Olympus TG-1 iHS vs Sony A230

Lets look closer at the Olympus TG-1 iHS versus Sony A230, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the TG-1 iHS (12MP) and the A230 (10MP) is fairly close but the TG-1 iHS (1/2.3") and A230 (APS-C) use totally different sensor sizes.

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The TG-1 iHS was brought out 3 years later than the A230 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus TG-1 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony A230 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going through a detailed comparison, below is a simple summation of how the TG-1 iHS grades vs the A230 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS and Sony Alpha DSLR-A230. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus TG-1 iHS Gallery and Sony A230 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera often, you will have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus TG-1 iHS has got exterior measurements of 112mm x 67mm x 30mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") and a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs) whilst the Sony A230 has measurements of 128mm x 97mm x 68mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.7") with a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs).

See the Olympus TG-1 iHS versus Sony A230 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have chosen at that time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the TG-1 iHS against the A230.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the TG-1 iHS and A230 is 91 and 69 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to see the gap in sensor sizing merely by researching technical specs. The visual underneath will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the TG-1 iHS and A230.

As you can tell, the two cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The TG-1 iHS because of its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Olympus TG-1 iHS will render more detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop images a little more aggressively. The more recent TG-1 iHS is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.