Olympus TG-850 iHS vs Zeiss ZX1

Let's look more closely at the Olympus TG-850 iHS and Zeiss ZX1, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Zeiss. There is a huge difference between the resolutions of the TG-850 iHS (16MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the TG-850 iHS (1/2.3") and ZX1 (Full frame) use totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The TG-850 iHS was launched 5 years earlier than the ZX1 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus TG-850 iHS being a Compact camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a thorough comparison, below is a short view of how the TG-850 iHS scores against the ZX1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-850 iHS and Zeiss ZX1. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-850 iHS Gallery and Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to lug around your camera, you will need to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus TG-850 iHS comes with outer measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.1") along with a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs) while the Zeiss ZX1 has measurements of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") having a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

See the Olympus TG-850 iHS and Zeiss ZX1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are employing at that time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the TG-850 iHS and the ZX1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the TG-850 iHS and ZX1 is 91 and 67 respectively.

Generally, it is tough to visualise the difference between sensor measurements purely by going over specifications. The photograph here might give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the TG-850 iHS and ZX1.

Plainly, both of those cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The TG-850 iHS because of its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field tougher and the Zeiss ZX1 will offer greater detail utilizing its extra 21MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots much more aggressively. The older TG-850 iHS is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.