Olympus TG-2 iHS vs Sony A580

Let's examine more closely at the Olympus TG-2 iHS and Sony A580, one is a Waterproof and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. There exists a huge gap between the resolutions of the TG-2 iHS (12MP) and A580 (16MP) and the TG-2 iHS (1/2.3") and A580 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The TG-2 iHS was introduced 2 years after the A580 which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus TG-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony A580 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go in to a detailed comparison, below is a concise view of how the TG-2 iHS matches up against the A580 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS and Sony Alpha DSLR-A580. The whole galleries are available at Olympus TG-2 iHS Gallery and Sony A580 Gallery.

If you're looking to travel with your camera, you're going to have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus TG-2 iHS has outer dimensions of 111mm x 67mm x 29mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.1") along with a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs) and the Sony A580 has measurements of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") and a weight of 599 grams (1.32 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus TG-2 iHS and Sony A580 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are employing at that time. The following is the front view proportions comparison of the TG-2 iHS vs the A580.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the TG-2 iHS and A580 is 91 and 64 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to envision the difference between sensor dimensions just by reading technical specs. The pic underneath might give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the TG-2 iHS and A580.

As you have seen, both of these cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The TG-2 iHS with its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF tougher and the Sony A580 will deliver extra detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos much more aggressively. The more recent TG-2 iHS will have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.