Olympus TG-630 iHS vs Olympus XZ-1

Below is a in depth overview of the Olympus TG-630 iHS versus Olympus XZ-1, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both are offered by Olympus. The image resolution of the TG-630 iHS (12MP) and the XZ-1 (10MP) is fairly well matched but the TG-630 iHS (1/2.3") and XZ-1 (1/1.63") boast totally different sensor sizing.

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The TG-630 iHS was brought out 24 months later than the XZ-1 making them a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before getting right into a detailed comparison, here is a short highlight of how the TG-630 iHS scores versus the XZ-1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus TG-630 iHS and Olympus XZ-1. The entire galleries are available at Olympus TG-630 iHS Gallery and Olympus XZ-1 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera regularly, you'll need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus TG-630 iHS has external dimensions of 98mm x 66mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.6" x 0.9") and a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) while the Olympus XZ-1 has dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") along with a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs).

Check the Olympus TG-630 iHS versus Olympus XZ-1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using during that time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the TG-630 iHS vs the XZ-1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the TG-630 iHS and XZ-1 is 94 and 88 respectively.

Often, it is hard to envision the gap between sensor measurements purely by checking a spec sheet. The graphic here should give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the TG-630 iHS and XZ-1.

As you can see, both the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The TG-630 iHS due to its tinier sensor will make achieving bokeh tougher and the Olympus TG-630 iHS will resolve greater detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images a bit more aggressively. The newer TG-630 iHS will have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.