Olympus TG-850 iHS vs Sony WX500

In this article, we are reviewing the Olympus TG-850 iHS versus Sony WX500, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the TG-850 iHS (16MP) and the WX500 (18MP) is fairly comparable and they come with the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The TG-850 iHS was launched 14 months prior to the WX500 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the TG-850 iHS scores vs the WX500 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-850 iHS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500. The complete galleries are available at Olympus TG-850 iHS Gallery and Sony WX500 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry your camera regularly, you will have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus TG-850 iHS offers external 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) and the Sony WX500 has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 236 grams (0.52 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus TG-850 iHS versus Sony WX500 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the TG-850 iHS against the WX500.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the TG-850 iHS and WX500 is 91 and 91 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to picture the gap in sensor sizing just by going through a spec sheet. The graphic underneath will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the TG-850 iHS and WX500.

Clearly, both of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but different MP. You should anticipate the Sony WX500 to provide extra detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics far more aggressively. The older TG-850 iHS will be behind in sensor innovation.