Olympus TG-2 iHS vs Panasonic TS20

Tough vs. Tougher: Olympus TG-2 iHS and Panasonic TS20 Waterproof Compacts Compared

In the niche but growing category of rugged waterproof compact cameras, two contenders - Olympus’s TG-2 iHS and Panasonic’s Lumix DMC-TS20 - have attracted attention for their promise of durability and ready-for-adventure imaging. Both designed to resist the elements, these cams appeal to casual explorers, travelers, and shooters who prioritize convenience and protection over bulk and interchangeable lenses.

Having spent extensive hands-on time testing these cameras across varied real-world situations - urban jaunts, mountain hikes, and backyard macro sessions - I aim to unpack their true capabilities. This evaluation will consider their design, image quality, performance, and suitability for multiple photography genres, offering photographers of all skill levels a grounded understanding of what each can realistically deliver.

Let’s dive in.

Size, Handling, and Build: Getting a Grip on Durability

One of the first things you notice handling the Olympus TG-2 iHS versus the Panasonic TS20 is their physical presence and tactile design. Take a look:

At 111 x 67 x 29 mm and weighing 230 grams, Olympus’s TG-2 iHS is noticeably chunkier and heavier than Panasonic’s TS20, which measures a svelte 101 x 58 x 19 mm and weighs 142 grams. This difference matters. The TG-2’s larger footprint offers a more substantial grip and a reassuring heft that speaks to robustness in the hand. In contrast, the TS20's compact profile enhances pocketability but sacrifices some ergonomic grip comfort - especially for those with larger hands or glove-clad fingers in chilly weather.

Both cameras come sealed against environmental hazards, but their specific protections differ. The TG-2 is crushproof, positioning it as a go-anywhere companion for rough handling - ideal for mountain bikers or climbers. The TS20 is waterproof to deeper depths and also dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof, boasting a more comprehensive weather-sealing suite. If your adventures lean toward wet or freezing environments, the Panasonic’s resilience technically edges out the Olympus here.

Side note: The physical build quality of the TG-2 feels more premium, with solid button feedback and less creak under pressure, while the TS20’s body, albeit sturdy, uses lighter materials prone to feeling “plasticky” in prolonged use.

Top-Down: Controls and Usability Under Pressure

A camera may survive a drop, but can you operate it swiftly and accurately mid-adventure? I scrutinized their ergonomics with that in mind. Here’s a glance at their control layouts:

The TG-2 iHS offers more buttons and dedicated controls than the TS20, including separate options for exposure compensation and flash, which the Panasonic lacks outright. The Olympus’s control dials and buttons are well spaced and tactile, making one-handed operation feasible even with wet fingers. Its rear panel also includes a locked mode dial that prevents accidental setting changes.

Conversely, the TS20 keeps things minimal, limiting you mainly to a mode dial and a few buttons. While simpler, it means slower access to certain features and more menu diving, which is suboptimal when capturing fleeting moments outdoors. There’s also no dedicated playback button on the TS20 - odd for a camera marketed for use in rugged conditions when rapid image review would be advantageous.

Sensor and Image Quality: More Than Just Megapixels

Shooting for a camera review always means dissecting sensor specs and testing real-world output. Both cameras rely on a 1/2.3” sensor size - common for compacts - but Olympus leverages a BSI-CMOS sensor, while Panasonic opts for a CCD sensor.

The Olympus TG-2’s 12-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor yields cleaner images in low light due to back-side illumination, improving sensitivity. Panasonic’s CCD offers a higher nominal resolution of 16 megapixels, but CCDs are generally inferior to CMOS in noise handling and dynamic range.

In practice, this manifests clearly: Olympus’s shots show less noise at ISO 800 and above, with better color fidelity and wider dynamic range. Panasonic photos trend a bit softer with increased noise granularity beyond ISO 400. The TG-2’s max ISO of 6400 is usable for night scenes, while the TS20’s technically matches ISO 6400 but in practical use tops out earlier.

That said, the Panasonic resolves slightly more detail at base ISO from its 16MP sensor, delivering crisper daylight images with well-saturated colors, though Olympus’s superior lens optics partly offset this.

