Olympus TG-1 iHS vs Sony A850

Here is a extensive review of the Olympus TG-1 iHS vs Sony A850, former being a Waterproof while the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Olympus and Sony. There is a large difference between the resolutions of the TG-1 iHS (12MP) and A850 (25MP) and the TG-1 iHS (1/2.3") and A850 (Full frame) possess different sensor sizing.

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The TG-1 iHS was brought out 2 years later than the A850 and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus TG-1 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony A850 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go through a full comparison, below is a concise summation of how the TG-1 iHS grades vs the A850 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS & Sony Alpha DSLR-A850. The entire galleries are available at Olympus TG-1 iHS Gallery & Sony A850 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry your camera, you are going to need to consider its weight and size. The Olympus TG-1 iHS features physical dimensions of 112mm x 67mm x 30mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") with a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs) and the Sony A850 has specifications of 156mm x 117mm x 82mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 3.2") having a weight of 895 grams (1.97 lbs).

Check the Olympus TG-1 iHS vs Sony A850 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you use during that time. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the TG-1 iHS vs the A850.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the TG-1 iHS and A850 is 91 and 54 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to visualize the difference between sensor sizing merely by reviewing specs. The visual below will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the TG-1 iHS and A850.

All in all, both the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The TG-1 iHS featuring a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Sony A850 will deliver more detail having its extra 13MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics far more aggressively. The newer TG-1 iHS should have an edge in sensor technology.