Olympus TG-630 iHS vs Sony A550

In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Olympus TG-630 iHS versus Sony A550, former is a Waterproof while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the TG-630 iHS (12MP) and the A550 (14MP) is pretty well matched but the TG-630 iHS (1/2.3") and A550 (APS-C) feature different sensor dimensions.

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The TG-630 iHS was announced 3 years after the A550 which is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus TG-630 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting through a comprehensive comparison, below is a short introduction of how the TG-630 iHS grades vs the A550 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus TG-630 iHS & Sony Alpha DSLR-A550. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus TG-630 iHS Gallery & Sony A550 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry around your camera, you are going to need to think about its weight and size. The Olympus TG-630 iHS enjoys exterior dimensions of 98mm x 66mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.6" x 0.9") with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) and the Sony A550 has specifications of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") with a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

Look at the Olympus TG-630 iHS versus Sony A550 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the TG-630 iHS compared to the A550.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the TG-630 iHS and A550 is 94 and 63 respectively.

Typically, its tough to picture the difference between sensor sizes merely by checking technical specs. The pic below will give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the TG-630 iHS and A550.

As you can tell, both of the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The TG-630 iHS having a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field tougher and the Sony A550 will resolve extra detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots a little more aggressively. The more modern TG-630 iHS provides a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.