Choosing the right compact camera can be a surprisingly intricate task, even when your contenders are positioned as entry-level or enthusiast-friendly point-and-shoots. I've spent years testing cameras of all stripes, and what stands out most isn't just pure specs - but how those specs translate to everyday shooting scenarios. Today, let's dive deep into a thoughtful comparison between two cameras from the early 2010s that still have their place in the conversation for budget-conscious compact cameras: the Olympus TG-630 iHS and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W620. Both are affordable and share a 28-140mm equivalent zoom lens range, but they bring distinct strengths and compromises to the table that weigh heavily on usability, image quality, and versatility.

Through this article, I’ll pull back the curtain on their sensor technologies, handling, autofocus performance, and more, drawing on hands-on experience, industry-standard testing approaches, and practical shooting trials. By the end, you’ll have a grounded understanding of which might better serve your photographic goals - whether you seek rugged outdoor reliability, casual travel snapshots, or something in between.

First Impressions: Build, Size, and Handling

Before we pixel peep or evaluate dynamic range, what I always do is see how a camera feels. Ergonomics are crucial - especially for compact cameras where small changes in grip design, button placement, or weight can fundamentally shape shooting comfort.

Both cameras fall into the compact category with modest weight and footprint, but the Olympus TG-630 distinguishes itself with a notably rugged, waterproof body rated for underwater use and shock resistance. This weather sealing (confirmed to withstand drops, dust, and freeze conditions) means you can confidently take the TG-630 snorkeling or hiking without a second thought. Conversely, the Sony W620 is a more delicate day-to-day pocket camera - lighter but lacking any environmental sealing.

Physically, the TG-630 is just a bit chunkier and heavier, an unavoidable consequence of its protective casing. The Sony W620, at roughly two-thirds the weight of the Olympus, slips easier into tighter pockets but can feel less stable to hold during extended shooting sessions.

Looking at control layout from above, the Olympus has dedicated zoom and shutter buttons with a mode dial placement that’s intuitive even when wearing gloves - consistent with its outdoor-centric design. The Sony compacts controls into a smaller footprint with fewer tactile buttons and a more minimalist layout, reflecting its simpler feature set.

If you lean into adventure photography or want an ultra-durable camera, Olympus TG-630’s build is a clear winner. If portability and light carry are paramount, the Sony W620 shines.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: CMOS vs CCD in Action

Here’s where things get interesting. Both cameras share the ubiquitous 1/2.3-inch sensor size (6.17 x 4.55 mm, just over 28 sq. mm area), which is typical for compact cameras and inevitably limits noise performance and dynamic range compared to larger APS-C or full-frame sensors.

However, Olympus employs a 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, while Sony sticks with a higher-resolution 14-megapixel CCD sensor.

This sensor distinction is more than nomenclature - CMOS sensors generally provide better noise handling, faster readout speeds, and improved dynamic range. The Olympus TG-630 benefits from this by delivering cleaner images at higher ISOs and more flexibility when recovering shadows or highlights in post.

The CCD sensor in the Sony W620 can produce sharp and clean images in good light conditions, but it struggles earlier with noise creeping in at ISO 400 and above. Its dynamic range is notably narrower, which is classically typical of CCDs from this era.

Practically, when shooting in bright daylight, both cameras are capable of decent detail and color reproduction. Indoors or in low light, however, the Olympus feels more versatile, courtesy of sensor technology and onboard noise reduction tuned into its iHS (Intelligent High Sensitivity and Intelligent Image Stabilization) system. The Sony’s maximum native ISO tops at 3200, but noise quickly undermines image quality past 800 ISO.

Both cameras incorporate an antialiasing filter to reduce moiré but can slightly soften the finest textures - a typical tradeoff in compact cameras.

LCD Screens and User Interface: How You See Matters

Your ability to compose and review shots depends heavily on the display quality and UI intuitiveness. Here, the Olympus TG-630 sports a slightly larger 3-inch LCD with 460k dots resolution, versus the Sony's 2.7-inch Clear Photo TFT LCD at only 230k dots. This difference translates into visibly crisper playback and clearer live-view composition on the Olympus.

