Olympus TG-630 iHS vs Sigma DP2 – A Practical Side-by-Side for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing the right compact camera can often feel like picking between apples and oranges - especially when the contenders hail from vastly different design philosophies. The Olympus TG-630 iHS and Sigma DP2 represent two very different worlds in compact photography: the rugged, adventure-ready point-and-shoot versus the high-end large-sensor fixed-lens compact focused on image quality and manual control. I’ve spent weeks shooting and testing both models extensively, so let’s dive deep into how they stack up in practical real-world use, supported by hands-on experience and technical analysis.

Putting Size & Handling Under the Microscope

At first glance, the TG-630 and DP2 barely look like rivals. The TG-630’s compact, lightweight body (98x66x22mm, 167g) is built to go where other cameras fear to tread: waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, and crushproof. It’s a perfect companion in muddy trekking boots or by the poolside.

In contrast, the Sigma DP2, though still compact, is larger and chunkier (113x60x56mm, 280g) with a heft that suggests seriousness. It’s not weather-sealed and definitely not the sort of camera you’d risk dropping into a creek.

Ergonomically, the TG-630 sports a simplified layout without any external dials or clubs for thumbs - a barebones design catering to quick, casual shooting with minimal fuss. The DP2, meanwhile, provides manual focus rings and some physical exposure controls aligning with its manual photography intent. Handling the DP2 feels more deliberate and ‘camera-like’ but less forgiving for quick grab-and-shoot sessions.

Sensor Size & Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

You might expect the DP2 to absolutely obliterate the TG-630 in image quality - and for good reason. The DP2 boasts a sizable APS-C Foveon X3 sensor, measuring 20.7x13.8mm (285.66 mm²) with 5 MP resolution per layer, capturing exceptionally rich detail through its unique three-layer color capture system. This sensor’s design avoids the traditional Bayer filter, promising superb color fidelity and sharpness famously difficult to replicate.

The TG-630, by comparison, uses a modest 1/2.3” CMOS sensor measuring 6.17x4.55 mm (28.07 mm²) with 12 MP resolution. Its sensor size and pixel density fall in line with typical rugged compacts of its era, prioritizing utility over top-tier image quality.

The difference is captivating in real-world testing. Landscapes come alive with richer color gradations and finer detail on the DP2’s images, especially when shooting RAW (which the TG-630 lacks entirely). Skin tones on portraits from the DP2 maintain natural hues and subtle gradations thanks to Foveon’s prowess, while the TG-630 often oversmooths or loses mid-tone nuances in less-than-ideal lighting.

Still, the TG-630’s sensor is no slouch for casual use, especially with its smart in-camera processing smoothing out noise and boosting contrast substantially in JPEG mode.

LCD Screens and User Interface

Both cameras sport fixed LCD screens, but their size, resolution, and feedback power differ markedly. The TG-630’s 3” display with 460k-dot resolution is a joy to use outdoors, bright enough to preview shots even in bright daylight - a crucial advantage when you’re shooting outside, especially underwater or in snowy scenarios. However, it lacks touch capabilities and any articulating hinge.

The DP2’s smaller 2.5” screen at 230k dots feels quite dated and dim by today’s standards. Although focused photographers may live without touchscreen capabilities, the smaller, lower-res screen makes framing and reviewing images slightly challenging, especially under direct sunlight.

Neither model features an electronic viewfinder, so depending on your shooting conditions, the screen usability on the TG-630 tends to edge out the DP2, particularly for quick street or travel shooting.

Autofocus, Speed & Shooting Experience

Here’s where things get telling. The Olympus TG-630 iHS features contrast-detection autofocus with face detection and an AF tracking mode. Though basic by modern standards, it provides surprisingly quick and reliable focus for its class, especially given the wide zoom lens (28-140mm equiv.). Its burst shooting clocks in at a respectable 5 FPS, sufficient for casual wildlife, sports snapshots, or capturing fleeting moments.

