Olympus TG-1 iHS vs Sony HX99

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Olympus TG-1 iHS versus Sony HX99, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Sony. There is a crucial difference between the resolutions of the TG-1 iHS (12MP) and HX99 (18MP) and the TG-1 iHS (1/2.3") and HX99 (1/2.3-inch) use totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The TG-1 iHS was released 7 years before the HX99 and that is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a short view of how the TG-1 iHS scores vs the HX99 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99. The complete galleries are available at Olympus TG-1 iHS Gallery and Sony HX99 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus TG-1 iHS provides physical dimensions of 112mm x 67mm x 30mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs) and the Sony HX99 has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 242 grams (0.53 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus TG-1 iHS versus Sony HX99 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have attached at that time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the TG-1 iHS and the HX99.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the TG-1 iHS and HX99 is 91 and 91 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to see the contrast between sensor sizing just by looking at specifications. The photograph here will give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the TG-1 iHS and HX99.

Plainly, the two cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The TG-1 iHS due to its larger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field simpler and the Sony HX99 will give more detail as a result of its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The older TG-1 iHS is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.