Olympus TG-830 iHS vs. Sony A390: A Comprehensive Camera Comparison for Every Photographer

Choosing your next camera is a big step in your photography journey. Whether you’re an enthusiast looking to upgrade your gear or a professional seeking a specialized tool, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each option is essential. Today, we delve into a detailed, hands-on comparison of two very different cameras: the rugged Olympus TG-830 iHS waterproof compact and the sturdy Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 entry-level DSLR.

These cameras cater to distinct needs, yet both bring unique value depending on your photography style and requirements. We'll break down everything from sensor tech to real-world shooting experiences across various genres, supported by expert insights rooted in our extensive testing. Let’s dive in.

At a Glance: Unpacking Body, Size & Design

Your camera’s ergonomics and build play a huge role in handling comfort and shooting flexibility, especially outdoors.

The TG-830 iHS is designed to withstand tough environments with confidence. Its rugged, compact design fits easily in your pocket or backpack without weighing you down. It’s perfect for adventurers, hikers, and underwater photographers who need durability without compromising portability.

On the flip side, the Sony A390 is a significantly larger and heavier camera, reflecting its SLR heritage. It fits well in hands accustomed to traditional DSLR grips and offers more substantial controls, which many photographers find welcome during extended shoots. However, it’s less suited to casual travel or extreme conditions, lacking any weather sealing.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Image quality pivots largely on sensor size, resolution, and technology. These two cameras take drastically different routes, and understanding their sensors will clarify what to expect.

The Sony A390's APS-C sensor is a large beast compared to the tiny 1/2.3" sensor found in the Olympus TG-830. This difference means the Sony’s sensor can gather much more light, yielding superior image quality, better dynamic range, and less noise at higher ISOs. In practical terms, for low-light photography or fine detail in landscapes, the A390 will outperform the TG-830 hands down.

The TG-830’s sensor is more modest, typical of compact cameras aimed at versatility and convenience rather than ultimate image fidelity. While it does a respectable job in good light, expect more noise and less detail in challenging conditions.

One limitation of the Olympus TG-830 is the lack of RAW image capture, restricting post-processing flexibility - an important consideration for enthusiasts and pros.

Meanwhile, Sony’s support for RAW files opens creative doors, allowing you to recover shadows, tweak colors, and sharpen images with far greater control.

Lens and Focusing Systems: Versatility Meets Precision

Let’s talk about lenses and autofocus (AF), crucial for capturing your subject exactly how you want.

The TG-830’s fixed zoom lens covers a versatile 5x optical zoom range, which is great for everyday shooting and macro photography thanks to its impressive 1cm close-focus distance. It offers sensor-shift image stabilization which helps in handheld shoots, especially under low light.

However, its AF system is contrast-based and relatively simple, with basic face detection but no manual focus option. This limits control over focus, especially in fast-moving or creative scenarios.

In contrast, the Sony A390’s interchangeable lens system gives you immense flexibility to select the exact optics suited to your style - from wide-angle landscapes to telephoto wildlife lenses. The camera’s 9-point phase-detection AF system is accurate and reliable, offering smooth continuous autofocus, which proves invaluable for sports, wildlife, and even portraiture.

Manual focus on the A390 allows precise control - a boon for macro and creative photography.

Real-world Performance: Shooting Across Photography Genres

How do these cameras hold up across popular photography disciplines? Based on extensive hands-on experience, let's break down their strengths and limits.

Portrait Photography

• Olympus TG-830:

  • The wide aperture maxes out at f/3.9 - acceptable but not optimal for creamy bokeh.
  • Face detection autofocus helps nail focus on eyes under good light.
  • Skin tones are natural but limited dynamic range sometimes clips shadows or highlights.
  • Limited control with no RAW means less post-processing freedom.

• Sony A390:

  • Interchangeable lenses allow you to pick fast primes (e.g., 50mm f/1.8) for beautiful background blur.
  • 9-point AF with continuous and selective modes locks onto eyes reliably.
  • RAW format supports extensive editing for skin tone perfection.
  • Optical viewfinder aids precise composition and focus confirmation.

