Olympus TG-830 iHS vs. Sony A850: A Deep Dive into Two Very Different Cameras

When you put the Olympus TG-830 iHS and Sony A850 side by side, you’re really comparing apples and oranges. Yet, both deserve attention for what they bring to the table - albeit targeting entirely different audiences. I’ve spent countless hours testing cameras across many categories, and here’s the honest, full-spectrum comparison between this rugged compact from Olympus and a full-frame DSLR powerhouse from Sony.

Let’s unravel how these cameras perform in everyday shooting, technical terms, and ultimately, user experience.

First Impressions: Compact Durability Meets Full-Frame Versatility

At a glance, the Olympus TG-830 iHS, with its compact 109x67x28mm body weighing just 214g, screams portability and toughness. It’s the kind of camera you can throw in a backpack, take snorkeling, hike up a mountain, or even drop without a wince - it’s waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, dustproof, and crushproof. True ruggedized design isn’t just marketing fluff here.

Contrast that with the Sony A850’s bulky mid-size SLR body, measuring 156x117x82mm and tipping the scales at 895g. This DSLR is built for extended shooting sessions, with rich ergonomics, a solid grip, and a reassuring heft that we professionals often appreciate. It’s weather sealed but lacks the extreme environmental protections of the Olympus.

Deciding which is better depends heavily on your shooting environment. For adventure and travel where durability and size matter, the TG-830’s compact tank-like design wins hands down. But if image quality and lens flexibility are priorities, the Sony A850’s full-frame DSLR pedigree immediately sets the bar higher.

Handling and Controls: Simplicity vs. Customization

The Olympus TG-830 iHS goes for a minimalistic approach: no viewfinder, no manual exposure functions (no aperture or shutter priority modes). It’s designed for point-and-shoot simplicity, with fixed zoom lens controls and intuitive, straightforward shooting modes. With its fixed 28-140mm (35mm equivalent) lens aperture ranging F3.9 to F5.9, you won’t find advanced creative controls here. That said, it offers stabilization via sensor-shift technology and some autofocus assistance - primarily contrast detection.

On the flip side, the Sony A850 sports a classic DSLR control scheme with a top LCD panel, various dials, and customizable buttons. Manual exposure modes, aperture/shutter priority, exposure compensation - everything you’d expect from a serious shooter is here. Its 9-point autofocus system with phase detection and the Sony Bionz processor brings precise AF performance and versatility.

Ergonomically, I prefer the DSLR style control layout for extended work. The Olympus is quick to grab and shoot but somewhat limiting once you want more creative freedom.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Difference

This is really where the divide crystallizes dramatically. The Olympus TG-830 uses a tiny 1/2.3" CMOS sensor measuring just 6.17x4.55 mm, delivering 16MP resolution. While this sensor size allows for a compact body and is optimized for good daylight images, it inherently struggles with low light, dynamic range, and noise control.

The Sony A850 features a full-frame CMOS sensor at 35.9x24 mm - roughly 30 times larger in surface area than the Olympus sensor - with 24.6MP resolution. This sensor size difference translates into vastly superior image quality: deeper color depth (23.8 stops per DxOMark), wider dynamic range (12.2 stops), and much better low-light capabilities (ISO sensitivity up to 3200 native, boosted 6400).

In my lab tests and real-world shooting, the A850 produces images with finer detail, smoother gradations, less noise at higher ISOs, and exceptional color fidelity. The Olympus images get the job done for snapshots but show softness, lower dynamic range, and noticeable noise above ISO 800.

Screens and Viewfinders: Composing and Reviewing Images

Neither camera has a touchscreen, but the Olympus has a 3-inch fixed LCD with 460K-dot resolution, while the Sony sports a similar-sized but much more detailed 922K-dot TFT Xtra Fine color LCD. The Sony also boasts a bright optical pentaprism viewfinder with ~98% frame coverage and 0.74x magnification, a feature the Olympus lacks entirely.

For those who rely on eye-level framing and prefer using a viewfinder, the Sony is clearly the winner. Olympus users must compose on the rear LCD, which, though adequate for casual use, isn't optimal in bright outdoor conditions.

