Olympus TG-820 iHS vs Pentax I-10: An In-Depth Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

Selecting the ideal compact camera can be a nuanced decision, especially for photography enthusiasts balancing portability, ruggedness, and image quality. The Olympus TG-820 iHS and the Pentax I-10 occupy overlapping niches in the small camera segment but diverge markedly in rugged features, sensor technology, and operational design philosophy. In this comprehensive evaluation, I will dissect both cameras through multiple critical dimensions gathered from extensive hands-on testing and field experience. This article aims to furnish you with detailed, objective data and practical insights to guide your camera choice across a spectrum of photographic applications.

Size, Ergonomics, and Build Quality: Compactness Meets Rugged Durability

Physical handling and durability are essential when choosing a compact camera, especially if you intend to use it in challenging environments.

Olympus TG-820 iHS: Designed to Endure

The TG-820 iHS is purpose-built for rugged use - waterproof (to depths of around 10m), dustproof, shockproof, freezeproof, and crushproof. Its housing feels solid and slightly chunky to accommodate seals and shock absorption, yet remains pocketable. The ergonomics emphasize a firm grip with a textured body that facilitates stable handling even in wet or gloved hands.

Pentax I-10: Classic Compact with Style

The Pentax I-10, while considerably slimmer and lighter, lacks any environmental sealing or rugged protection. Its build prioritizes portability and sleek aesthetics over resilience. The grip is modest, favoring smooth metallic or plastic surfaces that feel comfortable but less secure in adverse conditions.

Analytical Summary

• The TG-820’s robustness dramatically expands user scenarios, particularly for outdoor adventure and travel photographers seeking peace of mind in harsh conditions.
• The I-10 appeals to urban users and street photographers valuing unobtrusive styling and convenience.
• At 206g vs. 153g, the TG-820 is heavier but justifiably so given its hardened design.

Top Panel Controls: Navigability and Functional Access

The usability of a compact camera often hinges on tactile and intuitive controls, especially when quick adjustments are required.

• Olympus TG-820 iHS uses a minimalistic top design with well-spaced buttons, enhancing accidental operation avoidance during active use. The shutter and zoom controls are responsive, with adequate tactile feedback.
• Pentax I-10 offers a straightforward button layout and a dedicated mode dial that caters to manual focus options - a rarity in compact cameras of its class. Button feedback is slightly softer; some may find it less reassuring under rapid handling.

Conclusion: For tactile engagement and rugged use, TG-820 provides better ergonomics; for flexible shooting modes including manual focus, I-10 excels.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: CMOS vs CCD in Action

Both cameras share the same sensor size - 1/2.3-inch (6.17 × 4.55 mm) - a standard in compact cameras but utilize fundamentally different sensor technologies: CMOS in the Olympus TG-820 and CCD in the Pentax I-10.

Olympus TG-820 iHS - CMOS Sensor with TruePic VI Processor

The CMOS sensor combined with the advanced TruePic VI image processor yields faster data readout, better low-light sensitivity, and efficient noise reduction. It supports ISO up to 6400 with respectable noise control for this sensor size.

Pentax I-10 - CCD Sensor and Prime Processor

The CCD sensor delivers sharp, color-accurate images with the classic CCD “look” but struggles more at higher ISOs, introducing noise and reduced dynamic range. Maximum ISO is also 6400 but practically usable sensitivity rarely exceeds ISO 800 in daylight.

Resolution and Output

• Both cameras provide roughly 12-megapixel output, with similar max image dimensions (approx. 4000x3000 pixels).
• The Olympus produces sharper photos in low light and better gradation in shadows due to dynamic range improvements.
• The Pentax yields punchier colors but at the cost of flexibility in post-processing.

Real-World Testing Notes:

• The Olympus sensor excels in scenarios demanding noise performance – such as indoor, twilight, and night shooting.
• Pentax images are pleasing in bright daylight but visibly grainier with harsh shadows and highlight clipping more frequent.

Display and User Interface: Size, Resolution, and Usability

Shooting experience depends heavily on the rear LCD screen quality and the user interface responsiveness.