LCD Screen and Viewfinder Experience: Seeing Your Shot

With no electronic viewfinders in either model, live framing relies entirely on their LCD panels.

The TG-2’s 3” OLED display is a clear winner here, offering 610k-dot resolution and vibrant contrast that aids composition even under bright outdoor illumination. The TS20’s 2.7” TFT LCD with 230k dot resolution looks dull and reflective by comparison, hampering usability in full sun or shadowed settings.

Neither display has touch functionality or articulated movement, which limits flexibility in awkward angles. The Olympus’s superior screen technology offsets this to some extent, providing live view focusing more reliably.

Autofocus Systems: Precision and Speed When It Counts

In fieldwork and wildlife shoots, autofocus is king. The TG-2’s contrast-detection AF with face detection and tracking provided snappy, reliable focusing in my tests, despite the absence of phase-detection points. It can lock onto faces and subjects for crisp portrait shots with minimal hunting.

The TS20 uses contrast-detection AF as well, but focuses slower due to its older processor and lower resolution screen’s effect on the AF system. Continuous AF is available on Panasonic’s camera, which helps with moving subjects, but overall speed and tracking accuracy trail behind Olympus’s more modern system.

Neither camera offers manual focus control beyond fixed presets, but the TG-2 allows selective AF area choice for improved control in complex scenes, a feature missing from the TS20.

Lens and Optics: Fast Apertures Versus Zoom Range

Both cameras share a 25-100mm equivalent zoom lens with a 4x optical reach, but their aperture ranges differ notably - Olympus boasts a very bright f/2.0 aperture at wide angle versus Panasonic’s slower f/3.9.

That wide f/2.0 setting on Olympus pays dividends in low light and shallow depth-of-field portraiture, creating creamier bokeh especially at the 25mm end. Panasonic’s peak aperture becomes a limiting factor indoors and for isolating subjects artistically.

Additionally, Olympus claims a macro focusing distance down to 1cm - ideal for intimate close-ups and nature shots - whereas Panasonic’s macro start is 5cm, somewhat less versatile.

Image Stabilization and Shutter Speed Range: Keep It Steady

The TG-2 employs sensor-shift image stabilization, which proved effective in handheld shots during twilight hikes, reducing motion blur significantly even at slower shutter speeds. Panasonic’s lens-shift optical stabilization is decent but less consistent in compensating for rapid movement or vibrations.

In terms of shutter speed, Olympus covers a wider range - from 1/4 sec to 1/2000 sec - allowing creative flexibility in long exposures or fast-action capture than Panasonic’s 1/8 to 1/1300 sec.

Battery and Storage: Keeping You on the Trail

Battery life is always crucial for outdoor photographers. Olympus’s Li-90B battery delivers approximately 350 shots per charge, notably better than Panasonic’s unspecified proprietary battery rated around 250 shots.

Both cameras accept standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but Panasonic supports internal storage as well, a minor convenience if you forget your card.

Video Capabilities: Footage for Your Adventures

Neither camera is a video powerhouse, but it’s helpful to understand their basic capabilities.

TG-2 captures Full HD at 1080p in MPEG-4/H.264, affording relatively sharp footage suitable for most casual video needs. The TS20 tops out at 720p HD at 30fps, more modest by comparison.

Neither offers external mic jacks, 4K capture, or advanced stabilization modes, so video is strictly point-and-shoot and best used for memories rather than cinematic projects.

Practical Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s synthesize their real-world strengths in specific shooting disciplines:

Portraits:
TG-2 shines thanks to its bright aperture, face detection, and cleaner high ISO, delivering natural skin tones and pleasing subject separation in daylight or dim settings. Panasonic can produce acceptable portraits but struggles with bokeh and background blur.

Landscapes:
Despite its smaller sensor, TS20’s 16MP resolution edges out Olympus in sharpness in bright daylight. However, Olympus’s wider dynamic range preserves highlights and shadows better, making it more forgiving in challenging light.

Wildlife:
TigerSharp autofocus and faster burst shooting (5 fps vs. 1 fps) on the TG-2 make it the clear pick for small wildlife or birds in flight. The Panasonic’s limited speed and AF tracking restrict action shooting.

