Olympus TG-630 iHS vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W690: A Hands-On Guide to Choosing Your Next Compact Camera

When it comes to compact cameras, the battle for user loyalty is often decided by subtle differences in versatility, durability, and image quality rather than headline-grabbing sensor sizes or megapixel wars. In this thorough comparison, I delve deeply into two unique models aimed at slightly different audiences but often considered by buyers seeking a reliable point-and-shoot: the Olympus TG-630 iHS, a rugged waterproof model announced in January 2013, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W690, a small sensor compact launched a bit earlier in 2012.

Drawing from extensive hands-on testing across diverse photographic disciplines - as well as meticulous technical examination - this article unpacks where each camera shines, stumbles, and ultimately serves different types of photographers. So whether you’re looking for an adventure-proof buddy or a versatile everyday companion, buckle up and let’s explore what each can deliver in the field.

First Impressions: Design, Ergonomics, and Handling

Before any shots are taken, handling a camera profoundly affects the shooting experience. Both cameras fall under the compact category, but they take quite different approaches to form and ruggedness.

The Olympus TG-630 iHS stands out physically due to its robust build quality, aimed at adventurous users. Its dimensions measure 98 x 66 x 22 mm, weighing 167 grams. This is somewhat chunkier but for a good reason - it’s waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, freezeproof, and crushproof. The TG-630 is ready to accompany you on hiking trips, beach days, or snowy slopes without worry.

In contrast, the Sony W690, at 94 x 56 x 22 mm and 142 grams, is sleeker and less imposing. It lacks any environmental sealing, targeting users who want a light, pocketable camera for everyday carry. The design language leans toward simplicity with the usual minimalist button layout and smoother curves.

The size and build differences are immediately clear - the Olympus’s thicker body screams rugged adventure, while Sony’s slimmer design champions portability.

Ergonomically, the TG-630’s shape provides a satisfying grip even when wearing gloves or in wet conditions. The camera’s controls are positioned for quick access, beneficial during outdoor shoots where speed counts. By comparison, the Sony W690’s control layout feels more stripped down, appealing to casual users who favor auto modes and quick point-and-shoot simplicity.

Sensor and Image Quality: CMOS vs CCD in the Compact Realm

At their heart, both cameras share the same sensor size: a 1/2.3" CMOS for the Olympus and a 1/2.3" CCD for the Sony. This equal footing - both measuring approximately 6.17 x 4.55 mm area - means potential image quality differences hinge heavily on sensor technology and processing rather than resolution alone.

The Olympus TG-630 sports a 12 MP CMOS sensor. As a CMOS-based design, it generally excels in noise performance, dynamic range, and faster readout speeds compared to CCDs. The sensor incorporates an anti-aliasing filter which helps minimize moiré but can slightly soften image detail.

On the other hand, the Sony W690 packs a higher resolution 16 MP CCD sensor. Although the megapixel advantage seems attractive, CCD sensors are historically less adept in handling higher ISO noise and fast readout. In practice, this translates to the Sony producing sharper images under well-lit conditions (thanks to more pixels) but struggling more noticeably in low-light scenarios.

Having tested both cameras side by side, my impressions confirm these expected trends: the Olympus’s CMOS sensor delivers cleaner high ISO shots and better dynamic range in shadows and highlights, essential when shooting landscapes or indoor scenes with challenging lighting. The Sony’s CCD yields crisp shots in bright daylight but loses fine details to noise quickly once the ISO climbs beyond native 400-800.

Lens and Focal Range: Versatility vs Reach

Lens specs are crucial, especially when you want a camera ready for varied shooting situations without swapping glass.

• Olympus TG-630 iHS: 28-140mm equivalent (5x optical zoom), aperture from f/3.9 to f/5.9
• Sony W690: 25-250mm equivalent (10x optical zoom), aperture f/3.3 to f/5.9

Going purely by focal length, the Sony offers double the telephoto reach - a significant perk for wildlife or any distant subjects. Its slightly wider 25mm at the wide end also promises more expansive coverage for landscapes or cramped spaces.

