Olympus TG-610 vs Sony Cyber-shot HX50V: A Comprehensive Compact Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

When it comes to compact cameras, the choice might seem straightforward - but dig a little deeper, and there’s a lot to weigh, especially if you want a camera that delivers on both versatility and performance. Today, I’m putting two distinctive compacts side by side: the Olympus TG-610, a rugged waterproof option launched in early 2011, and the Sony Cyber-shot HX50V, a powerful superzoom model from 2013. Both aim to serve enthusiasts seeking pocketable solutions, but their design philosophies and capabilities significantly diverge.

Having spent countless hours testing cameras across genres, I’m excited to share how these two hold up in real-world use and technical terms. This isn’t just a specs showdown; I’ll untangle what these cameras mean for portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and more, highlighting where each shines - or falls short. Let’s dive in.

A Tale of Two Compacts: Design, Size, and Ergonomics

At first glance, it’s clear these cameras target different priorities. What jumps out immediately is build and size - the TG-610 is built like a tank optimized for adventure, whereas the HX50V leans toward zoom power and flexibility.

The Olympus TG-610’s compact, rugged frame (96 x 65 x 26 mm, 190g) is designed to survive harsh environments - waterproof down to five meters, freezeproof, dustproof, and shockproof. If you’re a hiker, snorkeler, or just someone who needs a dependable go-anywhere camera, this robustness can be priceless. The textured grip feels secure in hand, although the smaller size means controls are a bit cramped and less tactile.

In contrast, the Sony HX50V (108 x 64 x 38 mm, 272g) is notably thicker but retains decent portability. The larger body facilitates a more traditional camera grip and a richer complement of manual controls. It’s not ruggedized here - no waterproofing or dust sealing - but the HX50V instead offers extensive zoom reach and versatile shooting modes, appealing more to those who want a “do-it-all” camera for travel or everyday use where environment risk is lower.

If you prioritize tough-as-nails durability with a compact footprint, the TG-610 leads. For handling comfort and controls that invite creative photo tweaking, the HX50V is the stronger performer.

Topside Control: Hands-On Usability

Ergonomics aren’t limited to body size; control layout dictates shooting speed and comfort, especially in challenging situations.

The TG-610 maintains simplicity with minimal dedicated dials or manual control. It caters mostly to point-and-shoot users or those needing quick responsiveness without fuss. That said, the rear control wheel and zoom lever feel precise and well-positioned considering the size constraints. The lack of a viewfinder or swivel screen makes composing in bright light or at awkward angles tougher.

Sony’s HX50V impresses here with a well-spaced button arrangement and a multi-function dial that provides exposure compensation, mode selection, and access to shooting options quickly. It’s almost like a DSLR in miniature. While the electronic viewfinder is optional (sold separately), the camera’s faster control interface lets users shift between manual, aperture priority, shutter priority, and auto modes with ease - a boon for more technically inclined users.

For enthusiasts who want to tinker and adjust on the fly, the Sony HX50V’s controls beat the TG-610’s straightforward, rugged layout.

Under the Hood: Sensor and Image Quality

Both cameras rely on a 1/2.3” sensor size - standard for this category - but the Sony HX50V’s 20MP BSI-CMOS sensor edges out the Olympus TG-610’s 14MP CCD sensor in raw resolution and modern tech.

What does this mean practically?

• The Sony’s BSI-CMOS sensor improves light-gathering efficiency and reduces noise at higher ISO settings. In testing, this translates to cleaner images in indoor and low-light conditions and better dynamic range preservation.

• The Olympus CCD sensor, while reliable, struggles with producing clean images beyond ISO 400, and its dynamic range is more limited. However, it still performs adequately in bright, outdoor scenarios - a natural environment for a rugged camera.

• Noise characteristics differ sharply: The HX50V retains details well at ISO 800 and 1600, while the TG-610’s images become noticeably softer and grainier.

Further, the Sony’s higher megapixel count (20MP vs 14MP) provides substantial latitude for cropping or enlarging - an advantage for wildlife or travel photographers needing flexibility.

Display and Interface: Viewing Your Shots

Since neither camera includes a built-in viewfinder by default, LCD quality significantly matters for reviewing images and composing.

Both sport 3-inch fixed LCDs with around 920K dots resolution - typical for cameras of their era. Sony uses its proprietary XtraFine LCD technology, delivering slightly sharper and brighter images with better viewing angles, helpful in variable lighting. Olympus’s TFT HyperCrystal III LCD is decent but can struggle under direct sunlight, where glare reduces visibility.

