Olympus TG-850 iHS vs Sony HX99

Here, we will be matching up the Olympus TG-850 iHS and Sony HX99, one is a Waterproof and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the TG-850 iHS (16MP) and the HX99 (18MP) is relatively well matched but the TG-850 iHS (1/2.3") and HX99 (1/2.3-inch) have totally different sensor size.

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The TG-850 iHS was announced 5 years before the HX99 which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before getting right into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the TG-850 iHS scores versus the HX99 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-850 iHS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99. The whole galleries are available at Olympus TG-850 iHS Gallery and Sony HX99 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry around your camera frequently, you will want to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus TG-850 iHS offers outside dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.1") having a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs) and the Sony HX99 has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") and a weight of 242 grams (0.53 lbs).

Compare the Olympus TG-850 iHS and Sony HX99 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the TG-850 iHS compared to the HX99.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the TG-850 iHS and HX99 is 91 and 91 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to visualise the gap between sensor sizes simply by looking at specs. The picture here might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the TG-850 iHS and HX99.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The TG-850 iHS with its bigger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Sony HX99 will resolve extra detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more aged TG-850 iHS is going to be behind in sensor innovation.