Olympus TG-1 iHS vs Sony A900

Following is a extended review of the Olympus TG-1 iHS versus Sony A900, one is a Waterproof and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. There is a huge difference among the resolutions of the TG-1 iHS (12MP) and A900 (25MP) and the TG-1 iHS (1/2.3") and A900 (Full frame) provide totally different sensor dimensions.

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The TG-1 iHS was revealed 3 years after the A900 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus TG-1 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony A900 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving right into a detailed comparison, here is a simple view of how the TG-1 iHS grades versus the A900 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS and Sony Alpha DSLR-A900. The full galleries are provided at Olympus TG-1 iHS Gallery and Sony A900 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera often, you'll need to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus TG-1 iHS has outside measurements of 112mm x 67mm x 30mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") along with a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs) while the Sony A900 has specifications of 156mm x 117mm x 82mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 3.2") and a weight of 895 grams (1.97 lbs).

Examine the Olympus TG-1 iHS versus Sony A900 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have at the time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the TG-1 iHS vs the A900.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the TG-1 iHS and A900 is 91 and 54 respectively.

Generally, it's tough to envision the difference in sensor sizes simply by researching specs. The pic underneath might give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the TG-1 iHS and A900.

All in all, both of those cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The TG-1 iHS using its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Sony A900 will provide you with extra detail because of its extra 13MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots way more aggressively. The newer TG-1 iHS will have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.