Neither camera has touchscreen functionality, which some users may find limiting; you’ll rely on physical buttons and dials for navigation.

Zoom and Lens Flexibility: Make Your Subject Closer

One of the most glaring differences lies in zoom capabilities and lens characteristics.

The Olympus TG-610 features a 28-140mm equivalent f/3.9-5.9 zoom lens - a 5x zoom range sufficing for general snapshots and moderate telephoto needs but nothing extreme. Its forefront is macro capability, focusing as close as 3 cm, which is handy for close-up shots in rugged conditions.

In contrast, the Sony HX50V offers a massive 24-720mm equivalent lens with a 30x zoom range, spanning wide-angle to super-telephoto territory. The aperture range is f/3.5-6.3, typical but adequate given the range. This enormous zoom means you can capture everything from sweeping landscapes to distant wildlife without swapping lenses or carrying extra gear.

If zoom versatility is crucial, it’s hard to beat Sony’s stellar reach, especially for travel and wildlife photography. Olympus keeps things simple and durable with moderate zoom and rugged construction.

Autofocus and Shooting Responsiveness

Autofocus performance defines how well a camera locks focus under diverse conditions - critical when photographing moving subjects or in low light.

Both cameras employ contrast-detection autofocus systems with face detection capability but no phase-detect AF or hybrid systems, which affects speed and tracking.

• The TG-610’s AF system is slower, locking focus typically in around 0.5-1 second depending on light, with limited ability to track continuous subjects due to a single shot focusing mode and fewer focus points.

• The HX50V autofocus proves noticeably faster and more accurate, achieving focus within less than 0.3 seconds in optimal light, and supports continuous AF tracking, which benefits sporting or dynamic scenes.

When paired with the HX50V’s burst shooting of 10 fps (versus the TG-610’s sluggish single frame per second), Sony indisputably leads in capturing fast action or fleeting moments.

Image Stabilization: Keeping Photos Sharp

Both models have stabilization mechanisms to reduce shake blur, but their types differ.

• The Olympus TG-610 integrates sensor-shift image stabilization - a mechanical compensation at the sensor level, effective for handheld shooting and particularly helpful for video capture, which we’ll cover momentarily.

• Sony’s HX50V uses optical image stabilization housed in the lens assembly - a very effective technique, especially given its substantial zoom range where shake is magnified.

In practice, the HX50V’s stabilization effectively extends handheld usability into the telephoto zone, whereas the TG-610’s system ensures steadier shots under more static or wide-angle conditions. If you plan to shoot at extreme zoom or in delicate light, Sony’s optical IS feels more robust.

Weather Sealing and Durability

This is a defining category for the TG-610.

• Olympus TG-610’s rugged, waterproof design withstands drops up to 1.5m (shockproof), is dust- and freezeproof, and waterproof to 5m. For adventure photographers or families with active kids, this toughness is a key selling point.

• The Sony HX50V lacks any environmental sealing, meaning it requires protection from water and dust. It’s best suited to careful hands in controlled conditions.

If you’re serious about escapades where reliability under adverse conditions matters, Olympus wins hands down.

Video Capabilities: Moving Images in Focus

For shooters interested in video, the Sony HX50V presents a clear advantage despite both being compact point-and-shoot models.

• The Sony HX50V records Full HD 1080p video at 60fps with both AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats available. This higher frame rate allows for smoother motion capture and more cinematic options when slowing footage in post. Additionally, although it lacks mic or headphone jacks, the audio quality from the built-in mic is acceptable for casual use.

• Olympus records HD video capped at 1280 x 720p at 30fps encoded in Motion JPEG, a lower-end format in terms of compression efficiency and editing flexibility.

Neither camera offers external microphone support or advanced video features like 4K or log gamma profiles, but if video is a meaningful part of your workflow, Sony’s specs lend it more credibility.

Battery Life: Shoot More, Worry Less

The HX50V impresses with a rated battery life of 400 shots per charge, nearly double the TG-610’s 210 shots. This becomes a consideration when traveling or shooting outdoors with limited charging options.

Given the TG-610’s compact, rugged design, battery life does suffer somewhat, but Olympus provides a reasonable backup strategy with common SD card compatibility and easy USB charging.

Storage and Connectivity

Both cameras support standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but Sony’s compatibility extends to Memory Stick Duo variants as well, providing some user flexibility.

In connectivity:

• The TG-610 supports Eye-Fi card connectivity, enabling wireless photo transfers if you use compatible Wi-Fi SD cards.