Landscape Photography

• Olympus TG-830:

  • Sensor and lens limitations restrict ultimate image quality and detail.
  • Weather sealing allows shooting in tough, wet, or dusty environments.
  • Moderate dynamic range, relies on JPEG processing.
  • GPS tagging is a plus for cataloging locations.

• Sony A390:

  • Larger sensor enables high-resolution, detailed images with excellent tonal gradation.
  • Interchangeable lenses offer ultra-wide and specialty optics.
  • No weather sealing means care is needed in adverse conditions.
  • Optical viewfinder and tripod compatibility make long exposures easier.

Wildlife Photography

• Olympus TG-830:

  • 140mm max zoom (equiv.) is short for long-distance wildlife shots.
  • AF tracking exists but is rudimentary; not suited to fast action.
  • Lightweight and rugged, good for fieldwork but optical reach is limiting.

• Sony A390:

  • Combined with telephoto lenses, great reach and sharpness achieved.
  • Phase-detection AF and continuous shooting (3 fps) useful for animals in motion.
  • Heavier setup but superior image quality at distance.

Sports Photography

• Olympus TG-830:

  • No continuous shooting specs listed; likely slow buffer and capture speed.
  • AF is basic and not optimized for fast-moving subjects.

• Sony A390:

  • 3 fps burst is modest but workable for casual sports photography.
  • Accurate phase AF supports subject tracking under decent lighting.
  • Optical viewfinder essential for tracking fast action intuitively.

Street Photography

• Olympus TG-830:

  • Compact and discreet, perfect for candid shots.
  • Weather sealing means shooting through rain or dust is worry-free.
  • Silent shutter not available, but quick startup helps snap moments.
  • No manual controls limits creative exposure adjustments.

• Sony A390:

  • Bulky for street use; more conspicuous in urban environments.
  • Fast shutter speeds and manual control aid creative shooting.
  • Tilting screen lets you experiment with angles unobtrusively.

Macro Photography

• Olympus TG-830:

  • Impressive 1cm macro focusing distance.
  • Effective sensor-shift stabilization to reduce shake.
  • Fixed lens limits focal length flexibility but convenient for casual macro.

• Sony A390:

  • Macro ability depends on lens choice.
  • Manual focus helps with precision.
  • Larger sensor captures fine textures beautifully.

Night and Astro Photography

• Olympus TG-830:

  • Max ISO 6400 but small sensor limits usable high ISO quality.
  • Exposure flexibility limited without manual modes or RAW.
  • Waterproofing allows astro shooting in harsh environments.

• Sony A390:

  • Larger sensor handles higher ISOs with less noise.
  • Full manual control including shutter, aperture, and exposure compensation.
  • No built-in timelapse but intervalometer can be added via accessories.

Video Capabilities

• Olympus TG-830:

  • Full HD 1080p at 60fps, H.264 format.
  • No external microphone input.
  • Stabilization helps smooth handheld shots.

• Sony A390:

  • No video recording feature.
  • DSLR geared towards still photography exclusively.

Travel Photography

• Olympus TG-830:

  • Lightweight, rugged, pocketable.
  • GPS tagging and waterproofing ideal for adventure travel.
  • Fixed lens covers moderate zoom range, versatile for sightseeing.

• Sony A390:

  • Heavier, bulkier but offers professional image quality.
  • Interchangeable lenses add versatility at cost of convenience.
  • Battery life moderate, should carry spares.

Professional Work and Workflow Integration

• Olympus TG-830:

  • JPEG-only output limits professional post-production.
  • No interchangeable lenses or advanced exposure modes.
  • Excellent for fieldwork where durability is priority.

• Sony A390:

  • RAW capable, facilitating high-end editing.
  • Supports external flashes and accessories for studio/pro shoots.
  • Reliable build quality, widespread lens ecosystem.

User Interface and Controls: Navigating Your Creative Toolkit

The Olympus TG-830 simplifies shooting with a straightforward button layout and a bright, fixed LCD. Its pet auto shutter is a neat feature for capturing animals unprompted. However, it lacks an optical viewfinder, which means composing in bright sunlight can challenge you.

