Olympus TG-820 iHS vs Sony Cyber-shot HX50V: An In-Depth Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

In the diverse landscape of compact cameras, enthusiasts and professionals alike seek devices that balance portability, feature set, and image quality. Today, we compare two distinct offerings from respected brands: the Olympus TG-820 iHS, a rugged, waterproof compact aimed at adventurers; and the Sony Cyber-shot HX50V, a superzoom compact known for its extraordinary focal range and versatile feature set. Both were cutting-edge in their day, targeting users who require both convenience and performance. Through extensive hands-on testing and technical analysis, this comparison explores their capabilities across major photographic disciplines, performance metrics, and real-world usability to help you decide which camera best suits your needs.

Form Factor and Handling: Compact Strength vs Rugged Portability

The physical design philosophy underlying these two cameras is fundamentally different. The Olympus TG-820 iHS is engineered specifically for tough outdoor environments, prioritizing resilience without sacrificing compactness. Measuring approximately 101 x 65 x 26 mm and weighing 206 grams, it boasts a slim profile and an ergonomically textured grip surface. Its environmental sealing certifies it as waterproof (up to a depth of 10 meters), shockproof (up to 2.1 meters drop), dustproof, freezeproof (to -10°C), and crushproof (up to 100 kgf), making it ideal for harsh conditions such as hiking, snorkeling, and rugged adventure sports.

In contrast, the Sony HX50V, measuring 108 x 64 x 38 mm and weighing 272 grams, embraces a more conventional compact camera shape. It lacks any environmental sealing or rugged proofing but compensates with a more extensive zoom range (24-720 mm equivalent focal length, i.e., 30x optical zoom) and a slightly larger bulk. Its ergonomic design incorporates a more pronounced grip area, but it is intended primarily for travel and everyday photography rather than extreme environments.

While the Olympus’s streamlined compactness and robust build cater to adventurers who demand durability and portability, the Sony provides a more traditional compact experience with greater versatility in focal lengths, at the expense of some ruggedness.

Controls and User Interface: Streamlined vs Feature-Rich

Handling and interface design are vital for intuitive operation in various shooting scenarios. The TG-820’s control layout is minimalist yet efficient; its TruePic VI image processor, while not user-configurable at the deepest level, supports quick access to core functions such as ISO adjustment and white balance. Its fixed 3-inch TFT LCD screen (1030k dots) is non-touch but offers good visibility in sunlight, a key consideration during outdoor use.

Sony HX50V’s interface, however, is designed with more flexibility in mind, including manual exposure controls (shutter priority, aperture priority, and full manual modes), exposure compensation, and selectable ISO settings up to ISO 3200 (expandable to 12,800 ISO boosted). Its fixed 3-inch XtraFine LCD screen (921k dots) is crisp and bright, though also non-touch. The camera supports live view autofocus, which contributes to more precise framing and focusing during stills and video recording.

Both cameras lack touchscreen interfaces, which was typical for models in their respective release eras, but the Sony’s inclusion of manual exposure modes and expanded control options provides a significant edge for users who want more creative input.

Sensor and Image Quality: Megapixels and More

Both cameras are equipped with 1/2.3" sensors of identical physical dimensions (6.17 x 4.55 mm), which is a common size in compact cameras but relatively small compared to enthusiast and professional mirrorless or DSLR cameras. However, the specifics of sensor technology and processing heavily influence image quality outputs.

Olympus TG-820 iHS features a 12-megapixel CMOS sensor coupled with the TruePic VI processor. While its base ISO range extends from 100 to a maximum of 6400, the camera does not support RAW capture, limiting post-processing flexibility. Its sensor uses a low-pass (anti-alias) filter, which can slightly reduce sharpness but minimizes moiré.

Sony HX50V, on the other hand, sports a 20-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, a step up in pixel count and technology. Backside illumination improves light gathering capacity, essential in low-light and high-contrast settings. The sensor resolution maxes at 5184 x 2920 pixels and supports ISO ranges from 100 to 3200 natively, with extended boost up to 12,800 ISO. However, like the Olympus, this camera does not offer RAW format, which is a limitation for advanced shooters demanding maximal image fidelity.

In terms of real-world image quality, the Sony tends to produce sharper images with more detail owing to the higher resolution and BSI sensor architecture, especially when shooting at wider focal lengths and in good light. The Olympus excels in scenarios where environmental variables demand protection from moisture and impacts, but its image quality is somewhat compromised in low light and higher ISOs due to smaller pixel size and older processing technology.

Display and Live View: Visual Experience in the Field

As noted, both cameras feature fixed, non-touch 3-inch LCDs. The Olympus’s HyperCrystal III TFT color display packs 1030k dots, offering superior clarity and brightness compared to the Sony's 921k dot XtraFine LCD. This difference, while subtle, enhances visibility under direct sunlight or in bright outdoor conditions - a practical advantage for the Olympus’s adventure-oriented users.