The Sigma DP2, in contrast, is a glorified manual focus camera with single AF only, no continuous or tracking AF modes, and a slower burst rate of 3 FPS. Autofocus hunts a bit and feels sluggish, so rapid action or wildlife shooting is not its forte. This camera demands patience and a deliberate shooting style, favoring still subjects and composed shots.

Neither camera supports eye or animal eye detection AF, a feature we increasingly rely on today, meaning portrait precision relies on user expertise, especially on the DP2’s manual focus lens.

Lens and Focal Range Versatility

The fixed-lens approach means choosing the right focal length is critical. The TG-630’s 28–140mm (5x optical zoom) offers flexibility from moderate wide-angle to telephoto, great for travel, landscapes, and casual zooming on wildlife or sports. Its maximum aperture of f/3.9–5.9 limits very shallow depth of field effects but is normal for compact zoom lenses.

The Sigma DP2 has a single fast prime lens at 41mm equivalent (roughly standard/portrait focal length), with a large maximum aperture (nominally f/2.8). It serves portrait and street photographers craving superb sharpness and bokeh but no zooming versatility.

In practice, if you want to travel light but cover a wide range of shooting scenarios, the TG-630’s zoom breadth is advantageous. But if you prize image quality and shooting still or low-light portraits, the DP2’s prime lens and Foveon sensor combo is quite the beast.

Durability & Environmental Toughness

This is where the Olympus TG-630 convincingly takes the cake - built to withstand nature’s worst. Waterproof to depths of 10 meters, shockproof, crushproof, freezeproof, and dustproof, it’s a rugged travel and outdoor camera you can chuck in a backpack without hesitation.

The DP2, while robust in build, offers no weather sealing. I wouldn’t risk shooting it in rain or dirty environments without substantial caution. The DP2 asks you to treat it gently, more suited to studio or street shooting under controlled conditions.

Battery Life & Connectivity

Battery life on the TG-630 is rated at about 220 shots per charge - modest but workable for casual outings. It uses the lithium-ion LI-50B battery pack, which is relatively common and easy to spare.

The Sigma DP2’s battery life is unspecified but known anecdotally to be less generous, often a point of complaint among users coupled with the lack of in-camera battery info. It relies on less common batteries without a convenient spare option.

Connectivity-wise, both cameras skip wireless or Bluetooth options entirely, unsurprising for their production dates and categories. The TG-630 offers USB 2.0 and mini HDMI out for viewing on TVs. The DP2 supports USB 2.0 but no HDMI, limiting modern convenience.

Video Performance

If video is important, the TG-630 far outshines the DP2. The Olympus offers 1080p Full HD recording at 60 fps (clean MPEG-4 and H.264 file formats), good for casual travel clips. It also has built-in image stabilization helping handheld video.

The DP2’s video capability is extremely limited - 320x240 pixel “Motion JPEG” clips at 30 fps - essentially a novelty feature. No HD, no mic input, no stabilization. Video enthusiasts will find it unbearable.

Evaluating Performance Across Photography Genres

Every camera shines differently depending on your photography passion. Here’s how they fare across major disciplines:

For the most straightforward comparison visually and quantitatively, please see the genre-specific performance ratings below:

Build Quality & Reliability

The Olympus TG-630 offers rock-solid construction engineered to survive abuse. Its small plastic body with rubberized grips feels durable beyond its years. The environmental seals deliver peace of mind during expeditions.

The Sigma DP2’s body design emphasizes high-quality materials and manual controls but lacks sealing. It feels more like a precision instrument needing gentle treatment and respect to last, especially as these cameras age.

File Formats and Workflow Considerations

Aspiring pros or serious hobbyists will appreciate the Sigma DP2’s inclusion of RAW support, unlocking post-processing flexibility that the TG-630 cannot match. Olympus’s fixed JPEG output streamlines workflow for snapshots and quick sharing but limits creative latitude.

The DP2’s Foveon sensor generates unique RAW files that require compatible software (Sigma Photo Pro or third-party RAW converters) and slightly steeper processing learning curve but reward with exquisite image rendition.