Moreover, the Olympus screen has noticeably better viewing angles and brightness adjustment range - critical when shooting outdoors under harsh sunlight. The Sony’s display, while serviceable, tends to wash out easier in bright environments.

Neither camera offers touchscreen capability, so navigation relies entirely on physical buttons. Olympus provides more menu options tailored to advanced users, such as custom white balance and face detection toggling, whereas Sony’s menus are simpler and more beginner-friendly but less customizable.

Focusing Systems: Contrast Detection and Face Detection Performance

Focusing speed and accuracy stand as fundamental pillars of camera usability, especially when capturing candid moments or fast action.

Both the Olympus TG-630 and Sony W620 employ contrast-detection autofocus systems, typical for compacts of their generation. Phase-detection systems remain absent at this tier, precluding lightning-fast focusing speeds.

Olympus supports face detection autofocus and claims AF tracking to some degree, although actual focus area count is unspecified. Sony mirrors face detection and provides center-weighted focus.

From hands-on testing, the TG-630 autofocus systems feel snappier and more confident in average and low-light conditions, attributed to its CMOS sensor enabling quicker image processing and AF algorithms. The Sony, reliant on an older CCD and simpler processor, exhibits slightly slower lock times and occasional hunting, particularly in dimmer light or low contrast scenes.

For portrait and street photography, where eye and face detection can significantly improve keeper rates, Olympus proves more reliable. The Sony can manage casual snaps but less effectively in tricky lighting or rapidly shifting subjects.

Versatile Optics and Macro Performance

Both cameras feature a fixed zoom lens with a 28-140mm equivalent focal range and approximately 5x zoom. The Olympus TG-630’s lens operates at f/3.9 wide-open to f/5.9 at telephoto; the Sony W620 ranges from f/3.2 to f/6.5.

The slightly wider aperture on the Sony’s wide end delivers marginally better low-light gathering at 28mm equivalent, but Olympus slightly outperforms towards telephoto.

Importantly, the Olympus TG-630 shines in macro shooting with a minimum focusing distance of just 1 cm, versus Sony’s 5 cm. This near-microscopic capability enables detailed close-up captures of flowers, insects, or textures - an advantage for nature photographers or hobbyists craving intimate detail.

The Olympus also includes sensor-shift image stabilization, vital when shooting handheld macro or at long focal lengths. Sony W620 interestingly offers no image stabilization, which negatively impacts sharpness in these scenarios.

Video Capabilities and Multimedia Features

Video on compact cameras might not be the reason pros opt for one, but in the social-media era, decent video specs and stabilization are notable bonuses.

The Olympus TG-630 records Full HD at 1080p/60fps, utilizing efficient H.264 encoding, delivering smooth, clean footage suitable for casual videography or family events.

Sony’s W620 maxes out at 720p/30fps and encodes in Motion JPEG - a less efficient format resulting in larger file sizes and less quality at similar bitrates.

Neither camera offers microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio control. Olympus includes HDMI out for easy playback on TV, Sony does not.

In handheld video shooting, Olympus’ sensor-shift stabilization helps minimize the jitter and shake common with compact cameras, whereas Sony’s lack of stabilization invites choppier footage.

Battery Life and Storage

Both cameras use proprietary battery packs with nearly identical battery life claims (about 220 shots per charge). In practice, actual image count depends heavily on usage; Olympus’ more robust build and active image stabilization systems can drain battery quicker in intensive scenarios.

On storage, Sony offers greater format flexibility, accepting SD/SDHC/SDXC cards plus Memory Stick Duo formats - helpful if you already own Sony memory cards. Olympus sticks to SD/SDHC/SDXC only, but the ubiquity of these cards makes it a non-issue for most.

Connectivity and Wireless Features: Where They Stand Today

Neither camera supports Bluetooth or NFC. The Olympus TG-630 lacks Wi-Fi but includes HDMI and USB 2.0 ports, enabling basic tethered connectivity or playback on external screens.

