife photographers where fast action is the norm. AF locking and tracking are accurate but occasionally modest compared to today’s latest hybrid phase-detect systems. Still, among cameras of its era, it performs admirably.

Olympus’ TG-850 uses contrast-detection AF and boasts face detection capable of continuous AF and tracking, but with fewer focus points and slower response. Its 7 fps burst rate is good for a rugged compact, but the AF struggles in low-light or fast-moving subjects.

If you prioritize quick, reliable focusing under various conditions, particularly in wildlife or sports settings, Sony’s system will serve you better.

Weather Sealing and Build Quality: Ready for Adventure?

This is where the TG-850 really shines.

Only the Olympus is environmentally sealed, rated waterproof to 10 meters, crushproof to 100 kgf, shockproof to 2.1 m drops, dustproof, and freezeproof down to –10°C. For divers, hikers, or those who live a rough-and-ready lifestyle, this camera can be taken anywhere without fear.

Conversely, the Sony NEX-7 is not weather sealed or ruggedized, requiring extra care and protective housing if used outdoors extensively in harsh conditions.

So, if you want a camera for adventure documentation without risking damage, Olympus is the undisputed champion.

Lens Ecosystem: Flexibility or Simplicity?

The Olympus is a fixed-lens camera with a 21-105mm equivalent zoom at F3.5-5.7 aperture. This five-times zoom covers moderate wide-angle to short telephoto - suitable for general photography but limited for specialized needs. No interchangeable lenses means no upgrades or creative optical control.

In contrast, the Sony NEX-7 accepts Sony E-mount lenses, boasting a robust and expanding ecosystem (over 120 lenses). From ultra-wide landscapes to super-telephoto wildlife lenses, you have tremendous flexibility to match your shooting style, including sharp primes with wide apertures for stunning portraits and low-light work.

For me, lens availability profoundly impacts how uninhibited your photography can be. The NEX-7’s versatility appeals to enthusiasts and pros seeking growth; the TG-850 suits those prioritizing simplicity.

Battery Life and Storage: Real-World Longevity and Convenience

Battery endurance often goes overlooked but is critical in the field.

Sony’s NEX-7 offers an estimated 430 shots per charge from its NP-FW50 battery, outperforming Olympus’ TG-850’s approximate 330 shots on its LI-50B pack. While these numbers are typical for their classes, the Sony lasts longer despite having a bigger sensor and EVF - reflecting efficient power management.

Both take SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but the Sony also supports Sony’s Memory Stick format, which some may find redundant. Neither model offers dual card slots, so managing storage backups requires swapping cards carefully.

For extended outings, consider carrying extra batteries, but the Sony’s advantage may save you frustration during long shoots.

Connectivity and Video Features: Sharing and Moving Footage

If video or wireless sharing factors into your decision, here’s the scoop:

The TG-850 offers Wi-Fi for image transfer but no Bluetooth or NFC, lacks microphone and headphone jacks, and records Full HD 1080p at 60fps in H.264 and Motion JPEG formats. Overall, solid but basic.

The Sony NEX-7 is Eye-Fi connected (Wi-Fi via SD card), lacks Bluetooth and NFC, but includes an external microphone port for improved audio control - a serious bonus for video creators. It captures 1080p at 60 and 24 fps using MPEG-4 and AVCHD codecs, offering slightly more versatility for cinematic footage.

Neither supports 4K or high frame-rate slow motion, reflective of their generation, so if ultra-high-end video is your thing, newer models would be better.

Photography Genre Breakdown: Which Excels Where?

Now for the juicy practicalities - how do these cameras stack up across major photography genres?

Olympus TG 850 iHS front Olympus TG 850 iHS screen back Sony NEX 7 front Sony NEX 7 screen back

Portraits: Sony’s larger sensor allows better skin tone rendition, smooth background blur using fast primes, and accurate eye-detection AF complements portrait shooting. The Olympus’ fixed modest aperture and small sensor limit bokeh; its AF is also less selective for facial features.

