Olympus TG-1 iHS vs Sony a1

Here, we are analyzing the Olympus TG-1 iHS versus Sony a1, one is a Waterproof and the other is a Pro Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Sony. There exists a big gap between the image resolutions of the TG-1 iHS (12MP) and a1 (50MP) and the TG-1 iHS (1/2.3") and a1 (Full frame) boast totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The TG-1 iHS was launched 9 years before the a1 which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus TG-1 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony a1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving into a detailed comparison, here is a simple overview of how the TG-1 iHS grades versus the a1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS and Sony Alpha a1. The complete galleries are available at Olympus TG-1 iHS Gallery and Sony a1 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus TG-1 iHS features external dimensions 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 a1 has proportions of 129mm x 97mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 737 grams (1.62 lbs).

Check out the Olympus TG-1 iHS versus Sony a1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have at that moment. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the TG-1 iHS and the a1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the TG-1 iHS and a1 is 91 and 61 respectively.

More often than not, it is very tough to visualise the difference between sensor sizes purely by reading a spec sheet. The picture underneath should offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the TG-1 iHS and a1.

As you can see, each of these cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The TG-1 iHS featuring a tinier sensor will make getting bokeh more difficult and the Sony a1 will offer you more detail utilizing its extra 38 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics way more aggressively. The more aged TG-1 iHS is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.