Olympus TG-1 iHS vs Sony A500

Let's take a deeper look at the Olympus TG-1 iHS and Sony A500, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the TG-1 iHS (12MP) and the A500 (12MP) is relatively comparable but the TG-1 iHS (1/2.3") and A500 (APS-C) feature different sensor sizes.

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The TG-1 iHS was released 2 years later than the A500 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus TG-1 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony A500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go through a comprehensive comparison, below is a short summary of how the TG-1 iHS scores against the A500 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS and Sony Alpha DSLR-A500. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus TG-1 iHS Gallery and Sony A500 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera often, you will have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus TG-1 iHS comes with physical dimensions of 112mm x 67mm x 30mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") and a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs) and the Sony A500 has measurements of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 630 grams (1.39 lbs).

Check out the Olympus TG-1 iHS and Sony A500 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose at that time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the TG-1 iHS against the A500.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the TG-1 iHS and A500 is 91 and 63 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to imagine the gap in sensor sizing only by going through a spec sheet. The visual underneath will help give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the TG-1 iHS and A500.

As you can see, both of the cameras have got the exact same megapixel count albeit different sensor sizing. The TG-1 iHS features the smaller sensor which is going to make achieving shallow depth of field tougher. The more recent TG-1 iHS should have an edge with regard to sensor technology.