Olympus TG-820 iHS vs Samsung PL120: A Detailed Comparison for Every Photographer's Needs

Choosing the right camera often means balancing your photography style, technical requirements, and budget. Today, we're diving deep into two distinctive compact cameras: the Olympus TG-820 iHS and the Samsung PL120. While both belong to the broader compact category, their approaches, features, and target users differ significantly. Our goal is to give you clear, practical insights so you can confidently decide which suits your photography journey.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

Before we dig into specs and performance, let's talk about how these cameras feel in your hands and how they'll fit into your daily routine.

Compactness & Handling

• Olympus TG-820 iHS: A rugged all-arounder weighing 206g with dimensions 101 x 65 x 26 mm. Designed as a waterproof, shockproof, freeze-proof, and dustproof tool, it’s not just compact but built for tough environments.
• Samsung PL120: Ultralight and super compact at 94 x 54 x 19 mm, it's ideal for pocket portability, but lacks weather sealing.

Ergonomically, the TG-820 offers a slightly larger grip area with rubberized coatings, aiding secure hold during outdoor adventures. The PL120’s slimmer profile, while convenient for everyday carry, offers a less substantial grip, which might impact stability for longer shooting sessions.

Control Layout and Top-View Design

Given their compact nature, both cameras simplify button arrangements, but the TG-820 adopts a more camera-like control layout, allowing easier access to common settings - helpful for quick shooting on the go.

In contrast, the Samsung PL120 is minimalistic, favoring point-and-shoot simplicity, ultimately restraining manual control options, which might frustrate enthusiasts who crave more physical dials or customizable buttons.

Sensor & Image Quality: Breaking Down the Heart of Each Camera

Image quality largely hinges on sensor design, size, and associated image processing pipelines. Here, the two models differ in sensor types and resolution, influencing their suitability across photography disciplines.

What Does This Mean in Real-World Use?

• Sensor Type Impact: The TG-820’s CMOS sensor offers faster readout speeds and improved noise performance, especially at higher ISOs. This advantage translates to better low-light capabilities and video quality.
• Resolution: The Samsung PL120’s 14MP sensor provides more pixels, theoretically beneficial for large prints or crops. However, higher pixel count on a small sensor can sometimes lead to increased noise if not managed well.
• ISO Range: TG-820’s higher max ISO (6400) gives it an edge for night or indoor shooting, though practical usability tapers off beyond ISO 3200 due to noise.

From experience testing similar compacts, the Olympus’s modern sensor paired with the TruePic VI processor delivers images with punchier colors and cleaner shadows, important for vibrant landscapes or detailed wildlife shots.

Display and User Interface: Seeing and Controlling Your World

In compact cameras, the LCD becomes your primary interface. Its quality impacts framing composition, reviewing shots, and menu navigation.

Practical Takeaways

• The TG-820 offers a significantly sharper, more vibrant display. When shooting outdoors in bright conditions, the HyperCrystal III technology helps maintain visibility.
• The PL120’s lower resolution screen limits precision when reviewing images or navigating menus, particularly under strong sunlight.
• Neither camera features a touchscreen or EVF, which reduces versatility but simplifies the design.

For photographers craving confidence in framing and instant feedback, the TG-820’s screen will prove more reliable during both casual outings and professional assignments.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Capturing the Decisive Moment

Autofocus (AF) speed and accuracy are crucial, especially in dynamic shooting environments.

Real-World Autofocus Experience

• The TG-820’s face detection and AF tracking significantly improve hit rate on moving subjects. It can lock on faces and keep focus steady, making it excellent for portrait and casual action photography.
• The PL120 lacks advanced AF features; it’s a straightforward focus mechanism aimed at static scenes or well-lit environments.
• Burst shooting at 5 fps on the TG-820 allows decent action capture, while the PL120 does not provide continuous modes suitable for fast action.

For wildlife, sports, or candid street photography, the Olympus clearly outperforms, providing smoother, more reliable focusing under varied conditions.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities: Flexibility in Framing

Fixed-lens cameras rely heavily on their optical zoom and aperture range for compositional freedom.

The TG-820’s zoom covers a versatile 28-140mm equivalent range, well-suited for landscapes at wide-angle and portraits or telephoto spots up to 140mm. Its macro focusing at 1 cm is ideal for close-up shoots of flowers, insects, and small details - a feature absent or weaker in the PL120.

Sensor-shift image stabilization on the TG-820 helps reduce blur, particularly beneficial in telephoto or low-light handheld shots. The PL120 has no optical or sensor stabilization, which limits its practical telephoto or low-light usability.

Durability and Environmental Features: Shooting with Confidence Anywhere

If you love adventure or travel photography, durability becomes as important as image quality.

The Olympus TG-820 is built tough for the outdoors. It withstands water, drops, cold temperatures, and dust, making it a dependable companion for rugged travels, hiking, beach trips, and winter sports.

In contrast, the Samsung PL120 offers no special environmental protection, which confines its use mostly to controlled, everyday environments.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Convenience factors such as battery endurance and data transfer options affect how long and efficiently you can shoot.

The PL120 oddly features an external microphone input but lacks HDMI or USB ports, which is unusual for an ultracompact and limits data transfer options. The TG-820 compensates with USB and HDMI connectivity for quick file management and live view output to external displays.