The Sony W620 features “Eye-Fi Connected” - a technology facilitating wireless image transfer via compatible SD cards. This was an early foray into wireless connectivity but requires a specific SD card and is less convenient than later native Wi-Fi implementations.

Durability, Weather Resistance, and Use-Case Suitability

Environmental sealing is where the Olympus TG-630 leaps ahead, certified waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, crushproof, and even freezeproof. If captures in rugged outdoors or unpredictable weather are your priority - think scuba diving, hiking, camping - the TG-630 is purpose-built for you.

The Sony W620, by contrast, is a fragile lightweight suited strictly for normal indoor or mild outdoor conditions.

What About Image Samples? Real-World Shooting Outcomes

I always advocate looking beyond specs and reviewing real photographs both cameras produce.

Olympus TG 630 iHS front Olympus TG 630 iHS screen back Sony W620 front Sony W620 screen back

In daylight, both cameras produce vibrant colors with acceptable sharpness from their sensors. Olympus Renderings show slightly punchier contrast and more balanced skin tones in portraits.

Indoor and low-light images starkly differentiate the CMOS advantage. The TG-630’s shots exhibit less noise and superior detail retention, whereas the Sony’s grain and color desaturation are evident.

For macro, detailed shots from Olympus easily outclass Sony’s due to better close focusing and stabilization.

Scoring the Cameras: Overall Performance Ratings

Weighing all factors - image quality, handling, autofocus, video, and ruggedness - yields these general scores (on a 10-point scale):

Performance by Photography Genres

Breaking it down by specific photography disciplines reveals clearer fitment:

• Portrait: Olympus leads with better face detection, skin tone reproduction, and image stabilization.
• Landscape: Both limited by sensor size, but Olympus’ better dynamic range edges ahead.
• Wildlife: Neither ideal due to slow continuous shooting (5fps for Olympus; 1fps for Sony), but Olympus autofocus is faster.
• Sports: Olympus’ faster burst and AF tracking make it marginally more usable.
• Street: Sony’s smaller size aids discretion, but Olympus wins in low light.
• Macro: Olympus’ 1cm focus distance and stabilization offer far superior capability.
• Night/Astro: Neither excels, but Olympus performs slightly better at high ISO.
• Video: Olympus provides full HD 60fps and image stabilization; Sony stuck at 720p 30fps no stabilization.
• Travel: If ruggedness is key, Olympus wins; if packing light is king, Sony is better.
• Professional Workflow: Neither supports RAW or advanced output formats, limiting pros.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Olympus TG-630 iHS
Ideal for hobbyists and adventure seekers who want a compact camera rugged enough to endure outdoor conditions - snorkeling, climbing, or snowy trips. Its strengths lie in balanced image quality, reliable autofocus, decent video, and macro versatility. The lack of RAW and manual controls may disappoint advanced users, but it delivers solid, worry-free performance for its class.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W620
Suitable for casual day-to-day shooters prioritizing light travel and simplicity. If you’re mainly shooting under good lighting for social media, and size plus price are constraints, the W620 is an easy entry-level choice. But expect compromises in image quality, focusing speed, and no weather protection.

Final Thoughts: Balancing Budget, Use, and Expectations

In my experience, many buyers underestimate how much build quality and sensor technology impact their shooting enjoyment long-term. The Olympus TG-630, despite being older and more expensive, offers a notably more satisfying package especially if you value durability and more flexible shooting conditions.

The Sony W620 is tempting for its price tag and pocket-ability but feels dated technologically, especially the CCD’s shortcomings at high ISO and absence of image stabilization. It’s likely better suited as a secondary or backup camera.

For enthusiasts seeking compact cameras with rugged capabilities at sub-$200 prices, the Olympus TG-630 iHS remains a compelling contender in 2024 - a testament to the value of thoughtful engineering.

Summary Table

Photography gear isn’t one-size-fits-all. The key is aligning features with needs and workflow. I encourage readers to weigh the strengths we’ve uncovered here with their shooting style - because, as always, the best camera is the one you enjoy using consistently.

Happy shooting!

End of Review