Olympus TG-820 iHS vs Sony Cyber-shot HX80: A Deep Dive into Two Compact Contenders

In the world of compact cameras, choices abound, but distinct models often appeal to very different photographers. Today, I’m bringing my 15+ years of hands-on camera testing experience to compare two compact shooters that share some baseline traits - a 1/2.3" sensor and fixed zoom lenses - but ultimately serve quite different purposes: the rugged Olympus TG-820 iHS and the versatile Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80.

Both announced roughly four years apart and designed with unique target users in mind, their strengths and compromises reveal much about the shifting landscape of compact cameras in the early to mid-2010s. Let’s dive into their key specs and real-world performance, and unpack which model suits your photography needs best.

Here you can see the physical size difference - Olympus TG-820 iHS (left) vs Sony HX80 (right). The TG-820’s robust compact shape contrasts with the more streamlined HX80.

Handling and Ergonomics: Built Like a Tank or Slim and Slick?

Starting from the outside, these cameras immediately tell different stories. The Olympus TG-820 iHS is part of Olympus’s celebrated Tough series, designed for photographers who demand durability over refinement. It’s a chunky 206-gram, 101x65x26mm compact built to endure harsh conditions - shockproof, crushproof, freezeproof, dustproof, and waterproof to an impressive depth. Ergonomically, it feels solid in hand with a grippy textured finish, but it's not exactly pocketable in slim pants - think outerwear or a dedicated carry case.

The Sony HX80 is more the traditional pocket-friendly superzoom with a sleeker profile (102x58x36mm) and lighter weight (245 grams). Although slightly heavier, its slim width and subtle curves make it easy to slip into jacket pockets - a boon for travelers and street photographers who prize discretion. The HX80 also includes a tilting 3” screen, useful when shooting at awkward angles or for selfies, while the TG-820 has a fixed HyperCrystal III TFT LCD.

In use, the TG-820’s fixed LCD is bright and visible outdoors but lacks articulation, which can limit framing creativity. The HX80’s tilting screen is a clear advantage for vloggers or shooting from hip level, although its lower 921k-dot resolution compared to TG-820’s 1030 dots is a minor tradeoff.

Notice the top control schemes: Olympus TG-820’s design focuses on rugged simplicity, whereas Sony HX80 offers more exposure controls, including shutter and aperture priority modes.

Control Schemes: Simplicity vs Manual Flexibility

Moving to operation, the TG-820 is intentionally simplified. No manual focus, no advanced exposure modes beyond fixed auto settings, no exposure compensation, and only a limited continuous shooting mode at 5fps. It caters to quick point-and-shoots in adverse environments - perfect for underwater or adventure photographers who want to focus on the moment, not fiddling with settings.

The HX80, however, offers significantly more manual control, including shutter and aperture priority, full manual exposure modes, plus exposure compensation and custom white balance. Its continuous shooting tops out at a robust 10fps, appealing for action or wildlife situations where following the action is critical. Although manual focus is absent, the camera’s autofocus system is versatile and quick.

In short, the Olympus streamlines tools for rugged reliability, while Sony empowers creative flexibility and responsiveness.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Both cameras house a 1/2.3-inch sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm with an area of approximately 28mm². The TG-820 uses a 12-megapixel CMOS sensor, while the HX80 leverages an 18-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor - a generational upgrade offering better sensitivity and light gathering.

While these sensors aren’t large by any means, the HX80's backside illumination (BSI) design provides noticeable advantages in low-light scenarios - a critical factor for versatile shooters. Both have an anti-aliasing filter, which helps suppress moiré but can soften fine details slightly.

This difference in resolution carries through to image size and detail as well: The Olympus maxes out at 3968x2976 pixels, while the Sony pushes 4896x3672 pixels, offering large prints and more cropping latitude.

Here’s the sensor size comparison showing identical physical dimensions, but the Sony HX80 achieves higher resolution and enhanced sensitivity through BSI technology.