Sony’s A390 compensates with an optical viewfinder - a welcomed feature for many photographers who rely on it for framing and focusing precision. While its smaller, tilt-type screen has lower resolution, the tilt function gives compositional flexibility, especially in tight or awkward shooting angles.

Neither camera includes touchscreen controls - a sign of their release era but notable for buyers used to modern interfaces.

Durability and Build Quality: How Tough Are These Cameras?

The Olympus TG-830 is explicitly built for abuse:

• Weather sealed for waterproof shooting up to 10m depth
• Shockproof to survive 2.1m drops
• Freezeproof to -10°C and crushproof up to 100 kgf

This makes it a go-to option if your adventures take you outdoors without the luxury of gentle handling.

Sony A390 is no rugged warrior:

• Typical DSLR construction with no environmental sealing
• Heavier, robust but vulnerable to dust, moisture, and impacts

If you shoot mostly indoors or in controlled conditions, this won’t be an issue, but it’s a clear boundary in weather or travel bullets.

Connectivity & Storage: Staying Connected & Ready to Shoot

• Olympus TG-830:

  • No wireless connectivity (no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC).
  • HDMI output and USB 2.0 for file transfer.
  • One SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.
  • Built-in GPS for geotagging shots.

• Sony A390:

  • Similarly, no wireless connectivity.
  • HDMI and USB 2.0.
  • Supports SD/SDHC and Memory Stick Pro Duo cards.
  • No GPS.

Wireless features are absent on both, limiting instant sharing, but the TG-830’s GPS helps document location-rich projects.

Battery Life: Keeping the Shoot Going

The TG-830 edges ahead in battery endurance, which aligns with its focus on travel and adventure usage. The Sony, while respectable, pushes battery demands higher with the larger sensor and optical viewfinder.

Carry spares with both cameras for long days of shooting.

Pricing and Value: What Are You Really Paying For?

• Olympus TG-830 iHS: Generally priced lower (though discontinued, often found used or on discount). Its ruggedness and easy handling offer excellent value for casual photographers and travelers.

• Sony A390: Originally positioned as an entry-level DSLR at around $500 new. Provides versatile imaging and lens flexibility. Generally offers better image quality for the price if you can handle the larger form factor.

Scorecards: Understanding Overall and Genre-Specific Strengths

These visuals summarize the key takeaways:

• The Sony A390 excels in image quality, manual controls, and versatility, making it better suited for enthusiasts and pros focused on creative control.

• The Olympus TG-830 iHS shines in durability, portability, and ease of use, ideal for rugged environments and casual shooting.

Sample Shots: Seeing the Cameras in Action

To appreciate these cameras beyond specifications, let's glance at a gallery of sample images illustrating their output in various settings - portraits, landscapes, macro, and low-light scenes.

Olympus TG 830 iHS front Olympus TG 830 iHS screen back Sony A390 screen back

Notice the Sony’s richer detail, smoother bokeh, and better low-light clarity compared to the vibrant but comparatively softer and noisier JPEGs from the Olympus.

Expert Recommendations: Which Camera Fits Your Needs?

Final Thoughts: Making the Most Informed Choice

Your perfect camera depends on how and where you create.

• Choose the Olympus TG-830 iHS if you crave adventure without worrying about camera damage, want straightforward shooting, and value portability above all else. Its fixed lens and sensor might limit artistic control, but the ruggedness and built-in GPS make it a trusty companion for documentaries, travel, and outdoor fun.

• Opt for the Sony Alpha A390 if you want to develop your photography skills, desire creative freedom, and can accommodate a bulkier camera. Its larger sensor, RAW support, interchangeable lenses, and advanced autofocus deliver better image quality and flexibility for portraits, landscapes, macro, and more controlled shooting environments.

We recommend trying both cameras firsthand if possible. Consider your photographic goals, budget, and typical shooting conditions. Both cameras have lived successful lives serving distinct purposes. Now, which one will become your creative partner?

Check out reliable retailers or local stores to get hands-on experience with these cameras, and explore compatible accessories to enhance your workflow. Whichever you choose, keep experimenting and growing your photographic art!

Written with expertise and passion by a seasoned photography equipment reviewer. For personalized advice or more detailed tests, feel free to reach out.