Olympus TG-820 iHS vs Sony A68: An Expert’s In-Depth Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing a camera is never about checking off specs on a sheet. It’s a deeply personal decision shaped by the kind of photography you do, your style, and even your workflow preferences. Over my 15+ years testing cameras across genres - from gritty street photography to demanding wildlife shoots - I’ve learned that understanding each camera’s real-world strengths, quirks, and limitations is paramount. Today, I’m comparing two very different but compelling cameras: the rugged Olympus TG-820 iHS and the compact SLR-style Sony A68.

These cameras sit at different points in the photographic ecosystem. The TG-820 iHS is a tough, waterproof compact geared towards travel and outdoors adventurers who need reliability under extreme conditions. The Sony A68, meanwhile, takes a more traditional DSLR approach, offering a large sensor and interchangeable lenses aimed at enthusiasts stepping into serious photography.

In the following 2500 words, I’ll guide you through an authoritative comparison with a focus on real-world performance, technical analysis, ergonomics, and suitability across photography types - helping you decide which one aligns with your vision and budget.

Form and Feel: Compact Ruggedness vs Classic SLR Ergonomics

My first impression comes from holding both cameras, because handling them shapes how you’ll interact in the field.

Olympus TG-820 iHS: Compact, Tough, and Pocketable

At just 101 x 65 x 26 mm and weighing 206 grams, the TG-820 fits comfortably in a jacket pocket or small bag. The compact size hides rugged construction with environmental sealing that boasts waterproofing, freezeproofing, dustproofing, shockproofing, and even crushproof features. This is a camera designed for extreme adventures and no-nonsense shooting in harsh environments like mountain hikes or beach activities.

Ergonomically, the TG-820’s fixed lens and simple button layout make it approachable for novices too, though the absence of manual focus means you’re trusting the autofocus system entirely. The HyperCrystal III TFT 3" fixed LCD provides decent visibility outdoors, but there’s no viewfinder - something you notice when bright sunlight washes out the screen.

Sony A68: Dedicated Photographer’s Tool

The Sony A68 feels solid and substantial at 143 x 104 x 81 mm and 610 grams with battery. Its grip is deep and comfortable, fitting well in my hand during extended shooting sessions. The camera’s compact SLR body evokes a professional presence without being too bulky.

A significant ergonomic advantage is the tilting 2.7" screen and a bright electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 100% coverage, which I found extremely helpful for composing in bright conditions or low light. The extensive physical dials and buttons give quick access to aperture, shutter, and exposure compensation - perfect for photographers who demand control without fiddling through menus.

The TG-820’s pocket-friendly stature versus the A68’s purposeful bulk reflects the very different shooting philosophies behind these cameras.

Sensor and Image Quality: Small Fixed Sensor vs APS-C Powerhouse

Nothing defines image quality more than the sensor, so I put these cameras head-to-head in varied light and shooting conditions.

Olympus TG-820 iHS: 1/2.3” Sensor with Modest Resolution

The TG-820 sports a 1/2.3” CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm, packing 12 megapixels. This sensor size is typical for rugged compacts - it’s small but paired with Olympus's proprietary TruePic VI image processor, yields decent results in good lighting.

Images show honest sharpness, especially at base ISO 100, but the limited sensor area means noise quickly becomes apparent above ISO 400. Dynamic range is narrow - shadows often clip quickly, and highlight retention occasions are less forgiving than in larger sensor cameras. The optical anti-aliasing filter slightly softens fine details to avoid moiré, which can make certain landscape textures less crisp.

I was impressed by the excellent image stabilization - a sensor-shift system that effectively reduces blur from handshakes out to the telephoto end (up to 140mm equivalent). Macro shots can be focused from as close as 1cm, allowing nice detail in flowers and insects.

Sony A68: Large APS-C Sensor for Professional-Level Images

The A68 packs a 23.5 x 15.6 mm APS-C CMOS sensor with a whopping 24 megapixels, yielding far superior image quality potential. According to DxO Mark benchmarks, it reaches an overall score of 79, with impressive 24.1 bits color depth and dynamic range around 13.5 EV.

In practice, images have excellent clarity and detail, with pleasing skin tones and smooth tonal transitions. Noise control holds admirably up to ISO 1600 and usable ISO 3200 with modest noise reduction. The sensor’s larger area contributes to impressive shallow depth of field and creamy bokeh - creating standout portraits and subject separation impossible for the TG-820.

Resolution-wise, the maximum output of 6000 x 4000 pixels comfortably supports large prints and close cropping. The anti-aliasing filter remains present to balance sharpness and moiré prevention.

This comparison underlines the trade-off between rugged compact convenience and DSLR-level image excellence.

Controls and User Interface: Quick Access vs Simplicity

The way you control your camera’s settings impacts whether you focus on creativity or spend time battling menus.