Neither camera has an electronic viewfinder built-in, although the Sony HX50V optionally supports an external EVF. Eye-level viewfinders remain rare in superzoom and rugged compacts but can be a deal-breaker for photographers preferring traditional framing methods. Some users may find the absence impactful in street and wildlife photography, where rapid subject acquisition is vital.

Autofocus and Performance: Precision versus Speed

Autofocus capabilities greatly influence usability across photographic disciplines. Both cameras rely on contrast-detection autofocus, which is typical for compact cameras from their respective years but lacks the speed and phase-detection precision found in more advanced cameras.

The Olympus TG-820 employs face detection and tracking autofocus with continuous AF during video, and notably supports one-touch continuous AF tracking for moving subjects, beneficial in active environments. However, the camera lacks manual focus and focus peaking, and it can show hesitation in low-contrast scenes or low-light conditions.

Sony HX50V offers both contrast-detection AF and face detection; its AF speed is generally faster due to improved processor performance and newer technology. Manual focus is supported, an advantage for macro and creative shooting, as is exposure priority modes allowing selective depth of field control.

Burst shooting rates differ substantially: Olympus supports approximately 5 frames per second (fps), suitable for casual action sequences, while Sony offers a faster 10 fps burst – advantageous for wildlife and sports photography where capturing the decisive moment requires rapid-fire capability.

Olympus TG 820 iHS front Olympus TG 820 iHS screen back Sony HX50V front Sony HX50V screen back

Practical Photography Applications: Strengths and Weaknesses Across Genres

Portrait Photography

Portrait shooters will appreciate the Sony HX50V’s higher resolution sensor enabling crisper detail reproduction and better skin tone rendering after processing. The wider zoom range (equivalent 24-720 mm) facilitates facial framing and background compression, essential for flattering bokeh effects, though the relatively slow maximum aperture (F3.5-6.3) limits shallow depth of field.

The Olympus TG-820’s maximum aperture of F3.9-5.9 is similar but produces slightly less background blur due to sensor and lens constraints. However, it offers face detection autofocus and a 1cm macro capability, excellent for tight close-ups or artistic portraits emphasizing detail texture (e.g., eyes, jewelry). Its sturdy build encourages shooting in rugged environments where portraits might require natural, candid settings.

Landscape Photography

Landscape photography demands high resolution, dynamic range, and versatility under varied lighting. The Sony’s 20-megapixel sensor captures greater detail and benefits from BSI technology for richer tonality. However, lacking RAW support limits dynamic range exploitation in post-processing.

Neither camera features weather sealing (Sony HX50V lacks environmental resistance), meaning Olympus is the clear winner for landscapes in challenging conditions (rain, dust, cold). Olympus’s ruggedness invites use in remote hiking or coastal locations where environmental protection is indispensable.

Both cameras include wide-angle focal lengths (Olympus 28 mm, Sony 24 mm equivalent), adequate for landscape expanses but less flexible than interchangeable wide-angle lenses. Image stabilization (sensor-shift for Olympus, optical for Sony) helps reduce blur from camera shake, crucial for landscape handheld shots, particularly at low shutter speeds.

Wildlife Photography

Shooting wildlife requires fast autofocus, long reach, and rapid burst rates. Sony’s 30x optical zoom vastly surpasses Olympus’s 5x zoom - 720 mm vs 140 mm equivalent focal length - enabling closer framing without physically disturbing animals. This is practically decisive for wildlife work.

Although both cameras use contrast-detection AF, Sony’s autofocus tracking is generally more responsive, and its faster 10 fps burst allows more action frames. Unfortunately, the smaller sensor size limits noise performance at higher ISOs necessary in shadowed forest or dawn conditions.

Olympus’s ruggedness might attract wildlife shooters who photograph in active or wet environments, but the limited zoom range and slower burst rate mean more cropped or digitally zoomed images, which degrades quality.

Sports Photography

For sports photography, continuous autofocus and high frame rates are essential to track fast action. Sony’s 10 fps burst modestly outperforms Olympus’s 5 fps, and the HX50V includes shutter and aperture priority modes that empower users to freeze motion effectively.

Autofocus tracking is available on both, but Sony generally holds focus more reliably on moving subjects due to processor improvements. However, neither camera is designed for professional sports photography – their sensor size and autofocus type mean they are best suited to casual or enthusiast-level sports shooting.

Street Photography

Street photography demands discretion, portability, and low-light capabilities. Olympus TG-820, with its small, robust package and quiet shutter (no silent shutter mode, but relatively quiet operation), fits the bill well, especially for outdoor urban adventurers. Its waterproof and shockproof credentials reduce worry about accidental knocks or weather.

