Olympus TG-820 iHS vs Sony HX300

The following is a extended review of the Olympus TG-820 iHS and Sony HX300, former is a Waterproof while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Sony. There is a considerable difference between the resolutions of the TG-820 iHS (12MP) and HX300 (20MP) but they possess the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The TG-820 iHS was launched 12 months before the HX300 which means that they are of a similar age. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus TG-820 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony HX300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go through a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple summary of how the TG-820 iHS grades vs the HX300 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus TG-820 iHS & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus TG-820 iHS Gallery & Sony HX300 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to travel with your camera, you will have to think about its weight and size. The Olympus TG-820 iHS features exterior dimensions 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 Sony HX300 has specifications of 130mm x 103mm x 93mm (5.1" x 4.1" x 3.7") accompanied by a weight of 623 grams (1.37 lbs).

See the Olympus TG-820 iHS and Sony HX300 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the TG-820 iHS compared to the HX300.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the TG-820 iHS and HX300 is 92 and 63 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to envision the contrast between sensor dimensions only by reviewing technical specs. The pic below will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the TG-820 iHS and HX300.

As you have seen, both the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same megapixels. You can expect the Sony HX300 to offer greater detail utilizing its extra 8MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more aged TG-820 iHS is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.