• Sony comes with built-in Wi-Fi and GPS capability, offering geotagging without smartphone dependency, arguably useful for travel photographers tracking locations automatically.

Neither model has Bluetooth or NFC, reflecting their era but slightly limiting instant sharing in modern contexts.

Image Sample Quality: Real World Look

Let's put these cameras through a direct image quality test to see how their sensors and optics perform in practice.

Olympus TG 610 front Olympus TG 610 screen back Sony HX50V front Sony HX50V screen back

Observe the Sony HX50V’s finely detailed shots complete with brighter colors and well-preserved shadows in outdoor scenes. Zoomed-in telephoto shots retain respectable detail, underscoring its powerful lens.

Conversely, the Olympus TG-610’s images deliver good color accuracy, particularly in sunny settings, with decent macro shots at close focusing distances. However, there’s less fine detail, softer edges, and limited sharpness at higher zoom levels.

Both perform respectably as casual compacts, but Sony’s sensor and lens combo bring more punch for critical image quality.

Application-Specific Performance: Where Each Camera Excels

Breaking down by key photography genres:

• Portraits: Sony’s face detection and higher resolution create more flattering, sharp images with pleasant bokeh at telephoto focal lengths. The TG-610’s limited aperture and sensor lower background separation, but it handles casual portraits well outdoors.

• Landscape: Sony’s greater resolution and manual exposure modes allow for creative control and cropping, while Olympus’s waterproof sealing promises more adventurous terrain access.

• Wildlife: The HX50V’s long zoom and faster autofocus clearly dominate. Olympus is underpowered here.

• Sports: Sony’s 10 fps burst and continuous AF make it possible to freeze motion better; Olympus’s slow response limits use.

• Street: Olympus is smaller and unobtrusive, making a good discreet option, but Sony’s versatile zoom offsets its bulk.

• Macro: Olympus focusing down to 3 cm with stabilization works well in close-ups; Sony’s minimal macro distance means less impressive close-up magnification.

• Night/Astro: Sony’s sensor allows better performance due to sensitivity and ISO ceiling, but neither is an astro powerhouse.

• Video: Sony holds the clear advantage with Full HD at 60fps and better codecs.

• Travel: Sony is a versatile tool covering wide focal lengths and GPS tagging but needs careful use; Olympus survives harsh environments but lacks zoom.

• Professional Use: Neither is truly pro-grade, but Sony’s exposure modes and manual controls make it more adaptable to demanding tasks.

Scoring the Cameras Overall

Bringing together all dimensions of performance:

Sony Cyber-shot HX50V wins in image quality, zoom range, video, autofocus, and battery life. Olympus TG-610 scores higher for rugged build, compactness, and macro focus but trails elsewhere.

Final Verdict: Which Camera Should You Buy?

Both the Olympus TG-610 and Sony HX50V compact cameras have clear strengths, catering to distinct photographer profiles. Here’s what I recommend, based on thorough hands-on experience:

Choose the Olympus TG-610 if:

• You frequently shoot outdoors in tough conditions - rain, dust, cold, or shock.
• Your photography is casual, emphasizing snapshots over manual controls.
• You want a lightweight, simple point-and-shoot that can handle adventures without worry.
• Close-up macro photography in challenging environments is a priority.
• You don’t require advanced video features or telephoto reach.

Choose the Sony Cyber-shot HX50V if:

• You want exceptional zoom flexibility for travel, wildlife, or everyday versatility.
• Image quality and manual exposure control are important to your style.
• Faster autofocus and higher burst rates matter for action or sports.
• Video recording quality and options are relevant for your creative workflow.
• You plan longer shooting sessions and benefit from superior battery life.
• GPS tagging and built-in Wi-Fi are key for travel organization.

Parting Thoughts: Compact Cameras in the Era of Smartphones

While the smartphone camera has eaten into point-and-shoot territory, models like these still matter for niche needs: durability, optical zooms, manual controls, and ergonomics. The TG-610 survives where phones drown; the HX50V delivers zoom ranges phones can’t match (without bulky attachments).

In my experience, owning the right compact camera depends on matching your primary use cases with the features that matter the most - not just chasing the highest specs. These two address different kinds of photographers well, making your choice a question of lifestyle and priorities.

This deep dive into the Olympus TG-610 and Sony HX50V shows the beauty of compact cameras’ diversity. Whichever you choose, you’re getting a specialized tool that punches above its size class.

If you have questions about these models or your own shooting requirements, feel free to reach out - I’m here to help you find the best fit for your photographic journey.

Happy shooting!

End of Review