Olympus TG-820 iHS vs Olympus XZ-1

The following is a extensive analysis of the Olympus TG-820 iHS and Olympus XZ-1, one is a Waterproof and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both built by Olympus. The resolution of the TG-820 iHS (12MP) and the XZ-1 (10MP) is pretty similar but the TG-820 iHS (1/2.3") and XZ-1 (1/1.63") provide different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The TG-820 iHS was brought out 13 months after the XZ-1 which makes them a generation away from one another. Both the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before getting right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick summary of how the TG-820 iHS grades versus the XZ-1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus TG-820 iHS and Olympus XZ-1. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus TG-820 iHS Gallery and Olympus XZ-1 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to travel with your camera, you need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus TG-820 iHS features physical measurements of 101mm x 65mm x 26mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs) and the Olympus XZ-1 has dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus TG-820 iHS and Olympus XZ-1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. Below is a front view dimension comparison of the TG-820 iHS vs the XZ-1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the TG-820 iHS and XZ-1 is 92 and 88 respectively.

More often than not, it's tough to imagine the gap between sensor dimensions purely by going over specs. The pic below should give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the TG-820 iHS and XZ-1.

All in all, each of the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The TG-820 iHS featuring a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field tougher and the Olympus TG-820 iHS will deliver more detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The newer TG-820 iHS should have an edge in sensor technology.