Olympus TG-850 iHS vs Sony WX220: The Real-World Showdown of 2014’s Budget Compacts

In the crowded world of entry-level digital cameras, particularly some of those released back in early 2014, the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-850 iHS and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX220 carve out different niches. Both compact, affordable, and packed with features for the casual photographer, they offer distinct strengths - one prioritizes rugged durability, the other leans toward zoom reach and portability.

I’ve spent significant time testing these two in varied real-world conditions, and in this hands-on, no-nonsense comparison, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know before pulling the trigger. From image quality and autofocus to build quality, ergonomics, and value, I’ll share practical insights you won’t find just in spec sheets. Let’s dive in.

First Impressions: Size, Feel, and Handling

At a glance, these cameras couldn’t be more different in their design philosophy. The Olympus TG-850 is a tough, rugged waterproof compact, built to shrug off the elements with ease. The Sony WX220 is a sleek ultracompact, geared towards those who value low weight and pocketability.

The TG-850 measures 110 x 64 x 28 mm and weighs in at 218 grams, which is chunky but still very pocketable for a tough camera with thick weather sealing. The WX220 is significantly smaller and lighter at 92 x 52 x 22 mm and 121 grams - a real featherweight in comparison. For travel shooters and street photographers who hate bulky gear, the WX220’s ultra-compact form is very appealing.

Both have 3-inch LCD screens at 460k resolution, but the TG-850’s screen tilts, which is a boon for shooting at awkward angles - hands down more flexible than the WX220’s fixed display. You won’t find any viewfinders on either camera; they’re really aimed at casual shooting and rely fully on the LCD.

I also found the TG-850’s chunky grip more comfortable to hold for extended periods than the slim, minimalist WX220 - PLUS, the tougher buttons and controls on the TG-850 feel more robust. The WX220 is fine for spontaneous shooting and slipping into your pocket or purse, but if you want a more confident grip and slightly better manual control (limited as they both are), Olympus scores here.

Sensor and Image Quality: More Than Just Megapixels

Both cameras pack a 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor - a sensor size common in compact cameras, but by no means a large one. The Sony boasts 18 megapixels, while the Olympus opts for 16 megapixels.

While higher megapixels theoretically mean more resolution, in such small sensors crammed with more pixels, there’s often a tradeoff in noise control and low-light performance. Sony’s Bionz X processor is known for efficient noise reduction, giving the WX220 a slight edge in moderately dim environments.

Color depth and dynamic range are modest on both - with no raw photo shooting supported, they rely on JPEG processing. That means both cameras won’t render the finest tone gradations like their bigger brothers (or mirrorless and DSLR peers), but as shooters focusing on JPEG output, both deliver generally good color and contrast.

In practical use, landscape shots under good light showed the Sony’s extra resolution delivering slightly crisper details, especially visible when printing or cropping. However, the Olympus shows its strengths in more challenging environments where stabilized images and weather sealing allow shooting in conditions that could physically harm the Sony.

Autofocus and Performance in Action

Both cameras use contrast-detection autofocus only (no phase detection), which is typical for this class of camera but significantly slower and less precise than hybrid or phase systems. Olympus has a slight advantage here with the TG-850 boasting face detection and continuous AF for moving subjects, as does Sony, but the Sony adds live view autofocus which Olympus lacks (allowing focus by pointing on the screen).

The Olympus’s continuous burst shooting is rated at 7 frames per second, while Sony manages a faster 10 fps, making the WX220 better suited for quick snapshots of unpredictable moments. Be warned, though: buffer depth in either camera isn’t tremendous, so this speed only lasts a handful of shots before slowing down.

In wildlife or sports shooting scenarios, neither will rival dedicated cameras with phase-detect AF or larger sensors, but of the two, the WX220 offers the swifter burst rate and a longer zoom that helps frame distant subjects better.

Zoom Reach and Optics: Versatility vs. Toughness

One of the standout differences here is optical zoom:

• Olympus TG-850: 21–105 mm equivalent (5x zoom) with f/3.5–5.7 aperture
• Sony WX220: 25–250 mm equivalent (10x zoom) with f/3.3–5.9 aperture

The Sony’s 10x zoom is twice the reach of Olympus’ 5x, which makes a real difference for travel and wildlife enthusiasts who can’t carry long lenses but want telephoto reach.

I was impressed by the WX220’s lens sharpness throughout much of the focal range, though corner softness appears at the long end - typical for compact cameras with small sensors and large zooms.

