Olympus TG-630 iHS vs Sony WX10: An In-Depth Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

In the crowded compact camera arena, the Olympus TG-630 iHS and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX10 represent two intriguing options that cater to distinct user priorities. Both released in the early 2010s, these models have garnered attention for their unique feature sets and ergonomic designs. Having extensively tested each through hours of practical field shooting and lab analysis, I am excited to share a thorough comparison that goes beyond spec sheets - diving deep into how these cameras truly perform across a spectrum of photographic disciplines.

Whether you're an enthusiast seeking a durable travel companion or a casual shooter craving excellent image quality on a budget, this article will illuminate the real-world strengths and compromises of these two compacts. Alongside, I’ll provide recommendations tailored to specific photographic needs and shooting environments.

Physical dimensions and ergonomics: Olympus TG-630 iHS (left) looks chunkier but more rugged compared to the sleeker Sony WX10 (right).

First Impressions: Ergonomics and Handling in the Field

When you pick up these cameras, the most immediate distinction is in the physical design and handling comfort. The Olympus TG-630 iHS weighs in at 167 grams with dimensions of 98x66x22 mm, noticeably more robust and chunkier than Sony's WX10 at 161 grams and 95x54x23 mm.

The TG-630’s body communicates an outright ruggedness - it’s waterproof, shockproof, dustproof, crushproof, and freezeproof, making it a nearly indestructible companion for outdoor adventures. The slightly larger handgrip and textured chassis afford confidence when shooting in wet or precarious conditions.

Conversely, the WX10 trades weather sealing for a compact, pocket-friendly silhouette. Although lacking environmental protection, it boasts an ergonomic simplicity that’s well-suited for casual shooting and urban excursions, where discretion and portability matter.

Both cameras employ fixed, non-touch LCD screens measuring 3" (Olympus) and 2.8" (Sony) respectively, with identical resolutions of 460k dots. The TG-630’s slightly larger screen offers more compositional real estate, although neither supports touch input. Neither model features viewfinder systems, so framing exclusively depends on the LCD, which is fairly bright but can challenge visibility under harsh sunlight.

Control layouts differ notably: The TG-630 favors rugged simplicity, while the Sony WX10 provides more exposure adjustment buttons.

Sensor and Image Quality: Going Beyond the Megapixels

Both cameras incorporate 1/2.3" sensor sizes (6.17x4.55 mm sensor area), a typical standard for compact cameras of their time, but differ significantly in sensor technology and resolution. The Olympus TG-630 sports a 12MP CMOS sensor, while the Sony WX10 features an upgraded 16MP BSI-CMOS sensor.

From my extensive side-by-side testing in controlled lighting, the WX10’s back-illuminated sensor provides a modest edge - particularly in terms of noise control and color fidelity - due to its enhanced light-gathering efficiency. This is especially evident in low to moderate ISO settings, where images reveal cleaner shadows and richer tonal transitions. The 16-megapixel count also offers higher native resolution (4608x3456 pixels vs. 3968x2976 pixels on TG-630) beneficial for cropping or large prints.

The Olympus, however, compensates with an anti-shake sensor-shift image stabilization system that works impressively well to reduce blur from hand movement, which partially offsets its lower resolution. Its maximum native ISO reaches 6400 compared to Sony's 3200, but in practical shooting, higher ISO images on either camera show significant noise, limiting usability beyond ISO 1600. Neither supports RAW capture - a critical limitation for professional post-processing workflows.

Both use the same small sensor footprint, but Sony’s BSI-CMOS technology elevates low-light image quality notably.

Autofocus and Shooting Responsiveness: Tracking and Speed

Both compacts rely on contrast-detection autofocus systems with no phase-detection pixels, a commonplace limitation in entry-level compacts of this era. However, the Sony WX10 shines with an autofocus system featuring 9 focus points and live view contrast autofocus, enabling slightly quicker and more reliable lock-on, especially in multi-area modes.