Price & Value: What Are You Getting?

At launch, the Olympus TG-630 was priced around $200 - a modest outlay for a highly portable, tough, zoom-capable camera geared toward casual users and travel buffs. Finding one now used or refurbished could be a bargain waterproof point-and-shoot.

The Sigma DP2 originally cost upwards of $650 and remains pricey on the used market due to its niche appeal. It’s targeted at image quality purists who are okay with trading flexibility and speed for superior detail and color fidelity.

Taking a classic value perspective:

• TG-630: Great bang-for-buck for rugged travel and casual photography, video included.
• DP2: Excellent for enthusiasts who value large-sensor image quality and are patient with manual controls.

Pros & Cons at a Glance

Olympus TG-630 iHS

Pros:

• Solid waterproof and rugged design
• Versatile 5x optical zoom lens
• Full HD stabilized video recording
• Bright 3" display for easy outdoor use
• Reasonable price point

Cons:

• Small sensor limits detail and low-light quality
• No RAW support for image tweaking
• Basic autofocus system; lacks manual exposure modes
• No wireless connectivity

Sigma DP2

Pros:

• Large APS-C Foveon sensor with superb color and detail
• RAW output for advanced editing
• Fast prime lens with wide aperture
• Manual exposure modes for creative control

Cons:

• No weather sealing; fragile
• Slow and single AF only
• Poor video specs
• Smaller, low-res LCD
• Higher price point for limited versatility

Olympus TG 630 iHS front Olympus TG 630 iHS screen back Sigma DP2 front Sigma DP2 screen back

My Hands-On Testing Methodology

For this review, I took both cameras on multiple shoots simulating typical use cases:

• Travel and landscapes: hiking in well-lit and low-light conditions, rain included for TG-630.
• Portrait sessions: indoors with controlled lighting and natural light outdoors.
• Wildlife and sports: rapid action at local zoo and sports fields to push autofocus and burst limits.
• Macro & close-ups: flora and small objects to test close focusing and stabilization.
• Night and astro: urban and rural starscapes with tripods.
• Video tests: handheld and tripod at various frame rates.

In all cases, I assessed handling comfort, image output, autofocus behavior, and reliability in the wild. RAW files were evaluated, when available, through Adobe Lightroom and Sigma Photo Pro for detailing and color accuracy.

Which Camera Should You Pick?

If you’re a casual photographer, outdoor adventurer, or travel junkie who wants a tough, easy-to-use camera that can handle the elements and deliver decent images and video without fuss - grab the Olympus TG-630 iHS without hesitation. Its ruggedness and zoom versatility make it a trustworthy companion, and the price makes it an affordable window into waterproof photography.

But if your passion lies in image quality, thoughtful manual control, and you’re willing to accept slower operation and a delicate form factor, the Sigma DP2 is still compelling. It’s especially appealing for portrait, landscape, and street shooters who prize color fidelity and detail and process images extensively afterward.

Final Verdict: Practical Wisdom for Buyers

In the end, these cameras serve fundamentally different purposes. The TG-630 screams adventure-ready casual shooter - with decent image quality but no illusions of professional precision. The DP2 quietly demands thoughtful technique and post-processing commitment to unlock its unique image quality.

Here’s my bottom line for your wallet and workflow:

• For enthusiasts on a budget wanting a capable, no-nonsense rugged compact: Olympus TG-630.
• For image perfectionists prioritizing color quality with patience for manual operation: Sigma DP2.
• For professionals needing versatility, speed, and advanced AF: Neither replaces a modern mirrorless or DSLR - but DP2 edges closer for detail; TG-630 wins out in reliability in extreme conditions.

Choose based on your shooting environment, patience with tech, and whether durability or detailed image quality ranks higher on your priority list.

Thanks for reading! If I were packing for a tough trail hike with a chance of rain, the Olympus TG-630 would go in my pocket without a second thought. But for quiet afternoons shooting portraits with intention, nothing beats the Sigma DP2’s image finesse - despite its quirks.

Happy shooting - whatever camera you choose!