Olympus TG-850 iHS vs Sony HX80

Lets take a closer look at the Olympus TG-850 iHS and Sony HX80, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the TG-850 iHS (16MP) and the HX80 (18MP) is pretty well matched and both cameras offer the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The TG-850 iHS was released 3 years before the HX80 and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go right into a complete comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the TG-850 iHS matches up against the HX80 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-850 iHS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80. The complete galleries are available at Olympus TG-850 iHS Gallery and Sony HX80 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera, you'll need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus TG-850 iHS has got physical dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.1") along with a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs) whilst the Sony HX80 has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

See the Olympus TG-850 iHS and Sony HX80 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have attached at the time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the TG-850 iHS against the HX80.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the TG-850 iHS and HX80 is 91 and 91 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing merely by checking technical specs. The photograph here should give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the TG-850 iHS and HX80.

As you can tell, both of those cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit different MP. You should expect the Sony HX80 to give more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots more aggressively. The older TG-850 iHS is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.