In my testing, the HX80 produces crisper images with more detail and generally less noise at higher ISOs up to 3200 native ISO (expandable to 12800 digital boost), whereas the TG-820’s optimal results come at base ISO 100 to 400 - with noise becoming more apparent at 800 and above - it maxes out at 6400 native ISO but with noticeable grain. Keep in mind, manufacturers tend to understate real-world usable ISO, and I found ISO 800 to be the practical ceiling on the TG-820.

Color rendition on both cameras is fairly natural, though Olympus tends toward cooler tones that may require minor tweaking in post-processing, while Sony offers more vibrant skin tones straight out of camera - a plus in portraiture.

Autofocus and Burst Shooting: Keeping Subjects Sharp and in the Frame

One clear differentiator is autofocus system performance:

• Olympus TG-820 relies exclusively on contrast-detection AF with face detection enabled and a somewhat basic tracking system. It lacks continuous AF in burst mode and does not support phase detection. The lack of manual focus limits options for detailed macro work or precise compositions.

• Sony HX80 incorporates a more advanced contrast-detection AF with multi-area, selective AF, center, and face detection zones. Crucially, it supports continuous AF, enhancing tracking for moving subjects - a big advantage for wildlife and sports shooters. It also boasts 10fps continuous shooting with AF lock and some tracking.

In hands-on shooting in mixed light, the Sony system proved faster to lock and more reliable in maintaining focus on moving targets. Olympus’s AF struggles indoors and underwater where contrast can be low, sometimes hunting before locking - unsurprisingly for a 2012-era rugged compact.

Zoom Range and Lens Performance: Versatility vs Robustness

Lens specs tell another compelling story:

• Olympus TG-820: 5x zoom lens, 28-140mm equivalent, with max aperture F3.9-5.9. The optics are simpler but tough, designed for outdoor use - plus a striking 1cm macro focusing capability, which is excellent for close-up nature shots.

• Sony HX80: a versatile 30x zoom covering a vast 24-720mm equivalent range, max aperture F3.5-6.4. This gives immense reach for wildlife, sports, or distant landscape details.

While the Olympus lens is optically sharp within its zoom range and well-corrected for distortion and chromatic aberration, the Sony’s much longer zoom does introduce more distortion and reduced sharpness at the extreme telephoto end. However, image stabilization (optical in Sony’s case versus Olympus’s sensor-shift) helps keep shots clear at long focal lengths.

Sony’s lens also features a relatively short 5cm minimum focus distance, which, while not as close as the TG-820’s macro, covers virtually all everyday shooting needs.

The Sony HX80’s tilting screen expands creative framing possibilities, whereas Olympus TG-820 emphasizes durability with a fixed but clear screen.

Build Quality and Environmental Resilience: Taking a Beating vs Household Use

Here, the Olympus TG-820 shines. It is waterproof to 10 meters, shockproof (up to 2.1m drops), crushproof (up to 100kgf), dustproof, and freezeproof to -10°C. For adventure photographers who want a camera to accompany rain, dirt, or rough handling, TG-820 is a no-brainer.

In stark contrast, the Sony HX80 offers none of these ruggedizations - it’s a conventional compact with no weather or dust sealing. Photographers choosing the HX80 need to treat it as a delicate gadget, best suited to fair-weather or controlled environments.

Battery Performance and Storage: Staying Powered on the Go

The Olympus runs on the LI-50B battery with a pretty modest 220 shots per charge as per CIPA standards. This shorter battery life reflects the camera’s compact size and older technology - a meaningful consideration for long excursions where spare batteries are hard to come by.

Sony’s HX80, on the other hand, boasts a much improved 390-shot battery life using the NP-BX1 battery - almost double that of Olympus. Given that the HX80 targets travelers and street shooters, extended battery life is a welcome efficiency that keeps cameras firing through a day or two of shooting with moderate power-saving.

Both models accommodate SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, but Sony also supports Memory Stick PRO Duo formats, providing added flexibility.

Connectivity and Interface: Wired Entry vs Wireless Modernity

Connectivity is becoming more critical in today’s camera buying - sharing and remote control defined by Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth are standard expectations.