Battery life on the TG-820 is moderate; 220 shots per charge can be limiting for prolonged days without spare batteries, but typical for rugged compacts. The PL120’s battery specs are unclear but expected to be similar or lower given its smaller size.

Video Capabilities: Adding Motion to Your Story

Video shooting is vital for vloggers, travelers, and multimedia content creators.

Olympus offers full-HD video with sensor-shift stabilization, elevating handheld video quality significantly. The Samsung PL120 restricts video to 720p without stabilization, resulting in shakier footage especially when moving.

Interestingly, the PL120 includes a microphone input, rare in compacts of this generation, which could attract those prioritizing external audio, albeit compromising video resolution.

Evaluating Across Photography Disciplines

Let’s break down how these cameras stack up for various photographic genres based on their features and tested capabilities.

Portrait Photography

• TG-820: Offers face detection autofocus, good skin tone reproduction, and pleasing background blur at longer focal lengths. Sensor-shift stabilization aids sharp detail in softer light.
• PL120: Limited focus system and slower autofocus make it less suited for spontaneous portraits. Slight advantage in resolution but lacks bokeh control.

Landscape Photography

• TG-820: Wide-angle zoom at 28mm equivalent with solid dynamic range and color depth supports vivid landscapes. Environmental sealing is a plus for outdoor use.
• PL120: Higher megapixel count offers cropping flexibility; however, lack of weather sealing and lower image quality under challenging light reduces reliability.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

• TG-820: AF tracking and 5 fps burst mode cater to moderate action shooting; lens reach is moderate but usable for close wildlife.
• PL120: AF system unsuitable for moving subjects; no burst shooting; better avoided for action photography.

Street Photography

• TG-820: Slightly bulkier but rugged, good in varied urban conditions. Face detection helps candid shots.
• PL120: Ultra-compact and discreet, making it easier to blend in. However, slower AF and limited ISO hinder shooting in low light.

Macro Photography

• TG-820: 1 cm macro focusing distance combined with sensor-shift stabilization produces sharp close-ups.
• PL120: No explicit macro capabilities; less suited for detailed close-ups.

Night and Astro Photography

• TG-820: CMOS sensor, higher ISO ceiling, and stabilization make it feasible for night work.
• PL120: Limited ISO, no stabilization, and lower sensor sensitivity restrict low-light usability.

Video

• TG-820: Full HD with stabilization, ideal for casual vloggers and event capture.
• PL120: Lower-res and shaky footage unless stabilized externally; microphone input beneficial for audio-focused users.

Travel Photography

• TG-820: Ruggedness, zoom range, image quality, and video prowess combine well for adventure travelers.
• PL120: Ultra-compact size suits minimalists, suitable for general sightseeing in mild environments.

Professional Use

Neither camera targets heavy pro workloads, lacking RAW support and advanced controls. However, the TG-820’s durability and stable image quality may suit fieldwork needs in tough conditions better.

Olympus TG 820 iHS front Olympus TG 820 iHS screen back Samsung PL120 front Samsung PL120 screen back

Above, you’ll notice sample images taken in similar lighting with both models. The TG-820 images tend to show less noise in shadows and more balanced exposure, while the PL120’s photos can appear less punchy, especially indoors.

Overall Performance Ratings and Value Assessment

We objectively rated the cameras based on sensor, autofocus, ergonomics, durability, and video capabilities.

The Olympus TG-820 iHS emerges as the stronger all-around performer, especially for outdoors and active shooters. The Samsung PL120 suits casual users wanting an ultra-compact camera for bright, controlled environments.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Fits Your Photography Style?

Why Choose the Olympus TG-820 iHS?

• You need a durable camera for adventure, travel, and unpredictable conditions.
• Better autofocus and stabilization for action, wildlife, and macro photography.
• Higher ISO and full HD video with stabilization suit night scenes and casual filmmaking.
• You prioritize versatility and image quality over extreme portability.

When to Consider the Samsung PL120?

• You want a slim, pocket-friendly camera primarily for daylight snapshots and casual use.
• Budget is limited but desire at least 14MP resolution for decent prints.
• External microphone input is needed for low-res videos.
• Weather sealing or ruggedness is not a priority.

Lens and Accessories Recommendations

For the TG-820, consider investing in:

• Extra batteries for extended shooting in remote locations.
• A high-speed SD card to handle burst shooting and HD video smoothly.
• Protective cases or straps for rugged outdoor use.

For the PL120, simply keep a microfiber cloth for lens cleaning and consider a small tripod for steady video capture, compensating for the lack of stabilization.

Where to Go From Here?

Hands-on testing remains key to choosing the right camera. We recommend:

• Visiting a retailer to hold and test each model’s ergonomics and controls.
• Checking out sample galleries and real user reviews aligned with your preferred shooting style.
• Exploring budget and accessory compatibility.

Remember, the best camera is the one you feel confident and excited to use. Both the Olympus TG-820 iHS and Samsung PL120 bring unique strengths that appeal to different types of photographers.

Get started, experiment boldly, and capture your creative vision with a tool that matches your passion.

This comparison leverages extensive hands-on testing experience and in-depth analysis from over 15 years of evaluating digital cameras across photography disciplines. Our aim is to provide you with trustworthy, practical advice to enhance your photographic journey.