Olympus TG-630 iHS vs Sony A7R IV: An Expert’s In-Depth Camera Showdown

When it comes to choosing a camera, the gulf between a rugged compact like the Olympus TG-630 iHS and a professional-grade mirrorless powerhouse such as the Sony A7R IV might seem proverbial – apples and oranges, really. But wrist-deep in 15 years of hands-on camera testing, I find these comparisons fascinating because they expose the very core of what photographers truly value across form factors, sensor tech, handling, and versatility. Today, we’ll dissect these two cameras - the 2013 Olympus TG-630 iHS and the 2019 Sony A7R IV - with laser focus on how their specs translate to real-world performance across genres and workflows.

Let’s dive headfirst into this unlikely camera match-up, breaking down their physicality, imaging prowess, autofocus competence, and overall usability to help you ask the right questions for your photographic ambitions.

A Tale of Two Bodies: Size and Handling

At first glance, the Olympus TG-630 iHS and Sony A7R IV couldn't be more different in size and intent. The TG-630 is an ultra-compact, pocketable rugged shooter designed to survive the elements - waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof. The Sony A7R IV, conversely, is a hefty, professional mirrorless camera engineered for demanding precision and flexibility.

Looking at their dimensions and weight quantitatively: The TG-630 measures 98x66x22mm and weighs a mere 167g, while the A7R IV spans a substantial 129x96x78mm and comes in at 665g without a lens. That’s a gulf of scale - the TG-630 is in the realm of pocket cameras; the A7R IV fits comfortably in a pro photographer’s hand with welcome heft that promotes stability.

Ergonomically, the TG-630 is minimalist - no manual controls, no viewfinder, and a simple 3-inch fixed LCD screen, emphasizing ruggedness and ease of use. The A7R IV features a deeply contoured body with multiple dials, buttons, and a large, high-resolution EVF for precise framing, catered to professionals used to manual shooting modes.

Testing these side by side, the A7R IV's rich control layout is a joy for those who crave tactile customization and quick access to functions - a clear boon for demanding shooting scenarios. The TG-630’s simplified, button-light interface suits casual use, travel, or situations where ruggedness trumps manual control.

Sensor and Image Quality: Pocket CMOS vs Professional BSI-Full Frame

Here, the chasm between these two really widens. The TG-630 sports a diminutive 1/2.3" (6.17x4.55mm) CMOS sensor with 12 megapixels, while the Sony A7R IV boasts a massive 35.8x23.8mm full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor packing a whopping 61 megapixels.

The sensor surface area difference - approximately 28mm² versus 852mm² - is staggering. A larger sensor effectively captures more light, offering superior low-light prowess, higher dynamic range, and the ability to extract fine detail - all vital for professional work.

In practice, the Sony’s sensor produces images with stunning clarity and expansive tonal gradation, reaching into shadows and highlights with ease. Its absence of an anti-aliasing filter means exquisite sharpness without moiré artifacts, a consistent boon for detailed landscape and studio work.

The TG-630’s sensor, as expected for its class, delivers decent snaps for casual shooting in good lighting. Colors are generally punchy but less nuanced, with more noise creeping in at ISO 800 and beyond. The limited resolution and sensor size constrain image quality for serious post-processing or large prints.

Autofocus Systems: Contrast-Detection Versus Hybrid Phase and Contrast

Autofocus speed and accuracy have come on in leaps and bounds over the past decade, and here the difference is palpably vast. The TG-630 employs a contrast-detection autofocus system with face detection but lacks phase detection or advanced tracking capabilities - befitting a compact camera from 2013.

The Sony A7R IV, on the other hand, is equipped with an industry-leading hybrid AF system featuring 567 phase-detection points and comprehensive eye and animal eye AF tracking, enabling razor-sharp subject acquisition even in the most challenging circumstances.

Testing the TG-630 in burst mode (5 fps max), I found its AF sluggish, particularly in low contrast or dim lighting, with a tendency to hunt before locking. The lack of continuous AF made it less friendly for action or wildlife.

In contrast, the A7R IV’s AF felt instantaneous and reliable, effortlessly tracking moving subjects such as runners or birds in flight with minimal lag, even under low-light conditions. The eye-detection AF was a revelation in portraiture, locking on with surgical precision.

Durability and Environmental Resilience

Where the Olympus TG-630 shines is its ruggedness. The camera is fully waterproof up to 10 meters, dustproof, shockproof (surviving 2-meter drops), crushproof (up to 100 kgf), and freezeproof to -10°C. This makes it a formidable companion for adventure sports, underwater explorations, hiking, or environments where gear durability is paramount.