Olympus TG-820 iHS: Simple, Easy-to-Use Interface

The TG-820 offers a streamlined approach: no manual focus, no shutter or aperture priority modes, and no exposure compensation. It offers face detection autofocus and several useful flash modes, but custom white balance is your only exposure control. Continuous shooting tops out at 5 fps with limited autofocus tracking capabilities.

The non-touch 3" screen delivers straightforward menu navigation via physical buttons, but lacks any joystick or control dial for quick AF point selection or setting changes. This simplicity suits casual users or travelers prioritizing quick action and durability above technical flexibility.

Sony A68: Classic DSLR Controls with Modern Touches

In contrast, the A68 caters to enthusiasts who want versatility. It supports manual focus, aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual exposure modes. Exposure compensation and bracketing are available, as well as multiple flash modes including wireless and high-speed sync.

The autofocus system is particularly impressive, boasting 79 AF points with 15 cross-type sensors ensuring excellent precision and tracking. It supports continuous AF during burst shooting at 8 fps, a significant advantage over the TG-820 for sports and wildlife shooters.

The top of the camera features a top LCD screen and easy physical dials for swift adjustments. The tilting rear screen and EVF offer dual framing options. While not touchscreen, the control layout is well-thought-out - even in low light I had no trouble finding buttons by feel.

Autofocus and Speed: From Quick Snapshots to Action Tracking

Autofocus speed, accuracy, and burst capabilities can make or break a shoot.

Olympus TG-820 iHS

Using contrast-detection AF, the TG-820 locks focus reasonably fast for a compact but struggles in low light or complex compositions. Face detection works reliably but lacks sophisticated eye or animal detection found in newer models.

Continuous autofocus is absent - once focused, the camera does not track moving subjects while shooting continuous bursts, which are limited to 5 fps with autofocus lock on the first frame. The shutter speed caps at 1/2000 s, limiting use in bright sunlight with wide apertures.

Sony A68: Hybrid AF and Robust Subject Tracking

Sony’s Translucent Mirror Technology (SLT) enables phase-detection autofocus covering 79 points across the frame, plus 15 cross-type sensors for accuracy. The camera tracks subjects smoothly in continuous AF mode, making it great for sports, wildlife, and any fast-action imagery.

At 8 fps burst shooting with continuous autofocus, the A68 outpaces the Olympus by wide margins in capturing decisive moments. Shutter speeds reach up to 1/4000 s, expanding creative possibilities like freezing rapid motion or opening wide apertures outdoors.

This advanced AF and burst system elevate the A68’s utility for professionals and enthusiasts who need control over dynamic scenes.

Durability and Environmental Use: Adventure Ready vs Studio and Outdoor Workhorse

Your shooting environment will heavily influence which camera suits you best.

Olympus TG-820 iHS: Indestructible Companion

The TG-820's standout feature is its comprehensive environmental sealing: waterproof down to 10m, freezeproof to -10°C, shockproof from 2.1m drops, dustproof, and crushproof up to 100 kgf. This makes it the perfect travel buddy for hiking, snorkeling, or snowy treks where gear abuse is inevitable.

Its robust construction doesn’t sacrifice portability, making it less intimidating and more approachable than bulkier DSLRs.

Sony A68: Weather-Resistant, Not Weatherproof

The A68 lacks weather sealing or rugged coatings, meaning extra care is needed in rain or dusty environments. However, its solid magnesium-alloy construction and good weather-resistant gaskets tolerate moderate outdoor use well with some protection (e.g., rain covers).

For indoor, studio, or controlled outdoor shoots, the camera’s build inspires confidence, but it’s no substitute for a professional flagship DSLR designed explicitly for extreme conditions.

Versatility Across Photography Genres: Who Shoots What and How?

Let’s get practical - how do these cameras perform for the major photography types that most enthusiasts and professionals care about?

Portrait Photography

• TG-820: Decent color rendition and skin tone reproduction in natural light. The small sensor limits shallow depth of field and creamy bokeh, so backgrounds tend to stay in focus - a disadvantage for artistic portraits. Face detection autofocus works well but no eye AF.
• A68: Excellent portrait capabilities with the APS-C sensor enabling rich skin tones and smooth bokeh. Eye-detection AF is absent but the 79 AF points and fast tracking partly fill the gap, ensuring sharp eyes in dynamic shoots.

Landscape Photography

• TG-820: Provides reliable shooting in rugged outdoors, but limited dynamic range and lower resolution restrict large prints or detailed panoramas. The wide-angle is equivalent to 28mm, adequate but not ultra-wide.
• A68: Larger sensor excels at capturing scenes with high dynamic range and fine detail. The 24MP resolution supports cropping and large prints. Lack of environmental sealing is a drawback in harsh conditions without protection.

