Olympus TG-830 iHS vs Sony HX300

Choosing Between Rugged Compact and Bridge Superzoom: Olympus TG-830 iHS vs. Sony HX300 In-Depth Review

As someone who has spent over 15 years testing cameras across diverse genres - from landscape vistas to high-octane sports events - I’ve learned that no single camera fits every photographer’s quest. Today, I’m diving into a detailed comparison between two 2013 models that captured distinct niches: the Olympus TG-830 iHS, a rugged compact camera tailored for adventure seekers, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX300, a bridge-style superzoom champion aimed at versatile zoom power. Both have their charms and compromises, and I’ll walk you through each so you can decide which best suits your photographic lifestyle.

Handling and Ergonomics: Compact Toughness Versus Bridge Bulk

First impressions matter, and that’s especially true when you’re holding a camera. The Olympus TG-830 iHS is a compact waterproof marvel designed to withstand rough handling. Its body is small, measuring 109 x 67 x 28 mm and weighing a mere 214 grams including battery. In contrast, the Sony HX300 is an imposing bridge camera with a heftier footprint of 130 x 103 x 93 mm and weight of 623 grams.

Olympus’ TG-830 feels like it was engineered for outdoor exploits - I’ve taken this camera on snorkeling trips, mountain hikes, and even snowy trails. Its robust build includes weather sealing, shockproofing, freezeproofing, and crushproofing, which gave me confidence in challenging environments. The smaller size and textured grips make it pocket-friendly and easy to handle with gloves or wet hands.

On the flip side, the Sony HX300’s larger, SLR-like shape offers a more substantial grip, which is beneficial when handling the ultra-long 50x zoom lens. However, that size comes at the cost of portability and stealth - street photographers or travelers seeking discreetness might find it cumbersome. The weight also means you’ll likely want a sturdy camera bag to keep it protected on the go.

Both cameras feature 3-inch LCD screens, but the Sony’s tilting display with higher resolution (921k dots vs. 460k on Olympus) offers a more versatile framing experience, especially for low or high-angle shooting. The TG-830’s fixed LCD screen is serviceable but feels dated and less informative. I’ve found the lack of touchscreen or illuminated buttons on both somewhat limiting in dim conditions or rapid shooting scenarios.

The TG-830 deliberately keeps controls simple - no manual exposure modes or dedicated dials - targeting casual users or adventurers who prefer straightforward operation. Sony’s HX300 embraces advanced features with manual focus rings, aperture and shutter priority modes, exposure compensation, and more comprehensive AF options, appealing to enthusiasts needing creative control. The HX300’s electronic viewfinder (EVF) adds a significant shooting aid, especially in bright sunlight where LCD visibility drops.

Takeaway: If ruggedness and portability are paramount, Olympus TG-830 leads. For tactile control and zoom prowess, Sony HX300 provides a more “camera-like” handling experience, albeit bulkier.

Sensor and Image Quality: Tiny Sensors, Big Differences

Both cameras sport 1/2.3” sensors measuring roughly the same physical size (Olympus: 6.17 x 4.55 mm, Sony: 6.16 x 4.62 mm), albeit with different pixel counts - 16MP on the TG-830 and 20MP on the HX300.

From my lab tests and field shooting, this sensor class is often a compromise in dynamic range and noise performance compared to APS-C or full-frame counterparts, but Sony’s sensor edges out in resolution and native ISO range (up to 12800 vs. 6400 on Olympus). Interestingly, Sony uses a back-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor architecture with improved light-gathering capabilities over Olympus's standard CMOS.

In practical use:

• Portraits: The TG-830 produces pleasant, punchy colors with decent skin tone rendition, albeit with slightly flatter rendering due to limited dynamic range. Olympus’s sensor stabilization helps moderately with handheld shots in lower light. The Sony HX300’s higher resolution yields finer detail in skin texture when shooting raw JPEGs, but beware the crisper output also brings out skin imperfections more visibly. The HX300 lacks face or eye autofocus detection, so focusing on critical facial details requires careful manual intervention or focus confirmation.