In contrast, the Sony A7R IV is sealed against moisture and dust - a necessity for professional reliability - but not amphibious or shockproof. Handling it in the field requires more care, especially in harsh weather.

Display and Viewfinder Insights

The TG-630 offers a fixed 3-inch 460k-dot LCD without touchscreen or articulating features, and no viewfinder - a compromise for compact ruggedness but limiting in bright sunlight or tricky compositions.

The A7R IV's 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD with 1.44 million dots enables intuitive touch focusing and menu navigation, feeding into its advanced workflow. Its electronic viewfinder shines with a jaw-dropping 5.76 million dots, 100% frame coverage, and 0.78x magnification - a real game-changer for precise framing, especially under tricky lighting or with telephoto lenses.

From practical experience, the EVF on the A7R IV reduces eye fatigue during extended shoots and affords critical focus and exposure checks that the TG-630’s LCD cannot match.

Lens Ecosystem and Optical Flexibility

The TG-630 comes with a fixed 28-140mm equivalent (5x zoom) lens with variable aperture f/3.9-5.9. This lens provides usable versatility in everyday shooting scenarios; its macro capability to 1cm is a nice touch for close-ups.

The Sony A7R IV belongs to the vast Sony E-mount lens family - currently 121 native lenses ranging from ultra-wide-angle to super-telephotos and macros, including premium G Master optics - plus a rich selection of third-party and manual glass.

This flexibility lets A7R IV shooters tailor their kit for any genre, from spectacular landscapes on ultra-sharp primes to sports with blazing fast telephotos.

Burst Shooting and Sports Photography

Burst rates speak volumes about a camera’s sports and action capabilities. The TG-630 manages a 5 fps continuous shooting speed but with sluggish autofocus and buffering due to limited processing power, making it more suited for casual rapid shooting rather than professional sports.

The A7R IV leaps ahead with a 10 fps mechanical shutter burst, backed by a robust Bionz X processor and massive buffer, maintaining autofocus and exposure tracking throughout. This means confident capture of decisive moments in fast-paced environments - from football pitches to wildlife chases.

Low Light and ISO Performance

The TG-630’s maximum native ISO is 6400, but image quality degrades quickly above ISO 800, with noticeable noise and loss of detail - unsurprising given the tiny sensor. Low-light shooting is tricky, often forcing slower shutter speeds or higher noise.

The Sony A7R IV supports native ISO up to 32,000 (expandable to 102,800), with exceptional noise control thanks to its back-illuminated sensor design and advanced processing. I have shot night street scenes and astrophotography with the A7R IV delivering clean shadows and preserved highlights.

Video Capabilities

Video-wise, the TG-630 offers Full HD (1080p) at 60fps, encoded in MPEG-4 or H.264. It’s basic but serviceable for casual video, with no external mic input or advanced stabilization modes beyond sensor-based still image stabilization.

The A7R IV steps up dramatically with 4K UHD video at 30fps, XAVC S codec, and full manual exposure controls during recording. It includes enhanced 5-axis sensor stabilization tailored for video and microphone/headphone ports, important for professional audio monitoring and capture.

Battery Life and Storage

The Olympus TG-630’s battery life is rated for approximately 220 shots per charge using its proprietary LI-50B battery - typical for compact cameras and acceptable for day trips, especially when weight is a concern. Storage is a single SD card slot.

The Sony A7R IV’s NP-FZ100 battery lasts significantly longer at about 670 shots per charge, designed for heavy professional use. Dual SD card slots (UHS-II compatible) provide redundancy and extended shooting capacity - a must-have for professionals ensuring data security.

Connectivity and Extras

Connectivity on the TG-630 is minimal: USB 2.0 and HDMI output, no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS modules. Given its rugged usage, this reliance on cable connection may feel limiting in an era leaning towards wireless image transfer.

The A7R IV features onboard Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, USB 3.1, and HDMI - enabling seamless remote shooting, tethering, and rapid file sharing an indispensable advantage for professional workflows.

Pricing and Value Proposition

At launch, the Olympus TG-630 was positioned as an affordable, durable point-and-shoot at around $200. It remains a compelling option for outdoor enthusiasts needing a no-fuss shooter to survive abuse.

The Sony A7R IV lists at approximately $3,500 body-only, firmly a high-end pro mirrorless camera aimed at photographers who require uncompromised image quality, flexibility, and performance.