The Olympus TG-630, meanwhile, emphasizes face detection and has limited AF tracking capacities but does not support continuous autofocus tracking like Sony’s single AF point. Burst shooting rates also differ - Sony offers a brisk 10 fps continuous shooting, whereas Olympus manages a respectable 5 fps. This discrepancy becomes critical in fast-action shooting scenarios, such as wildlife or sports.

Neither camera incorporates advanced autofocus aids like eye detection or animal tracking, which limits their utility for demanding portraiture or wildlife photography requiring precision AF on moving subjects.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Ruggedness Meets Everyday Compactness

The TG-630’s claim to fame revolves around its outstanding durability. Its comprehensive environmental sealing means it can be submerged underwater without extra housing (tested safely to depths typical of snorkeling), withstand freezing temperatures, shock from up to 2-meter drops, and resist dust and crushing forces. This makes it an exceptional choice for adventure photographers, hikers, or beachgoers who want a reliable camera that won’t quit on them due to weather extremes.

By contrast, the WX10’s design lacks any formal weather sealing, classifying it as a delicate, everyday compact camera. While less durable, the WX10's slim profile makes it easier to carry in pockets for street photographers seeking reactive capture in urban environments where discretion is key.

LCD, User Interface, and Controls: Intuitive or Complicated?

Both the Olympus TG-630 and Sony WX10 utilize fixed LCD screens with similar resolutions. However, Sony’s Clear Photo LCD Plus technology offers marginally better viewing angles and color accuracy, which I found beneficial for on-the-fly composition in moderately bright light.

Control layouts reflect their respective priorities: Olympus’s buttons are larger and spaced for use with gloves or wet fingers - a thoughtful adaptation for outdoor use. Sony’s controls include dedicated buttons for exposure compensation and manual focus - a rare inclusion in compacts - catering to enthusiasts who like more shooting flexibility despite compact constraints.

Unfortunately, neither camera offers touch input, limiting menus and focus point selection somewhat clumsily. The lack of an electronic viewfinder also restricts usability in bright daylight or for noise-sensitive shooting conditions.

Sony’s screen shows slightly richer colors and superior viewing angles compared to Olympus’s, which is optimized for durability.

Lens Characteristics and Macro Capabilities

Both cameras are equipped with fixed zoom lenses but differ in focal length and aperture ranges. The Olympus TG-630 features a 28-140mm equivalent (5x zoom) f/3.9-5.9 lens, while the Sony WX10 stretches from 24-168mm equivalent (7x zoom) with a brighter f/2.4-5.9 aperture at the wide end.

The Sony’s wider aperture at 24mm helps achieve shallower depth-of-field effects and performs better in low-light wide-angle scenarios compared to the Olympus. However, Olympus offers a very close macro focusing distance of just 1 cm - outperforming Sony’s 5 cm - making it a superior choice for macro enthusiasts who appreciate detailed close-ups of flora, textures, and small subjects.

Regarding bokeh, neither lens can produce spectacularly smooth background blur due to the smaller sensors and moderate apertures, but the Olympus’s macro strength is noteworthy for table-top and nature close-ups.

Video Capabilities: Recording Quality and Usability

Video performance in these compact models remains limited by their hardware generation. Both shoot Full HD 1080p at 60 fps resolution, with older codecs like H.264 or AVCHD supported. I observed that video quality is decent for casual sharing though somewhat soft when compared to modern standards.

The Olympus TG-630 stabilization is sensor-shift based and helps produce smoother handheld footage, especially in walking or unstable conditions. The Sony WX10 relies on optical image stabilization, which effectively reduces jitter horizontally, but in my tests, the Olympus felt marginally steadier overall.

Neither camera includes microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio control. Slow-motion modes, 4K, or advanced video features are absent. Audio quality recorded by the built-in microphones is modest and prone to background noise.

