Olympus TG-850 iHS vs Sony RX1

Following is a extended review of the Olympus TG-850 iHS vs Sony RX1, former is a Waterproof while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Sony. There is a noticeable difference among the image resolutions of the TG-850 iHS (16MP) and RX1 (24MP) and the TG-850 iHS (1/2.3") and RX1 (Full frame) boast totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The TG-850 iHS was announced 12 months after the RX1 and they are of a similar age. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus TG-850 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony RX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief summation of how the TG-850 iHS grades against the RX1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-850 iHS & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus TG-850 iHS Gallery & Sony RX1 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera often, you have to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus TG-850 iHS has physical dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.1") with a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs) and the Sony RX1 has proportions of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") having a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus TG-850 iHS vs Sony RX1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are utilizing at that time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the TG-850 iHS compared to the RX1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the TG-850 iHS and RX1 is 91 and 79 respectively.

In many cases, it is tough to envision the contrast in sensor sizes just by going through a spec sheet. The image below might offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the TG-850 iHS and RX1.

As you can see, both of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The TG-850 iHS using its smaller sensor will make getting bokeh trickier and the Sony RX1 will produce extra detail with its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will help you crop images way more aggressively. The more modern TG-850 iHS will have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.