The Olympus limits you to 140mm max, which reduces reach for distant subjects but its lens is optimized for rugged portability rather than telephoto reach.

In practice, the TG-630’s lens delivers good image quality across its zoom range with satisfactory sharpness and contrast. The Olympus also features a very nice macro focus distance down to 1 cm, enabling impressive close-ups, especially handy for nature photography or artistic shots.

The Sony’s lens shines in flexible framing, although the smaller sensor and its CCD technology somewhat constrain image quality at longer focal lengths. Macro focusing is competent down to 5 cm, less intimate than the Olympus but sufficient for casual close-ups.

Autofocus, Shooting Speed, and Performance

While specs list autofocus (AF) as single AF with some tracking and face detection, the real-world experience can differ considerably.

• Olympus TG-630: contrast-detection AF, face detection, eye detection, 5 fps continuous shooting
• Sony W690: contrast-detection AF, face detection, 1 fps continuous shooting

Using both in daily shooting scenarios, I found the Olympus’s autofocus noticeably quicker and more reliable, especially when tracking faces or moving subjects. The TG-630’s 5 frames-per-second burst mode also gives shooters a better chance to capture fleeting moments in sports or wildlife photography, despite the moderate buffer depth.

The Sony W690’s AF feels lugubrious by comparison, focusing takes longer, and the 1 fps continuous shooting is limiting for action shots.

Displays and User Interface

Both cameras feature fixed 3-inch LCD screens, but their specs and usability differ.

The TG-630’s screen boasts 460k-dot resolution, resulting in a sharp, bright image for framing, reviewing, and live-view shooting. Its screen performs well even in daylight, a boon for outdoor adventures where glare often frustrates.

Sony’s W690 display at 230k dots is considerably less detailed and dimmer, which hampers composition and review. Its ClearPhoto TFT LCD technology makes colors look vivid but sacrifices contrast in bright conditions.

Neither camera has a touchscreen, which although standard on many recent models, is understandable given their age and core markets.

Durability and Environmental Resistance

Here, the Olympus TG-630 absolutely obliterates the Sony.

This is a camera explicitly built for the harshest environments - waterproof to 10 meters, freezeproof to -10°C, dustproof, crushproof up to 100 kg, and shockproof to withstand 2.1 m drops.

The Sony W690 offers none of these protections, meaning it’s a purely indoor or fair-weather camera. If you’re a trail runner, snorkeler, or even a careful hiker, the Sony simply won’t keep pace with the abuse that Olympus’s tough body can endure.

Battery Life and Storage

Both cameras rely on proprietary rechargeable batteries, with roughly equal claimed lifespans at about 220 shots per charge - a figure I found realistic under normal mixed use.

The Olympus TG-630 uses an LI-50B battery, available from Olympus, while the Sony W690 uses an NP-BN battery, which tends to be more common in Sony’s compact lines.

Regarding storage, both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but the Sony adds support for Memory Stick Duo formats - something to consider if you own legacy cards.

Video Capabilities: HD Recording for Casual Use

While neither camera is a video powerhouse, they do offer basic HD video recording.

• Olympus TG-630: 1080p at 60 fps, H.264 format, built-in sensor-shift stabilization helps smooth footage
• Sony W690: 720p at 30 fps, MPEG-4 format, optical image stabilization supports steady clips

The Olympus’s higher resolution and frame rate give it a noticeable edge in video clarity and smoothness. However, the absence of external microphone inputs or headphone jacks on either camera limits their use for serious videography.

Still, for documenting family outings, snorkeling adventures (TG-630), or casual travel clips, both will suffice.

Real-World Photography Case Studies

To really get a sense of these cameras in action, I shot a broad variety of subjects under diverse conditions, from sunlit landscapes to dim indoor scenes.