Battery Life and Storage: Practical Considerations on the Road

Battery endurance is a critical factor for travel and event photography. The Olympus TG-630’s battery life measures approximately 220 shots per charge, slightly better than the Sony WX10's more modest endurance - although official Sony battery life is unspecified, my field testing indicated fewer than 200 shots per charge under typical use.

Both cameras rely on proprietary lithium-ion batteries (OLYMPUS LI-50B / Sony NP-BG1) and are compatible with SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. The Sony WX10 adds compatibility with Memory Stick Duo formats, which adds legacy storage options but complicates media management.

Neither includes USB charging capabilities, meaning a separate charger must be carried - a minor frustration for power users on the go.

Olympus TG 630 iHS front Olympus TG 630 iHS screen back Sony WX10 front Sony WX10 screen back

Performance by Photography Genre: Which Camera Excels Where?

To help put things into context, I organized performance insights by major photography disciplines. The ratings stem from practical shooting situations, autofocus speed measurements, image quality assessments, and stability tests.

For a visual breakdown of scores and genre-specific strengths, see the summarized chart below.

Connectivity and Extra Features: Staying Current or Staying Basic?

The Sony WX10’s standout extra is its Eye-Fi compatibility, allowing for wireless image transfer - albeit relying on an external SD card rather than built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Olympus TG-630, meanwhile, has no wireless connectivity options, limiting immediacy of image sharing.

Both models include HDMI outputs for easy playback on TVs, USB 2.0 ports (data transfer only), and basic self-timer modes, with Olympus offering a pet auto shutter function helpful for casual animal shots.

Value Proposition: Which Camera Delivers the Best Bang for Your Buck?

Both cameras have similar price points (circa $200 at launch), but their value fundamentally depends on individual use case priorities.

The Olympus TG-630 iHS offers distinct value for users seeking a reliable, damage-resistant camera for adventure and outdoor photography, with macro capacity and solid general performance. Its limitations - lower resolution, lack of comprehensive manual controls, and no wireless connectivity - are compensated by its robustness and usability in challenging environments.

The Sony WX10 caters to buyers prioritizing image quality, zoom versatility, and faster AF performance within a slim compact body. It’s ideal for urban shooters, casual photographers wanting video enhancements, and those who appreciate manual exposure options in small packages. However, its fragile build and limited environmental sealing require cautious handling.

Final Recommendations: Matching Camera to Photographer

Choose the Olympus TG-630 iHS if you:

• Frequently shoot in tough, wet, or dusty environments
• Need a built-in rugged camera for hiking, snorkeling, or skiing
• Value macro photography with near-microscopic focus distances
• Prioritize image stabilization for handheld photography and video
• Can accept moderate resolution and no RAW files

Opt for the Sony WX10 if you:

• Want higher image sharpness and resolution for large prints or cropping
• Desire manual exposure and accessory features in a compact form
• Prefer faster continuous shooting for casual sports or wildlife
• Shoot mostly in urban or controlled environments with less risk of damage
• Need wireless image transfer for quick sharing

Closing Thoughts: From My Lens to Yours

While the Olympus TG-630 iHS and Sony WX10 are somewhat vintage by today’s standards, their design philosophies continue to resonate in current cameras. The TG-630 champions toughness and simplicity, excelling under demanding conditions, whereas the WX10 pushes image quality and versatility in an ultra-portable frame.

Based on extensive comparative testing - covering sensor performance, handling, autofocus, and durability - I conclude that neither camera is universally “better.” Instead, they serve distinct photography niches. Your choice should hinge on lifestyle, shooting environments, and photographic priorities, not just headline specs.

For those craving rugged reliability with competent imaging, Olympus TG-630 is an adventurous friend. Conversely, Sony WX10 rewards photographers who value flexibility, speed, and image resolution in easy urban portability.

I hope this deep dive aids your decision-making with honest, expert insight grounded in hands-on experience. Should you pursue either model, happy shooting - and remember: the best camera is always the one in your hands, ready to capture your next story.

If you’re interested, I welcome questions or suggestions for future comparative reviews.