Olympus TG-1 iHS vs Sony RX10

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Olympus TG-1 iHS and Sony RX10, one is a Waterproof and the latter is a Large Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Sony. There is a big difference between the image resolutions of the TG-1 iHS (12MP) and RX10 (20MP) and the TG-1 iHS (1/2.3") and RX10 (1") feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The TG-1 iHS was announced 22 months prior to the RX10 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus TG-1 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony RX10 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple view of how the TG-1 iHS grades against the RX10 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10. The whole galleries are available at Olympus TG-1 iHS Gallery and Sony RX10 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry around your camera, you should think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus TG-1 iHS has exterior measurements of 112mm x 67mm x 30mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") having a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs) whilst the Sony RX10 has measurements of 129mm x 88mm x 102mm (5.1" x 3.5" x 4.0") and a weight of 813 grams (1.79 lbs).

See the Olympus TG-1 iHS and Sony RX10 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you use during that time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the TG-1 iHS and the RX10.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the TG-1 iHS and RX10 is 91 and 58 respectively.

In many cases, its difficult to envision the difference between sensor sizes just by checking specs. The picture below may give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the TG-1 iHS and RX10.

All in all, the 2 cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The TG-1 iHS with its tinier sensor will make achieving bokeh harder and the Sony RX10 will give more detail with its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will let you crop shots a little more aggressively. The more aged TG-1 iHS is going to be behind in sensor technology.