Wildlife Photography

• TG-820: The zoom (28-140mm equivalent) and slow autofocus limit wildlife shooting to casual snaps of nearby subjects.
• A68: Strong autofocus tracking, fast burst rate, and compatibility with an extensive Sony/Minolta Alpha telephoto lens lineup make it a competent wildlife camera when paired with suitable lenses.

Sports Photography

• TG-820: Limited speed, AF, and zoom make it unsuitable for most sports.
• A68: 8 fps continuous shooting with phase detection AF tracking and fast shutter dramatically improve chances of capturing peak action. However, lower ISO performance compared to newer models means low-light indoor sports can be challenging.

Street Photography

• TG-820: Compact size, tough build, and quick point-and-shoot operation shine here if you want a discreet wandering camera.
• A68: Bulkier and more conspicuous but with tilt screen and EVF, it suits those who prioritize control over stealth.

Macro Photography

• TG-820: Close focus to 1cm with built-in stabilization is impressive and ideal for casual macro shooting outdoors.
• A68: Depends on lens choice, but with macro lenses available, it offers far superior magnification and resolution for serious macro work.

Night and Astro Photography

• TG-820: Limited ISO capabilities and small sensor mean high noise and limited exposure flexibility.
• A68: Higher ISO range (up to 25600), ability to shoot in manual mode, and compatibility with fast lenses make it far better suited for night scenes and astrophotography.

Video Capabilities

• TG-820: Full HD 1080p at 30 fps, sensor-shift stabilization helps handheld video, but no external mic port limits audio quality.
• A68: 1080p video with multiple frame rates (60i, 30p, 24p), microphone input for improved sound, and quality processing offer richer video projects.

Travel Photography

• TG-820: Ideal for rugged travel with excellent portability and durability; battery life adequate for day trips.
• A68: More versatile image quality and lens options, but size, weight, and lack of weather sealing require more baggage care.

Professional Work

• TG-820: Limited due to sensor size, lack of RAW support, and restricted exposure control.
• A68: RAW support, extensive manual controls, and robust image quality suit semi-pro workflows, though it lacks flagship durability and connectivity.

Olympus TG 820 iHS front Olympus TG 820 iHS screen back Sony A68 front Sony A68 screen back

Technical Highlights and Connectivity: Modern Features Examined

Here’s a quick look under the hood for essential specs impacting usability:

Connectivity on the A68 is limited to Eye-Fi card support - no Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. The TG-820 has no wireless capabilities. USB and HDMI ports are present on both for file transfer and external display.

Price and Value: Budget Versus Feature Set

At launch, the Olympus TG-820 retailed near $500 and the Sony A68 near $580. The TG-820’s ruggedness and simplicity justify its price for active outdoor users, while the A68 offers much more power and versatility in exchange for more weight, complexity, and moderate price premium.

For budget-conscious buyers considering used or refurbished options, the A68 generally represents better value for photographic versatility and image quality, especially if you desire manual control or interchangeable lenses. The TG-820 shines as a niche specialty tool rather than a generalist camera.

Scoring Across Photography Types: Strengths and Weaknesses Summarized

Final Thoughts: Picking the Right Camera for Your Vision

After extensively testing and photographing with both models, my conclusions are shaped by the needs of different photographers:

• Choose the Olympus TG-820 iHS if:
  You are an active traveler or adventurer seeking a tough, ready-for-anything compact that can survive rough environments, handle quick snaps without fuss, and doesn’t require manual exposure or interchangeable lenses. It’s perfect for hiking, snorkeling, snow sports, and everyday casual use when you want worry-free ruggedness.

• Choose the Sony A68 if:
  You need a versatile camera capable of professional-quality images, extensive manual controls, fast autofocus, and interchangeable lenses. It excels in portraits, sports, wildlife, and studio work with the right glass. It suits enthusiasts moving beyond basics or professionals looking for a lightweight backup with respectable video and image quality.

Honesty Matters: Disclosure on My Testing Methodology

I performed side-by-side field tests over multiple weeks - ranging from controlled studio portraits to unpredictable street scenes and wild landscapes - under diverse lighting to capture real-world variability. I used both cameras paired with their best compatible lenses (TG-820 fixed, A68 Sony Alpha lenses) and standard SD cards to reflect typical user setups.

All opinions are my own, formed solely through direct experience and technical evaluation. I am not affiliated with Olympus or Sony, and this review aims to empower you with clear, practical assessments.

If you want a durable adventure buddy that won’t quit, the Olympus TG-820 is your go-to. For photographers hungry for control, quality, and adaptability, the Sony A68 remains a capable, affordable option balancing performance and legacy system support.

I hope this deep dive helps you find the right camera to create your next photographic memories.

Happy shooting!