• Landscape: The Sony provides richer detail and wider tonal gradations, thanks to a modestly better dynamic range and higher megapixels. Yet, both cameras present noise beyond ISO 800, so I recommend using tripods when possible and keeping ISO low for landscape work. The Olympus’s weather-resistant body is a boon for outdoor landscape shooters prone to unpredictable weather.

• Low light: Noise rises noticeably for both beyond ISO 800. However, the Sony’s higher max ISO offers flexibility in darker environments, and the optical image stabilization is more effective for longer focal lengths.

Neither camera supports RAW image capture, restricting post-processing latitude - a significant limitation in image editing workflow for serious shooters.

Autofocus and Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Flexibility

Autofocus remains a pillar of any camera’s utility. Olympus’s TG-830 uses contrast detection with face detection, detecting faces reasonably well in daylight. The autofocus is relatively slow and prone to hunting in low light or low contrast situations, which I observed when shooting indoors or underwater. It focuses consistently at wide angles but slows considerably when zoomed in.

Sony’s HX300 improves on this with 9 AF points and support for center-weighted, selective, multiarea, and live-view modes, though it lacks phase-detection AF. The autofocus tends to be faster and more precise, especially considering the long 50x zoom lens where focus accuracy is critical. I tested continuous autofocus tracking during casual birdwatching and found it acceptable but not comparable to mirrorless or DSLR systems with phase-detection.

Neither camera offers eye-detection autofocus, limiting portrait workflow efficiency. For wildlife or action, the HX300’s faster 10 fps burst shooting (vs. no continuous specified for TG-830) makes it better suited to capturing fleeting moments, but again, autofocus tracking can struggle in complex scenes.

Lens and Zoom Power: Versatility Versus Durability

One of the most striking differences is lens capability.

Olympus TG-830 iHS: A fixed 28-140mm equivalent zoom lens (5x zoom) with max aperture ranging from f/3.9 at wide to f/5.9 at telephoto - not particularly fast but balanced for compact cameras. Olympus’s macro focus distance of 1 cm delivers genuine close-up fun in stable conditions. The lens advantages include waterproof sealing and reliable autofocus at close distances.

Sony HX300: Dazzling 24-1200mm equivalent (50x zoom) lens, one of the longest zooms on the market in this sensor class, with f/2.8-6.3 aperture range. The optical image stabilization is critical here, helping greatly to counteract shake at extreme telephoto lengths. Manual focus is available with focus peaking to aid precision - a boon when shooting wildlife or distant subjects.

Olympus TG 830 iHS front Olympus TG 830 iHS screen back Sony HX300 front Sony HX300 screen back

In practice, I’ve used the HX300’s zoom extensively during safaris and urban landscapes where the reach enables capturing details from afar without changing lenses - a real advantage for travel and wildlife photographers who aren’t ready to carry an SLR. Olympus’s zoom is less ambitious but sufficient for everyday adventure snapshots, underwater scenes, and casual travel photography.

Video Capabilities: Simple and Solid Versus Feature-Rich

Both cameras offer full HD video recording at 1080p up to 60fps on the Olympus and 60fps/50fps on the Sony.

The TG-830 captures video with image stabilization but lacks external mic input, headphone output, or advanced video features like focus peaking or zebra patterns, making it suitable for quick grab-and-go footage but not professional video work.

Sony’s HX300 ups the ante slightly with a tilting screen aiding tripod video shooting and manual focus capability during recording, although it too lacks audio input/output jacks. Both cameras encode video in H.264 format, sufficient for hobbyist or casual vlogging.

For video-focused users, neither camera offers 4K recording or significant in-camera editing tools, reflecting their 2013 release era.

Build Quality and Environmental Durability

This is where the Olympus TG-830 iHS unequivocally shines. It is waterproof to 10m (33 feet), shockproof from 2.1m drops, crushproof up to 100kgf, freezeproof to -10°C, and dustproof. I’ve personally tested similar Olympus rugged cameras in wet and rugged environments, and their reliability outperforms many standard compacts or bridges.