Landscape: Sony benefits from superb dynamic range and resolution for detailed landscapes, but lacks weather sealing. Olympus can take the punishment outdoors but yields less detail and narrower tonal range.

Wildlife: Sony’s faster continuous burst at 10 fps (vs 7 fps Olympus), plus interchangeable telephoto lenses, make it preferable. Olympus’ ruggedness helps in tough outdoor conditions but compromises AF speed.

Sports: Sony’s tracking AF and higher burst speed favor sports photography, while Olympus is underpowered here.

Street: Olympus’ compact size and rugged durability encourage casual street shooting, but Sony’s discreet electronic viewfinder aids composition. Weightwise, Olympus wins portability.

Macro: Neither excels spectacularly; Olympus lacks macro mode; Sony’s lens choices offer macro options but require a dedicated lens.

Night/Astro: Sony’s larger sensor and higher max ISO (16000) produce cleaner low-light images; Olympus maxes at ISO 6400, with inferior noise control.

Video: Sony’s mic input and better codec enable improved video quality, except Olympus is waterproof for underwater video.

Travel: Olympus’ weather sealing, small size, and Wi-Fi make it a trusty travel companion for active users, while Sony offers superior image quality but is bulkier.

Professional work: Sony’s RAW support, advanced manual modes, and lens options enable professional-grade output. Olympus’ JPEG-only output and fixed lens restrict professional use.

Build and Reliability: Will Your Camera Endure?

Over my years testing, Olympus compacts are known for high build quality and bulletproof reliability in harsh environments. The TG-850’s multiple protections reduce worry on trips.

The Sony NEX-7, while solidly built, requires more cautious handling due to lack of weather sealing. Many pros using it invest in lens and body covers for extended outdoor shoots.

Price and Value: What Are You Getting for Your Money?

Looking at MSRP (which may vary):

• Olympus TG-850 iHS: Approx. $250
• Sony NEX-7: Approx. $700

Obviously, Sony commands a premium reflecting its sensor size, flexibility, and features.

If you require high-quality images and versatility for varied photographic applications, the Sony is a worthwhile investment. However, if you prioritize ruggedness, ease of use, and a budget-friendly option for casual shooting and outdoor adventures, Olympus offers remarkable value.

Summary and Recommendations: Who Should Pick Which?

In closing, here’s what I’d suggest based on your priorities:

• Choose the Olympus TG-850 iHS if:

  • You need an ultra-tough, waterproof, and shock-resistant camera for hiking, snorkeling, or rough conditions.
  • Simplicity and pocketability matter more than creative controls.
  • You prefer a reliable “grab-and-go” without worrying about sensor size or lens selection.
  • Your budget caps around $250–300.

• Choose the Sony NEX-7 if:

  • You desire superior image quality with a large APS-C sensor and high resolution.
  • Manual controls, interchangeable lenses, and expandable system appeal to your creative side.
  • You shoot portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or even low-light scenes requiring finesse.
  • Video and audio recording capabilities are important.
  • You are willing to invest around $700 for versatility and pro-level potential.
  • Weather sealing isn't a deal-breaker, or you plan to use protective gear outdoors.

Final Thoughts From My Experience

Having handled both extensively, I appreciate the Sony NEX-7’s enduring appeal as a versatile mirrorless powerhouse from the early 2010s, still capable of excellent quality images today if paired with good glass.

However, the Olympus TG-850 iHS holds a special place as a diminutive adventure buddy that’s tough enough to survive dives or accidental drops where most cameras would fail.

Your choice boils down to shooting style, environment, and how much control and quality you desire versus durability and convenience. If you want a one-and-done, go Olympus. If you want to grow your photographic skills over time and demand excellent image fidelity, Sony’s NEX-7 remains a strong contender.

I hope this comprehensive comparison armors you with all the key insights I’ve gathered through years of hands-on testing - helping you pick the camera that truly matches your shooting aspirations and lifestyle. Happy shooting!