Olympus TG 630 iHS front Olympus TG 630 iHS screen back Sony W690 front Sony W690 screen back

1. Portraiture: The Olympus’s skin tone reproduction felt warmer and more natural, partly due to better face detection autofocus and improved stabilization allowing sharper shots at slower shutter speeds. The TG-630’s f/3.9 aperture at wide-angle provides modest background separation; bokeh is smooth but not creamy. The Sony, with narrower apertures and slower AF, struggles to isolate subjects effectively.

2. Landscapes: With dynamic range challenges inherent to compact sensors, the Olympus’s CMOS delivers better handling of highlights and shadows. Its outdoor display and rugged body complement long hikes. The Sony’s higher resolution is a plus in fine details but shadows lose subtlety.

3. Wildlife & Sports: Burst rate and tracking favor the Olympus, whose AF and continuous shooting enable better chances at sharp animal or action shots despite the 5x zoom limit.

4. Macro: Close focusing down to 1 cm on the Olympus lets you capture intricate details unseen by the Sony’s 5 cm minimum.

5. Night & Astro: Both cameras struggle but Olympus’s sensor excels at higher ISOs, delivering less noise. Low-light autofocus was also more consistent on the TG-630.

6. Street & Travel: The Sony’s slim profile aids discreet candid shooting and easier pocket carry, but the Olympus’s sealed body makes it preferred for active travel and unpredictable weather.

Overall Performance Ratings and Genre-Specific Scores

After comprehensive hands-on evaluations, my expert team distilled the cameras’ strengths and weaknesses into performance ratings across several photography categories.

Here’s a summary:

Scores out of 10 reflect real-world utility, image quality, and operational capabilities.

Sony W690 vs Olympus TG-630 iHS: Value and Pricing

With the Olympus TG-630 priced around $200 (widely discounted today), it undercuts the Sony W690, which retails near $300. This surprisingly affordable price for the TG-630 underlines the excellent value it offers given its rugged construction and balanced feature set.

That said, the Sony W690’s superior zoom range appeals to users who prioritize framing distant subjects and ultra-light setups over weatherproofing.

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Olympus TG-630 iHS if:

• You’re an active shooter who needs a rugged camera for hiking, skiing, or beach vacations
• Low-light and higher ISO performance matter to you
• You value fast autofocus and decent burst rates for action shots
• Macro photography excites you, with close focusing needs under 2 cm
• You want a highly durable camera that performs well outdoors without worrying about environmental damage

Opt for the Sony W690 if:

• You prefer the longest possible zoom range in a compact body for casual travel
• You prioritize minimalistic design and light, streamlined portability
• You mostly shoot in daylight or well-lit conditions with no bad weather concerns
• You want a simple, no-fuss point-and-shoot, emphasizing ease of use over advanced shooting modes

A Final Word from Hands-On Experience

My test sessions spanned hundreds of photos in varying light, temperature, and subject scenarios. What became clear is that the Olympus TG-630 iHS is the better overall “all-terrain” shooter - both in terms of technical performance and handling in harsh conditions.

The Sony W690 delivers respectable image quality and zoom versatility but feels more like a casual daily snapshot camera. If ruggedness, low-light ability, and focusing speed matter, Olympus is the no-brainer.

Ultimately, your choice will be dictated by your lifestyle and shooting priorities. For adventurous outdoor enthusiasts and weekend explorers, Olympus wins hands down. For casual, zoom-hungry travelers who stick to urban and indoor environments, Sony packs a compelling punch.

Photography gear decisions are never purely technical - they’re deeply personal. I hope this detailed analysis, shaped from extensive expert fieldwork and lab insights, has helped shed light on which camera might suit your creative workflow best.

Happy shooting!

If you’re curious to see more sample images comparing these two cameras in various conditions, check out the photo gallery linked above. And remember - sometimes the best camera is the one always with you.

Note: All technical specifications referenced are based on manufacturer data and verified through hands-on testing. Prices quoted reflect typical historical market values as of 2023-2024.