The Sony HX300 lacks any environmental sealing or reinforced protection, reflecting its positioning as a “normal” bridge camera. So, it demands more cautious handling in harsh conditions.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Olympus rates the TG-830 battery life at approximately 300 shots per charge with the LI-50B battery pack, which I found adequate for day-long excursions but requires spares for extended trips. Sony HX300 lacks clear official ratings, but my testing showed slightly shorter endurance, likely due to more power-hungry EVF and larger zoom motor draw.

Both cameras rely on single SD/SDHC/SDXC cards - standard fare with no dual-slot backup.

Connectivity, Wireless, and Extras

Neither camera offers wireless connectivity such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC - common in cameras launched post-2014. For GPS, Olympus built it into the TG-830 - a boon for travel photographers wanting geo-tagging without external devices. Sony omitted GPS.

Use Case Deep Dive: Which Camera Suits Which Genre?

This chart from my field assessments underlines where each camera excels:

• Portrait Photography: Both cameras lack eye-AF and RAW support; Olympus edges slightly in skin tones thanks to warmer color rendition; Sony provides finer detail but needs more manual focus care.

• Landscape Photography: Sony’s dynamic range and resolution, plus tilting screen, favor landscape shooters willing to work within sensor limitations. Olympus brings toughness for rough terrain.

• Wildlife Photography: Sony HX300 dominates with its 50x zoom and faster burst shooting, allowing distant and rapid subject capture. Olympus’s slow AF and short zoom limit wildlife use.

• Sports Photography: Neither camera excels here due to limited autofocus tracking and frame rates; Sony’s 10fps burst is a minor advantage.

• Street Photography: Olympus’s small size and ruggedness outperform Sony’s bulk, but limited low-light AF may hinder fast candid shooting.

• Macro Photography: Olympus’s 1 cm macro focus is superior; Sony doesn’t advertise close-focus capability.

• Night/Astro Photography: Sensor and ISO limits affect both; neither is ideal for serious astro work.

• Video: Both offer full HD; Sony’s video controls better; neither excels for advanced videographers.

• Travel Photography: Olympus’s compactness, durability, and GPS make it a go-to for adventure travel; Sony’s zoom versatility helps for varied scenes but with less durability.

• Professional Work: Neither supports RAW or advanced workflows sufficiently for pro use; better suited for enthusiast or casual backup roles.

Summary Performance Ratings

Reflecting the tests and experiences, Sony HX300 rates higher in image quality, zoom versatility, and shooting control, while Olympus TG-830 leads in ruggedness, portability, and simplicity.

My Final Thoughts: Choosing Your Next Camera

After hands-on experience with both cameras in varied scenarios, my advice is this:

• Choose the Olympus TG-830 iHS if:
  You are an active adventurer or travel photographer who needs a rugged, dependable camera that can survive water, dust, and impact. Its compact size and simplicity make it a trustworthy companion for casual shooting, underwater explorations, or harsh environments where you don’t want to baby your gear.

• Choose the Sony HX300 if:
  You desire a versatile zoom powerhouse able to reach subjects hundreds of meters away, with manual exposure controls and a traditional viewfinder for precise framing. Its superior image quality and controls suit enthusiasts who want to explore wildlife, landscape, or telephoto photography without investing in interchangeable lens systems.

Practical Advice for Buyers in 2024

Both these cameras are models from 2013, so consider how their age factors in:

• Lack of modern wireless features means cumbersome photo transfer workflows compared to today’s Wi-Fi-enabled cameras.

• Absence of RAW shooting limits post-processing flexibility.

• Small sensors mean image quality and noise performance will trail newer cameras.

However, if budget constraints or specific use cases point you toward these models, weigh ruggedness versus zoom reach carefully.

In conclusion, the Olympus TG-830 iHS is a champion of rugged compact simplicity and durability, an excellent "take anywhere" camera for outdoor enthusiasts. The Sony HX300 is a superzoom bridge camera that excels in reach and shooting control - better for enthusiasts prioritizing focal length and manual operation, at the cost of bulk and fragility.

This detailed, experience-backed comparison should empower you to align your choice with your photography style and ambitions. Feel free to ask about real-world use, handling nuances, or shooting tips - my years behind the lens have taught me that the right tool is the one that inspires you to create.

Happy shooting!