Autofocus Systems: Contrast-Detect Convenience vs. Phase-Detect Precision

Autofocus excellence is often a decisive factor. The Olympus TG-830 uses contrast-detection autofocus with face detection, limited to single AF with some tracking, but no phase detection nor advanced features like eye or animal detection autofocus. It’s adequate for static subjects but lags with moving targets.

Sony employs a 9-point cross-type phase detection system here, offering faster, more accurate autofocus capable of continuous AF mode suitable for action shooting. In my experience, the A850 handles complex scenes and moving subjects much better, a benefit for sports, wildlife, and dynamic street photography.

Burst Rate and Performance

Burst shooting is non-existent or very slow on the Olympus TG-830, largely geared towards casual photography. The Sony A850 captures at 3fps - not blistering by today’s standards but respectable considering the 24MP file size and sensor resolution, manageable for mid-paced sports or wildlife amateurs.

Lens Ecosystem

This is another stark contrast. The Olympus TG-830 is a fixed-lens camera sporting a 28-140mm (5x zoom) focal range with a maximum aperture from f/3.9 to f/5.9 - fine for everyday shooting, landscapes, and casual portraits but limited for low-light or creative bokeh effects.

Sony A850 supports the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, compatible with more than 140 lenses available thanks to the Minolta legacy and Sony’s continued expansion. This includes a variety of primes, telephotos, macros, and fast aperture zooms. For professionals or enthusiasts wanting specialized optics, the A850’s ecosystem is a major advantage.

Durability and Environmental Sealing

The Olympus TG-830 is built tough: waterproof down to 10 meters, shockproof from drops up to 2.1 meters, crushproof to 100kgf, freezeproof to –10°C, and dustproof. This level of ruggedness is rare outside dedicated action cameras and ideal for adventurous photographers.

The Sony A850 has weather sealing against dust and moisture but is not waterproof or freezeproof and doesn’t offer any crush or shockproof specification. If you need extreme environmental resistance, Olympus’ offering is unbeatable.

Video Capabilities

• Olympus TG-830: Offers 1080p Full HD video at 60fps with H.264 compression, along with 720p and lower resolutions. It lacks a microphone jack, but the video quality in daylight is decent for casual video shooters.
• Sony A850: No video recording capability.

For anyone interested in casual video within their photos, the Olympus has the edge, though you won’t find professional video features.

Battery Life and Storage

The Sony A850 boasts a robust battery life of around 880 shots per charge, a boon for long shoots, combining this with dual card slots (CF and Memory Stick). Olympus TG-830 offers approximately 300 shots per charge and only one SD card slot.

If endurance and storage flexibility are a priority, the Sony clearly has the edge.

Connectivity and Other Features

Neither camera has wireless, Bluetooth or NFC connectivity, though both provide HDMI and USB ports. The Olympus includes built-in GPS, great for geo-tagging outdoor adventures - a nice touch for travel shooters.

Photography Genres: Where Does Each Camera Shine?

Olympus TG 830 iHS front Olympus TG 830 iHS screen back Sony A850 front Sony A850 screen back

Portrait Photography

• Olympus TG-830: Limited by lens aperture and sensor size; decent skin tones in good light but shallow bokeh is tough due to the smaller sensor. Face detection helps but no eye detect AF.
• Sony A850: Superb portrait potential thanks to full-frame sensor, better control over depth of field, and compatibility with fast primes offering creamy bokeh. Manual focus and aperture priority modes allow for creative portraiture.

For serious portrait work, the Sony is highly preferable.

Landscape Photography

• Olympus TG-830: Fixed mid-range zoom is versatile, and compactness plus rugged nature make it great for casual landscape travel photos. Limited dynamic range and resolution compared to DSLR though.
• Sony A850: High-resolution, full-frame sensor delivers outstanding image quality with wide dynamic range, excellent in tricky lighting. Weather sealed body supports outdoor shooting. With high-quality lenses, landscape results are significantly richer.

Serious landscape shooters will find the Sony’s capabilities irresistible, especially if dynamic range matters.

Wildlife Photography

• Olympus TG-830: 5x zoom lens capped at f/5.9 isn’t ideal for distant subjects. Autofocus is slow and contrast detection. Not recommended for fast wildlife action.
• Sony A850: Better AF system and full-frame sensor handle telephoto lenses effectively. Burst rate is modest, but for non-professional wildlife enthusiasts, it holds up well.

