Olympus TG-820 iHS vs Sony RX1R

In this write-up, we will be contrasting the Olympus TG-820 iHS versus Sony RX1R, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Sony. There is a significant difference between the sensor resolutions of the TG-820 iHS (12MP) and RX1R (24MP) and the TG-820 iHS (1/2.3") and RX1R (Full frame) come with totally different sensor sizing.

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The TG-820 iHS was announced 16 months prior to the RX1R which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus TG-820 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony RX1R being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going straight into a complete comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the TG-820 iHS matches up against the RX1R in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus TG-820 iHS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R. The whole galleries are available at Olympus TG-820 iHS Gallery and Sony RX1R Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry your camera frequently, you are going to need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus TG-820 iHS comes with external 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 RX1R has measurements of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") having a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus TG-820 iHS versus Sony RX1R in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilising at that time. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the TG-820 iHS versus the RX1R.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the TG-820 iHS and RX1R is 92 and 79 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to see the gap between sensor sizing purely by looking at technical specs. The graphic underneath will help offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the TG-820 iHS and RX1R.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The TG-820 iHS with its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF harder and the Sony RX1R will give you greater detail with its extra 12MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older TG-820 iHS is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.