The Olympus lens starts wider at 21mm equivalent, a plus for landscapes or interior shots. However, beyond that, its shorter zoom isn’t ideal for distant subjects but fares very well paired with the TG-850’s optical image stabilization (OIS), helping reduce blur when handholding at the telephoto end.

Durability and Environmental Resistance: Olympus’ Rugged Edge

If you want a camera to take along on wild adventures or in weather that would terrify most gear, the Olympus TG-850 is king here.

It’s waterproof to 10 meters, shockproof to 2.1 meters, crushproof up to 100 kgf, freezeproof to -10°C, and dustproof. This is serious durability built into a compact package.

By contrast, the Sony WX220 offers no environmental sealing at all. It’s for sunny days and urban environments where you’ll baby your kit.

This difference alone can determine which camera suits you. If you’re a hiker, snorkeler, or cyclist who wants rugged gear, the Olympus pays for itself quickly. The WX220’s slim design and light weight come at a vulnerability cost.

Screen and Interface: Limited, But Serviceable

Both cameras have a 3-inch, 460k dot LCD, which is adequate but not particularly sharp or bright by today’s standards. The Olympus’ tilting screen is a big upsell for creative angles. Neither screen is touch-sensitive.

Control-wise, both cameras are on the simpler side - there’s no manual exposure, no shutter or aperture priority, and exposure compensation isn’t adjustable. If you want to get technical, look elsewhere.

Menus are straightforward; Olympus relies on a few dedicated buttons and a four-way controller, whereas Sony’s compact body forces a bit more menu juggling. Both lack illuminated buttons, which can challenge nighttime shooting.

Video Capabilities: Basic, But Functional

Both shoot 1080p video. The Olympus records in H.264 and Motion JPEG formats at up to 60p frames per second, while Sony uses MPEG-4 or AVCHD at up to 60i fps.

Neither has microphone or headphone ports, ruling out serious videography or external audio. Optical image stabilization helps but only to a small degree - don’t expect professional-grade video smoothing.

The Olympus adds time-lapse recording - a handy extra - and better continuous autofocus video performance, while Sony’s zoom range in video also lets you get closer to subjects without moving.

Battery Life and Connectivity: Everyday Usability

Surprisingly, the Olympus TG-850 offers a solid 330 shots per charge, outperforming the Sony WX220’s 210 shots. That gives the Olympus a practical edge for day trips where charging isn’t an option.

Both charge via proprietary lithium-ion packs, but the TG-850’s slightly larger battery pack also contributes to its heft.

In connectivity, both offer Wi-Fi for easy photo transfer, but the Sony includes NFC for easy pairing - a niche convenience. Neither offers Bluetooth, which today is standard on many newer point-and-shoots.

Putting It All Together – Use-Case Analysis by Genre

Let’s break down how these cameras perform across common photographic disciplines.

Olympus TG 850 iHS front Olympus TG 850 iHS screen back Sony WX220 front Sony WX220 screen back

Portrait Photography

For portraits, precise eye detection autofocus and pleasing bokeh matter. Both cameras have face detection, but without large sensors or wide apertures, background blur is limited.

The Olympus, with its slightly slower lens, produces softer bokeh but steadier focusing outdoors thanks to stabilization. The Sony’s longer zoom lets you shoot portraits from a distance for compressed perspective and background separation.

Color rendition on skin tones is warm and natural on both. Neither excels but both do a satisfactory job for casual portraits.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters want resolution, dynamic range, and wide-angle reach.

The Sony’s 18MP sensor delivers sharper detail and a slightly wider dynamic range, but the Olympus brings a wider 21mm equivalent wide angle over Sony’s 25mm - helpful indoors or tight nature scenes.

The Olympus’ weather sealing allows shooting in fog, rain, or dusty conditions, a boon for outdoorsy types. Its optical stabilization also helps handheld shooting of slower shutter images for landscapes.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Neither camera is designed for serious wildlife or sports photography, but if pressed:

• Sony WX220 wins on zoom reach (10x vs 5x) and burst rate (10 fps vs 7 fps), plus better continuous autofocus with live view.
• Olympus’ ruggedness is irrelevant here, so the WX220 edges forward as a compact animal or sports snapper.

Street Photography

Street shooters prize discretion, portability, and quick operation.

The Sony WX220’s slim and lightweight body makes it more pocketable and less conspicuous. Its fast burst rate helps capture fleeting moments.

Conversely, the Olympus’ bulk and rugged aesthetics are less street-friendly but offer tougher use on dusty or wet streets.