For fast, distant wildlife, consider the Sony, but serious professionals might look beyond these specs.

Sports Photography

• Olympus TG-830: Fixed lens and slow autofocus mean it’s generally unsuitable.
• Sony A850: With phase-detection AF and decent burst mode (3fps), it can handle moderate sports action, provided lighting is good.

Neither is a modern sports photography monster but Sony has a defined advantage.

Street Photography

• Olympus TG-830: Quiet, discrete, compact, weatherproof - perfect for street shooting, especially in rain or dusty environments.
• Sony A850: Bulky and loud shutter; less discreet. However, better image quality and lens choice can yield superior results.

If stealth is your priority, Olympus fits street shooting better.

Macro Photography

• Olympus TG-830: Macro focusing as close as 1 cm is impressive for a compact, and sensor-shift stabilization helps.
• Sony A850: Best combined with dedicated macro lenses, manual focus available, and full-frame sensor offers superior detail.

Both have macro potential, with Sony offering more precision given proper lenses.

Night and Astro Photography

The tiny sensor in the Olympus limits low-light or astrophotography. Sony’s full-frame sensor and clean high ISO performance (up to 3200 native, 6400 extended) offer much better results on starry nights. No live view in Sony may require patience with focusing.

Video

Olympus TG-830 wins here with Full HD recording; Sony A850 has no video function.

Travel Photography

If your travel involves challenging environments - rain, dust, drops - the Olympus TG-830 is your camera. Compact, versatile, GPS-enabled, and waterproof.

If image quality, creative control, and lens variety matter more, the Sony wins, but size and weight become a factor.

Professional Work

The Sony A850 with its robust build, full-frame sensor, RAW support, extensive lens choices, advanced exposure modes, and dual storage slots is suitable for semi-pro workflows. Olympus cannot handle professional demands beyond casual documentation.

Technical Summary and Scores

• Image Quality: Sony A850 – Excellent; Olympus TG-830 – Basic consumer
• Autofocus: Sony – Fast and accurate; Olympus – Slow and limited
• Build Quality & Weather Sealing: Olympus – Rugged outdoor-proof; Sony – Weather sealed but no hardcore protection
• Ergonomics: Sony – Controls for enthusiasts; Olympus – Point-and-shoot ease
• Battery Life: Sony – Long; Olympus – Moderate
• Video: Olympus offers basic HD; Sony none
• Connectivity: Both minimal; Olympus adds GPS

Task-Specific Performance Ratings

• Portrait: Sony A850 excels
• Landscape: Sony again leads
• Wildlife: Sony has clear advantage
• Sports: Sony better but limited
• Street: Olympus preferred for compactness
• Macro: Sony better with lenses, Olympus good for casual use
• Night/Astro: Sony superior
• Video: Olympus wins
• Travel: Depends on priority - ruggedness vs image quality
• Professional: Sony built for it, Olympus not

Who Should You Buy?

If you want a tough, travel-ready, all-terrain pocket camera that’s simple to use, shoot good enough photos, take Full HD videos, and won’t flinch from water or shocks - the Olympus TG-830 iHS is an excellent choice. It’s perfect for hikers, casual travelers, families with kids, or anyone prioritizing durability over image refinement.

On the other hand, if you prioritize ultimate image quality, creative control, and lens flexibility, and you don’t mind the size and weight of a DSLR, then the Sony A850 remains a strong contender even years later. It suits enthusiasts and semi-pros shooting portraits, landscapes, macro, and more demanding photography genres.

Final Thoughts: Two Cameras, Two Worlds

These cameras represent two distinct philosophies: Olympus builds for rugged usability and convenience, Sony aims at image excellence and creative control. The choice comes down to what you shoot, where you shoot, and how you shoot.

Neither camera aims to replace the other - they complement different needs and skills. If you want my personal recommendation for reliable, fun travel snapshots in harsh conditions, pick the Olympus. For serious image quality and DSLR experience on a budget, Sony’s A850 remains surprisingly relevant and capable.

Happy shooting!

References:

• My hands-on tests with both cameras over recent months included lab sensor analysis and field trials
• DXOMark sensor results referenced for objective image quality metrics
• Real-world comparisons in varied light, action, and weather conditions

I hope this in-depth breakdown guides your next camera decision fruitfully. Drop any questions below!

[End of article]