Sports:
Neither camera is ideal for serious sports, but TG-2’s speed and AF tracking arguably remain more serviceable when capturing kids’ soccer games or casual skateboarding.

Street:
TS20’s small size gives an edge in discreteness and portability for street shooters who want a no-fuss compact. Olympus’s larger body calls more attention but grants greater control.

Macro:
The TG-2’s 1-cm macro and effective stabilization allow crisp, close detail shots - a deciding factor for nature photographers. Panasonic’s 5-cm limit is less inspiring here.

Night/Astro:
Limited ISO range and sensor size restrict both cameras, but Olympus’s cleaner high ISO and longer shutter speeds better support handheld astrophotography pursuits.

Video:
TG-2’s Full HD and better stabilization make for more watchable videos versus TS20’s limited 720p capture.

Travel:
TS20 wins on portability, weight, and waterproofing depth, great for hikers or poolside shoots. Olympus offers superior image quality and controls at the expense of size.

Workflow, Connectivity, and Price: Real-World Considerations

Both cams lack Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS (Olympus includes GPS, a plus for travel geotagging), so immediate wireless sharing isn’t possible. USB 2.0 ports serve only tethered transfers.

Neither supports RAW capture, limiting post-processing flexibility for advanced shooters who value full control.

Price-wise, the Olympus TG-2 iHS currently retails near $380, double Panasonic’s roughly $179 street price, reflecting its more sophisticated imaging and build. Bargain hunters will appreciate the TS20’s accessible cost for casual shooting.

Overall Performance Ratings

Here are the compiled scores from our testing battery, encompassing image quality, handling, features, and durability:

Olympus TG-2 scores higher in image quality, ergonomics, and low-light capability, while Panasonic TS20 scores well for ruggedness depth and portability.

Genre-Specific Strengths and Weaknesses

Breaking down performance per photography type illustrates their optimal user scenarios:

Final Verdict: Which Waterproof Compact Fits Your Story?

The Olympus TG-2 iHS emerges as a versatile adventure camera with notably better optics, autofocus, and image quality. Its ruggedness extends to crushproofing and a larger battery, making it a more professional tool for serious enthusiasts wanting good handheld performance in varied conditions. It is your pick if you prioritize quality over size.

The Panasonic TS20, meanwhile, is a lightweight, fully waterproof, shockproof, dustproof, and freezeproof compact that excels in portability and environmental protection at an attractive price. It best serves casual shooters who value ease of use and resistant design over image excellence.

Recommendations by User Type:

• Outdoor Enthusiast/Traveler: TS20 for waterproof depth and size; TG-2 if you want more image quality and control.
• Beginner Portrait or Landscape Hobbyist: TG-2 for better image rendering, especially in unpredictable light.
• Wildlife or Action Shooter on a Budget: TG-2’s autofocus and burst shooting make it the only viable choice.
• Macro/Nature Shooters: Strongly TG-2 for close focus and stabilized shooting.
• Casual Poolside or Beach User: TS20’s waterproof rating and lighter feel suit carefree shooting.
• Video-Amateur: TG-2 offers superior quality for home movies.

Closing Thoughts

While neither Olympus TG-2 iHS nor Panasonic TS20 matches the sophistication of today’s mirrorless or DSLR systems, their rugged designs carve distinct niches. Knowing their respective strengths - and limitations - allows photographers to select a tool that truly complements their shooting style and adventure level.

If you’ve ever wished for a camera that laughs off spills, slides down rocks, or dives underwater without a care, either will serve. But if image quality and creative control matter alongside toughness, Olympus’s TG-2 stands out.

With both in your kit, you can cover almost any photographic frontier with confidence.

Sample Images Comparison from Both Cameras

For a visual summary, here are representative shots captured side by side:

Olympus TG 2 iHS front Olympus TG 2 iHS screen back Panasonic TS20 front Panasonic TS20 screen back

This comparison reflects over a dozen hours in field tests, across lighting conditions, and multiple photographic scenarios, aiming to ground your purchase in experience, not just specs.

Happy shooting out there!