Sony HX50V, larger and heavier with a noisy zoom mechanism, is slightly less discreet but offers a more versatile focal range for framing spontaneous urban scenes from wide environmental shots to tighter candid portraits across streets.

Low-light performance for both is constrained by small sensors but Sony’s BSI design and higher megapixel count afford better results at ISO 1600-3200, although noise becomes apparent beyond that.

Macro Photography

Olympus’s standout feature is a macro focus distance of 1 cm, enabling extremely close focusing - a boon for flower, insect, and detailed object photography. Its sensor-shift image stabilization gives steadier handheld shots at close quarters.

The Sony’s macro focus limit of about 5 cm is respectable but less dramatic. Nevertheless, manual focus availability on the Sony helps precise focusing, especially in creative macro work.

Night and Astrophotography

Small sensors and moderate ISO ranges limit both cameras’ astrophotography credentials. The Sony’s higher max boosted ISO 12,800 is promising but compromised by noise and lack of RAW format reduce post-processing options.

Olympus’s top ISO of 6400 and sensor-shift stabilization benefits handheld night shots, but neither camera supports bulb or long exposure modes essential for astrophotography.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras offer Full HD 1080p recording but with differences in frame rates and codecs. Olympus records at 30 fps using MPEG-4 H.264; Sony supports 1080p at 60 fps, 1440 x 1080 at 30 fps using MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats - the latter providing higher bitrate options suited for smooth cinematic footage.

Neither camera offers microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio control. Both have image stabilization active during video, although Olympus’s sensor-shift method can introduce slight jitter compared to optical stabilization on the Sony.

For casual video use, both are acceptable, but Sony’s 60 fps option allows slow-motion capability.

Travel Photography

For travelers prioritizing a combination of compact size, image quality, and versatility, both cameras provide benefits. Olympus’s durability against extremes and waterproofing make it ultra-reliable in varied climates or environments such as beaches or mountains.

Sony’s extensive zoom range and improved battery life (~400 shots vs Olympus’s 220) favor travelers desiring a single camera capable of wide landscapes to distant subjects without lens swaps or multiple gear.

Technical Evaluation: Build Quality, Battery, Connectivity and More

Build and Environmental Resistance

• Olympus TG-820: Industry-leading ruggedness, with comprehensive environmental sealing.
• Sony HX50V: Traditional compact design, no environmental resistance.

Battery Life

Sony’s NP-BX1 battery offers approximately 400 shots per charge, nearly double Olympus’s LI-50B rated for 220 shots. This difference is significant for extended outings without charging opportunities.

Storage Support

Olympus supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. Sony adds support for Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo formats, providing versatile media compatibility.

Connectivity

Sony HX50V includes built-in GPS, useful for geotagging travel and nature photography images. It also features built-in Wi-Fi (wireless connectivity), enabling image transfer and remote control - a feature absent on the Olympus.

Price-to-Performance Ratio and Final Recommendations

At close price points - Olympus priced around $500 and Sony around $439 - the decision hinges on intended use:

• For adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts, and rugged photographers, the Olympus TG-820 iHS is unmatched due to waterproof, dustproof, freezeproof, and crushproof capabilities coupled with decent image stabilization and close macro focusing.

• For travel, wildlife, street, and casual sports photography, the Sony HX50V excels with a substantially longer focal length zoom, better resolution, improved burst rates, manual controls, and longer battery life.

Neither camera is suitable for professionals demanding RAW capture and large sensors, but both serve well in their niches - Olympus as a rugged secondary or adventure camera, Sony as a versatile all-in-one superzoom compact.

Conclusion: Choosing Between the Olympus TG-820 iHS and Sony Cyber-shot HX50V

This comprehensive comparison reflects years of hands-on experience testing compact cameras across diverse shooting scenarios and technical metrics. Both cameras showcase strengths tailored to specific needs:

• Olympus TG-820 iHS delivers outstanding durability and environmental resilience, perfect for rugged landscape shooters, macro enthusiasts, or users who need fearless reliability outdoors.

• Sony Cyber-shot HX50V offers remarkable zoom reach, higher resolution, versatile manual controls, superior battery life, and wireless connectivity, suited for photographers requiring a flexible, travel-friendly superzoom with enhanced imaging performance.

Olympus TG 820 iHS front Olympus TG 820 iHS screen back Sony HX50V front Sony HX50V screen back

Choosing your next compact camera will depend on balancing these trade-offs against your photography priorities. For shooting in unpredictable, wet, or rough conditions, Olympus is the go-to proven choice. If a broader zoom range, better image detail, and travel features aid your photography goals, Sony’s HX50V remains a compelling contender.

If you want to review detailed specs and user experiences with each model further, consult dedicated photography forums and camera review sites, but this in-depth technical and practical evaluation aims to offer unique, experience-based insights to guide your decision confidently.