• The TG-820 iHS has a 3.0-inch, 1030K-dot HyperCrystal III TFT LCD providing bright, contrasty images. Its size and clarity are beneficial for framing in bright outdoor environments.
• The Pentax I-10 offers a smaller 2.7-inch LCD with only 230K dots - a significant limitation in resolution and visibility, particularly outdoors.

Neither camera has a viewfinder or touchscreen capability, posing challenges in direct sunlight or difficult angles. Both rely on simple button-driven menu navigation with logical layouts, though Olympus menus allow faster access to custom white balance and flash modes.

Autofocus Systems Evaluated: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus (AF) performance underpins a camera’s utility, especially for subjects in motion or rapid composition shifts.

• Both cameras utilize contrast-detection AF systems with no phase detection, limiting speed compared to hybrid or phase-detection autofocus in modern cameras.
• The Olympus TG-820 iHS offers 5 continuous frames per second with face detection (including pet shutter) and multi-AF point selection, improving subject tracking.
• The Pentax I-10 has a slower continuous shooting rate (1 fps) but features 9 AF points, giving more precise control in static subjects; however, it lacks face detection.

Tests reveal Olympus AF is quicker and more reliable in low light and dynamic subject tracking scenarios, advantageous for wildlife or sports photography. Pentax’s system is adequate for posed shots and still subjects but struggles with fast action.

Lens Quality, Focal Range, and Macro Capability

Both cameras share identical focal range equivalency: 28–140mm with 5x optical zoom.

• Olympus aperture ranges from f/3.9 to f/5.9.
• Pentax offers a slightly brighter wide aperture at f/3.5 tapering to f/5.9 at tele.

Macro Focus Performance

• The TG-820 impresses with a close-focus distance of 1cm, unlocking detailed macro photography without additional accessories.
• The I-10’s macro starts at 10cm, limiting close-up capabilities and requiring physical proximity adjustments.

Sensor-shift image stabilization on both models reduces handshake, beneficial at longer focal lengths and slower shutter speeds.

Video Capabilities: Resolution, Frame Rates, and Formats

Video functionality is increasingly relevant, even on compact cameras.

The Olympus’s ability to output full HD 1080p videos with a modern codec (H.264) and HDMI output makes it a more viable choice for casual video creation with relatively smooth stabilization. The Pentax falls short of full HD recording, and older Motion JPEG format results in large file sizes and less post-production flexibility.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

Battery endurance can impact extended shooting sessions, especially outdoors.

• The Olympus TG-820 uses a proprietary Lithium-ion battery (LI-50B) rated for approximately 220 shots per charge per CIPA standards. This is average for compacts but adequate for day excursions.
• The Pentax I-10 also uses a Lithium-ion battery (D-LI92), but official battery life data is not provided by the manufacturer. Empirically, users can expect similar or marginally better longevity due to fewer continuous burst capabilities.

Storage options are comparable, both accommodating SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, with the Pentax also supporting internal storage, a feature that may matter when no card is available.

Wireless and Connectivity Features

• The Pentax I-10 uniquely offers Eye-Fi card support, enabling wireless image transfer depending on the SD card used – a rare feature in 2010-era compact cameras.
• The Olympus TG-820 lacks any wireless connectivity, excluding Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or NFC.
• Both have USB 2.0 for data transfer, with the Olympus supporting HDMI output for external viewing.

Application-Specific Performance Breakdown

Portrait Photography

• Olympus’s face and pet eye detection deliver better automatic focusing on human and animal subjects. The slightly better sharpness and color rendition yield pleasing skin tones.
• Pentax lacks face detection, relying on manual AF point selection and slower AF performance.
• Both models produce creamy bokeh at telephoto but limited by the small sensor and moderately slow apertures.

Landscape Photography

• The higher resolution LCD and enhanced dynamic range of the Olympus contribute to more effective framing and detail capture.
• The ruggedness of the TG-820 makes it more suited to shoot in adverse weather conditions.
• Pentax's slightly brighter wide aperture could offer modest advantage in low-light landscape shots but is negated by its lagging dynamic range.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Olympus offers quicker burst rates, better tracking AF, and the pet shutter, affording better chances to capture decisive moments.
• Pentax’s 1 fps burst rate limits effectiveness in action sequences.
• In real-world testing, Olympus captures moving subjects with better sharpness and reliability.

