Olympus TG-820 iHS vs Samsung ST6500

The following is a extended review of the Olympus TG-820 iHS and Samsung ST6500, one is a Waterproof and the latter is a Ultracompact by manufacturers Olympus and Samsung. There exists a sizeable gap between the image resolutions of the TG-820 iHS (12MP) and ST6500 (16MP) but they use the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The TG-820 iHS was manufactured 13 months after the ST6500 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus TG-820 iHS being a Compact camera and the Samsung ST6500 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before delving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise overview of how the TG-820 iHS matches up vs the ST6500 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus TG-820 iHS and Samsung ST6500. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus TG-820 iHS Gallery and Samsung ST6500 Gallery.

In case you're planning to travel with your camera frequently, you are going to need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus TG-820 iHS provides exterior measurements of 101mm x 65mm x 26mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.0") with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs) whilst the Samsung ST6500 has measurements of 102mm x 57mm x 19mm (4.0" x 2.2" x 0.7") with a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs).

See the Olympus TG-820 iHS and Samsung ST6500 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are employing during that time. Following is the front view scale comparison of the TG-820 iHS compared to the ST6500.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the TG-820 iHS and ST6500 is 92 and 99 respectively.

Typically, it's hard to visualise the difference between sensor dimensions just by reading through specifications. The image here may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the TG-820 iHS and ST6500.

To sum up, both cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same resolution. You should count on the Samsung ST6500 to resolve extra detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots far more aggressively. The younger TG-820 iHS will have an advantage in sensor innovation.