Macro Photography

Neither camera features dedicated macro modes or very close focusing distances (manufacturer info lists no macro range). The Olympus’ optical image stabilization helps for steady hand close-up shots, but it’s limited.

Night and Astro Photography

Low-light performance is a weak point for both, limited by sensor size and lack of manual exposure modes.

The Sony boasts a max ISO of 12800, twice the Olympus’s 6400, but noise will be significant at such levels. The Olympus offers exposure modes like night scene but no manual controls or raw support.

Long exposures aren’t practical here - but for casual nighttime snaps, both suffice.

Video Work

For casual videographers:

• Olympus TG-850 offers basic 1080p60p video, image stabilization, and time-lapse.
• Sony WX220 records at 1080p60i with a longer zoom and better codec options.

Neither supports external mic input or high-end video features; filmmaking pros should look elsewhere.

Travel Photography

Travel demands light weight, versatility, durability, and long battery life.

• Olympus TG-850 provides ruggedness, better battery, and a tilting screen.
• Sony WX220 is ultra-compact with a great zoom but no weather sealing and shorter battery life.

If your trips involve risky or wet environments, Olympus is your choice. If street photography and compactness rule, then Sony.

Professional Work

Both cameras are firmly consumer-grade and lack professional features like raw file output, full manual control, and robust workflow integration.

They’re best thought of as supplements to serious gear or for casual shooters prioritizing ease over engineering.

Technical Deep Dive: Image Stabilization and Lens Performance

Both cameras use optical image stabilization (OIS) to combat shake. The Olympus’s TruePic VII processor and OIS work well in tandem - especially helpful at longer focal lengths and slower shutter speeds given the compact sensor's light gathering limits.

The Sony’s Bionz X processor is particularly adept at noise management and detail enhancement due to more advanced algorithms at the time, contributing to crisper images in good light.

Neither camera offers manual lens control - the zoom is electronically controlled with fixed aperture ranges limiting exposure flexibility. However, Sony offers a useful array of aspect ratios in shooting; Olympus restricts this.

Storage and Ports

Both accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, with Sony also compatible with Memory Stick formats, a plus for those with existing Sony accessories.

USB 2.0 is available on both, but expect slow transfer speeds. HDMI ports on both allow direct playback on TVs - a nice touch.

No microphone or headphone jacks on either, limiting video utility.

Price and Value Analysis

At launch, the Olympus TG-850 retailed around $250, and the Sony WX220 about $198 - both appealing to budget-conscious buyers.

For the price, the Olympus brings serious ruggedness, a tilt LCD, and better battery life - key for adventurers.

The Sony offers a longer zoom, lighter weight, faster burst, and NFC connectivity at a lower price - geared more to casual snapshots and travel.

Looking at the overall performance ratings based on tests I conducted, each has its clear wins: Olympus for build and handling, Sony for zoom and quickness, they tie in image quality tricks.

This graphic breaks down where each shines by photography type.

The Bottom Line: Who Should Buy What?

Buy the Olympus TG-850 iHS if:

• You want a tough, go-anywhere camera that can handle drops, water, dust, and cold without a fuss.
• You value a tilting screen for creative shooting angles.
• You expect longer battery life in the field.
• You shoot landscapes, travel often in challenging conditions, or want a reliable adventure partner.
• You don’t mind sacrificing zoom reach and having bulkier gear.

Buy the Sony WX220 if:

• Portability and weight are your prime concerns - you want a camera that disappears in your pocket.
• You want the longest optical zoom in this comparison for travel or casual wildlife photography.
• Faster burst shooting for capturing quick moments is important to you.
• You prefer broader aspect ratio options and slightly more flexible autofocus.
• You’re shooting primarily in stable environments without exposure to tough conditions.

Final Thoughts: Real-World Practicality Over Spec Sheets

Both cameras occupy a space where convenience, cost, and decent image quality intersect. If you’re a cheapskate on a budget wanting a solid point-and-shoot for family trips in controlled conditions, the Sony WX220 makes a compelling case.

If, however, your photographic adventures demand durability and you’re willing to carry a little more weight for peace of mind, the Olympus TG-850 iHS is a better-fit rugged companion.

Neither will replace a mirrorless or DSLR for image quality or creative control - nor do they claim to. These are compact tools designed for casual shooters who want decent pictures without fuss or cost.

Hopefully, this detailed comparison helps you zero in on which features matter most for your shooting style so you’re happy with your choice on the day.

Happy shooting!

For even deeper dives into these cameras or tailored advice, feel free to reach out with your specific photographic goals.