The Olympus TG-820 has no built-in wireless connectivity or Bluetooth, which somewhat limits in-field image transfer or smartphone tethering. USB 2.0 and mini-HDMI ports are present, which serve traditional data and video output needs.

The Sony HX80 shines here with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for easy one-touch sharing and remote control via Sony’s proprietary apps. USB 2.0 and HDMI are also available. These features position the HX80 as a more "connected" camera in line with modern user expectations.

Video Capabilities: More Than Just Stills

For those dabbling in video alongside photography:

• The Olympus TG-820 records Full HD 1080p video at 30fps with simple MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs. No 4K, no higher frame rates, and no external mic input. It lacks electronic stabilization, relying solely on sensor-shift optical IS.

• The Sony HX80 produces Full HD 1080p video up to 60fps with AVCHD, MPEG-4, and advanced XAVC S format options, offering better compression and quality. Optical SteadyShot stabilization aids in smooth handheld footage.

Despite neither camera targeting serious videographers, Sony’s video system is clearly more flexible and future-proofed for casual video amateurs or vloggers.

Olympus TG 820 iHS front Olympus TG 820 iHS screen back Sony HX80 front Sony HX80 screen back

Real-World Imaging Across Genres

Portraits: Sony’s HX80 produces more pleasing skin tones and captures finer textures with higher resolution. The face detection autofocus system coupled with better exposure control is a boon. Olympus’s fixed aperture and simpler AF trail a bit, though the TG-820’s ruggedness could be handy on active outdoor portraits or kids and pets.

Landscapes: The TG-820’s wider base aperture at 28mm is effective, but Sony’s higher resolution and broader zoom range offer more framing options and cropping freedom in post. TG-820’s weather sealing makes it suitable for exposed mountain or coastal shoots where conditions get nasty.

Wildlife: Sony HX80 is the winner for reach (720mm zoom) and burst shooting speed (10fps with continuous AF). The Olympus’s shorter zoom and slower AF limit action capture, though its macro focus is excellent for insects or flowers.

Sports: Faster continuous bursts and manual controls of the Sony HX80 edge out Olympus’s limited capabilities by a wide margin.

Street: Size and discretion favor Sony’s slim profile; Olympus’s tank-like body is more conspicuous and heavier.

Macro: Olympus TG-820’s 1cm macro focusing beats Sony’s minimum 5cm, providing better close-up shots.

Night/Astro: Both perform modestly with high noise at faster ISOs; Sony’s BSI sensor gives it a tangible edge but neither replaces larger-sensor cameras in this domain.

Video: Sony’s higher frame rates and advanced formats make it the better choice for casual video.

Travel: Sony’s lighter, more compact body with longer battery life and Wi-Fi make it an ideal traveler. Olympus is a strong contender for adventure trips needing rugged gear.

Professional Use: Neither camera is a pro workhorse. Lack of RAW support and manual control in Olympus, and small sensor size in both, limit professional applications. Sony’s more flexible controls and connectivity are at least a nod towards semi-pro casual work.

Final Word: Who Should Choose Which?

Olympus TG-820 iHS: Buy this if you’re an outdoor enthusiast needing a camera that can take a beating without fuss. Adventure photographers, divers, hikers, or parents wanting an all-weather point-and-shoot will appreciate its rugged build and simplicity. It’s best for casual shooting where durability trumps image quality and manual controls.

Sony Cyber-shot HX80: Ideal for photography enthusiasts and travelers who want an all-rounder with manual controls, versatile zoom, and excellent autofocus performance in a compact, pocketable form. It’s suited for street photography, landscape, wildlife, and casual video work. Connectivity features and battery life further make it a modern compact ready for social sharing and extended outings.

In wrapping up, these two cameras represent distinct philosophies: Olympus’s rugged simplicity vs Sony’s flexible versatility. Your choice hinges on whether your adventures require a camera that withstands the elements or one that empowers creative control and zoom reach.

No camera in this pair delivers pro-level image quality or features, but both carve out solid niches for their intended users. Hopefully, this thorough comparison helps you tip the scales confidently.

Happy shooting!