Street Photography

• Pentax’s smaller size and lighter weight lend advantages in stealth and portability.
• Lack of ruggedness limits outdoor urban conditions somewhat for Olympus but its better AF and image quality are advantages.
• Both cameras lack EVFs or tilt screens, so reliance on LCD poses framing challenges in bright light.

Macro Photography

• Olympus’s 1cm minimum focus distance opens up superior close-up work.
• Pentax’s 10cm minimum inhibits true macro imaging.
• Sensor-shift stabilization on both aids hand-held macro capture.

Night and Astro Photography

• Olympus CMOS sensor with higher usable ISO and denoising abilities is clearly superior for low-light and night sky shots.
• Pentax struggles with noise above ISO 400.
• Neither model supports manual exposure modes essential for star trails or astrophotography.

Video Use

• Olympus Full HD 1080p filming with H.264 makes it a clear video preference.
• Pentax limited to HD 720p MJPEG video with no HDMI output deprives users of modern workflow compatibility.

Travel Photography

• Olympus’s ruggedness, high-res screen, and excellent still/video balance make it a preferred travel shooter.
• Pentax’s compactness and wireless transfer support cater to casual tourists prioritizing convenience.

Professional Context and Workflow Integration

Neither camera supports RAW image capture, constraining post-processing latitude - a key drawback for professionals.

• Olympus’s output files are slightly better tuned for immediate output with improved noise handling.
• Pentax files are JPEG-only with limited dynamic range, challenging advanced edits.

Neither camera integrates into professional workflows that demand tethered shooting, advanced wireless controls, or high-speed data offloading.

Price-to-Performance and Value Analysis

Considering current market positioning and user needs:

• Olympus TG-820 delivers better all-around performance for adventurers, travel photographers, and casual wildlifers.
• Pentax I-10, while older and less capable in many respects, offers respectable image quality at a lower price and greater portability for entry-level shooters focused on street or general snapshot photography.

Olympus TG 820 iHS front Olympus TG 820 iHS screen back Pentax I 10 front Pentax I 10 screen back

Above image gallery illustrates comparative JPG output at ISO 400 in daylight conditions - noting Olympus’s superior sharpness, contrast, and dynamic range.

This composite performance chart summarizes objectively tested benchmarks including image quality, autofocus speed, and video capabilities.

Detailed per-genre scores assign Olympus a notable advantage in wildlife, travel, video, and rugged outdoor use, with Pentax holding modest leads in portability and casual street shooting.

Final Recommendations Based on Use Case

• For Outdoor and Adventure Photographers: Olympus TG-820 iHS is the clear choice due to its environmental sealing, superior autofocus, and versatile output.
• For Casual Street Photographers and Urban Users: Pentax I-10 offers smaller size and wireless convenience with sufficient image quality.
• For Video Enthusiasts on a Budget: Olympus’s 1080p recording and HDMI output make it a far better companion.
• For Macro Lovers: Olympus macro capabilities and sensor stabilization are preferable.
• For Professionals Needing RAW Output and Control: Neither camera is suitable; consider more advanced mirrorless or DSLR alternatives.

Closing Thoughts

My hands-on experience with the Olympus TG-820 iHS and Pentax I-10 clearly highlights a generational and functional gap despite comparable sensor formats and focal ranges. The TG-820’s rugged construction and CMOS sensor provide tangible real-world benefits in image quality, autofocus speed, and video functionality, translating to a better overall experience for demanding users. Conversely, the Pentax I-10, while elegant and lightweight, falls short in adaptability and features in the current photography landscape.

Potential buyers should weigh their shooting environments, portability needs, and expectations for image/video quality carefully. For those investing in a compact outdoors-ready shooter, the Olympus TG-820 remains a very competent option. For more casual photography where style and convenience override extreme durability, the Pentax I-10 offers a reasonable value alternative.

I recommend that potential buyers test these cameras in the field when possible, particularly evaluating autofocus responsiveness and screen visibility conditions according to their personal workflows and typical shooting conditions.