These performance graphs (based on our extensive subjective and empirical evaluation) underscore the divide - Sony A7R IV scores highly across most photography disciplines, whereas the Olympus TG-630 dominates only in rugged portability and low-cost simplicity.

How They Perform Across Photography Niches

Portrait Photography

The Sony A7R IV is a masterclass here. Its high resolution, wide color depth (26 stops color depth per DxO Mark), 5-axis stabilization, and eye/animal AF tracking deliver exquisite skin tones and stunning bokeh with sharp eyes leading to captivating portraits.

The TG-630 can produce decent casual portraits but lacks manual aperture control and resolution to create fine subject isolation or nuanced tonal gradation.

Landscape Photography

The Sony excels with its enormous sensor dynamic range (14+ stops), brimming resolution, and weather sealing - ideal for landscape photographers needing file sizes suitable for billboard printing or heavy cropping.

While the TG-630 offers waterproof ruggedness for fieldwork, its limited dynamic range and lower resolution are evident in landscapes rich in shadow detail or complex lighting.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

The A7R IV's blazing autofocus, rapid 10 fps frame rate, and extensive telephoto lens support make it a first choice for wildlife photographers and sports shooters.

The TG-630 simply cannot keep pace - slow AF, limited burst, and optical zoom confined to a compact lens make it a casual snapshot option.

Street Photography

While the TG-630’s compact dimensions and discrete style might suggest suitability for street photography, its image quality and slow system limit its creative promise.

The A7R IV, though larger, offers silent shutter modes, excellent high-ISO performance, and the precision AF crucial for candid moments, though its size calls for thoughtful handling in urban environments.

Macro Photography

The TG-630 has a respectable close-focus range of 1cm, which is useful for quick macro shots without changing lenses.

The A7R IV’s compatibility with high-quality macro lenses, combined with sensor stabilization, vastly outperforms the Olympus in resolution, detail, and control - indispensable for macro professionals.

Night and Astrophotography

The A7R IV dominates here with superior high ISO, long exposures, and RAW support that brings out star fields and faint nebulae sharply. The TG-630 is basically not fit for serious astro work.

Video Use

For casual Full HD video, the TG-630 suffices but lacks pro features. For videographers, the A7R IV’s 4K video, audio ports, and stabilization make it a flexible tool for documentaries or commercial work.

Travel Photography

If your priority is keeping weight minimal and having a rugged companion, the TG-630 is a no-brainer. For travelers who want to combine ultra-high image quality with lens flexibility, and don’t mind the bulk, the A7R IV is unmatched.

Professional Workflows

The Sony A7R IV integrates cleanly into professional workflows with dual card slots, robust tethering, Wi-Fi, and access to hundreds of professional-grade lenses. It supports RAW format shooting, essential for commercial and editorial post-processing.

The TG-630 shoots only JPEG, limiting post-processing latitude, and is more suited to casual photography or snapshot documentation.

Concluding Thoughts: Which Camera Fits Your Shooting Life?

This has been a fascinating deep dive into two cameras worlds apart but unapologetically designed for distinct users:

• The Olympus TG-630 iHS is a rugged, affordable, true point-and-shoot designed for active outdoor users who value durability and simplicity over ultimate image quality or creative control. It’s a great second camera to take where you wouldn't risk your main gear.

• The Sony A7R IV is a professional-level mirrorless camera for advanced enthusiasts and pros who demand image excellence, expansive lens options, fast autofocus, and versatile features across genres. It represents a significant investment but one with a direct payoff in quality and flexibility.

Olympus TG 630 iHS front Olympus TG 630 iHS screen back Sony A7R IV front Sony A7R IV screen back

Assessing these cameras strictly on their own terms is critical. Comparing them directly on specs alone almost feels unfair given their target audience disparity. Instead, apply your priorities: rugged portability and budget, or full-frame quality and professional control.

If your photography demands rugged simplicity and an always-ready companion that won’t shy from adventure, the Olympus TG-630 delivers.

If you’re chasing pixel-level detail, beastly autofocus precision, and a pro system that unlocks the creative spectrum from portraits to wildlife to landscapes, the Sony A7R IV is a camera worthy of your pursuit.

This comparison draws on extensive hands-on testing and familiarization with both cameras in diverse shooting environments - from rain-soaked hikes with the TG-630 to meticulously choreographed studio and field sessions with the A7R IV.

I hope this guide helps you understand not just what these cameras offer on paper, but how that translates where it counts - in your hands, under your vision, capturing moments that matter.

Happy shooting!