Olympus TG-2 iHS vs Sony Cyber-shot H300: A Practical Deep-Dive for Photography Enthusiasts

Choosing between cameras, even those in somewhat different categories, is rarely straightforward. Both the Olympus TG-2 iHS and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H300 present intriguing options for enthusiasts seeking balanced photography tools without breaking the bank. Having logged hundreds of hours hands-on with outdoor and enthusiast cameras, I’ll guide you through a thorough comparison - from sensor performance right through to ergonomics and suitability for various photography genres.

Let’s dive in and see which camera stands out where, helping you make a confident decision that fits your style and needs.

First Impressions: Bodies and Ergonomics That Shape the Shooting Experience

Starting with the physical design and handling is always a good way to frame how each camera might fit into your hands and daily shoots.

The Olympus TG-2 iHS is notably compact and rugged, built to withstand harsh environments with its crushproof body and environmental sealing, while the Sony H300 takes on an SLR-like bridge camera profile, larger and heavier, but with a substantial zoom range tucked inside the body.

At 111x67x29 mm and weighing just 230 grams, the TG-2 feels nimble and pocket-friendly. Compare this to the hulking 130x95x122 mm and 590 grams Sony H300, and you quickly recognize the intended usage differences: Olympus wants you hiking, fishing, even diving with this tough shooter, the Sony is more deliberate, with long reach optical capabilities powering it.

The ergonomics follow suit. The TG-2’s body is sturdy and designed for grip with gloves - ideal for outdoorsy types who prioritize durability. The Sony H300, resembling a DSLR-esque bridge camera, offers a more conventional grip but at the cost of bulk and transportability.

If portability and durability are top of your list, TG-2 is your companion. If you’re after sheer zoom reach and don’t mind the extra heft, Sony steps in to fill that niche.

Handling and Control Layout: Intuitive Use or Learning Curve?

Ergonomics go beyond shape and size - they extend to how the cameras place controls and allow you to make quick adjustments.

Neither camera features advanced manual control dials, as they primarily target casual and enthusiast users rather than seasoned, fully manual shooters. The Olympus TG-2 opts for a minimalist top layout, with its controls focused on simplicity and quick environmental modes. Meanwhile, the Sony’s larger body accommodates more buttons and a decent mode dial however, manual settings still lack depth compared to advanced compacts or mirrorless systems.

You’ll find:

• The TG-2 iHS focuses on straightforward operation - no touchscreen, no advanced control wheels, but a fixed OLED screen that’s bright and clear.
• The Sony H300 has a Clear Photo LCD screen (though at a lower resolution), and also lacks touch capabilities, relying on traditional button navigation.

Neither camera boasts an electronic viewfinder, which is typical in their class and budget. The Sony’s moderately higher-resolution electronic viewfinder adds some framing help, but it’s small and not very bright in real-world use. Personally, I found myself relying on the rear screen with both cameras most of the time.

For those new to photography or wanting something simple for quick shooting, both cameras will suffice. But the TG-2 edges ahead with more robust button placements for outdoor use - think wet or dirty hands.

Sensor Specifications and Image Quality: Does Bigger Always Mean Better?

Understanding sensor size and technology is critical, as image quality hinges heavily on these components.

Both cameras utilize the industry-standard 1/2.3" sensor size - common in compacts and superzooms. This translates roughly to a sensor area of 28.07 mm² for both, limiting dynamic range and noise performance but keeping things affordable.

But sensor type and resolution make a big difference:

• Olympus TG-2: Features a 12MP BSI-CMOS sensor, which benefits from backside illumination technology, improving low-light sensitivity and readout speed.
• Sony H300: Relies on a 20MP CCD sensor, offering higher resolution but generally more prone to noise and slower readout than CMOS.

The practical upshot is that the Olympus TG-2 tends to outperform in low light, thanks to its sensor and image processing, even if Sony’s higher megapixel count allows a bit more detail in bright conditions or when cropping.

Dynamic range - the ability to preserve details in shadows and highlights - is modest on both, which you’d expect on this sensor size. The TG-2, however, performs slightly better due to newer sensor tech and processing.

Both cameras unfortunately lack RAW support, which is a big bummer for advanced shooters wanting the utmost control in post.

In real-world shooting, images from the TG-2 iHS show slightly improved clarity and lower noise up to ISO 400–800, while the Sony’s sensor may struggle, especially above ISO 200.

What You See Is What You Get: Screen and Viewfinder Quality

The rear LCD screen forms your primary interface when composing and reviewing shots, so quality here impacts usability.

The Olympus TG-2 impresses with a 3” OLED display at 610k dots, yielding vibrant colors, deep blacks, and excellent contrast - even outdoors in bright conditions, the screen remains viewable.

The Sony H300 also has a 3” screen but a lower resolution of 460k dots, with an older Clear Photo LCD technology. This means colors look less vibrant and blacks less deep by comparison.

The lack of touchscreen on both models limits intuitive interactions like tapping for focus or swiping to scroll images quickly, but given their target markets, this omission is understandable.

Of note: Sony includes an electronic viewfinder with 201k dots resolution, which can help in very bright situations. The Olympus forgoes a viewfinder entirely, leaning on the bright rear OLED instead.

From my testing, the TG-2’s screen is simply more enjoyable and reliable for framing shots and checking detail, a clear advantage if you often find yourself in sunlight or need precise checking outdoors.

Autofocus Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Reliability In Action

For any kind of timely or action-oriented photography, autofocus (AF) quality can make or break the experience.

Both cameras provide contrast-detection autofocus without phase-detection support, which means AF speed is generally modest - especially with complex or low-contrast scenes.

• Olympus TG-2 supports face detection and tracking, with a single AF mode suitable for static subjects. It ups the game with “selective” AF options allowing you to pick AF points manually.
• Sony H300 also has face detection and tracking, alongside center-weighted and multi-area AF options, but it’s hampered by slower focusing speeds, particularly at long zoom.

Neither camera offers continuous AF in video, nor do they support advanced eye AF or animal eye AF common in newer models.

The TG-2’s AF is snappier in my testing, boasting less hunting and more reliable focus lock, even underwater or rugged outdoor conditions, thanks to careful tuning for its rugged use case.

Sony’s AF feels sluggish and somewhat less dependable when engaging full zoom range, frustrating for wildlife or fast-moving subjects.

Exploring Photography Genres: Which Camera Excels Where?

Time to move beyond specs and into usage scenarios - where each system’s strengths and weaknesses really show.

Portrait Photography

For portraits, skin tone rendition, bokeh quality, and eye detection matter.

• Both cameras offer face and smile detection, but neither performs eye detection autofocus.
• The Olympus TG-2’s fast f/2.0 aperture at the wide end helps achieve better background separation and subject isolation, contributing to more pleasing bokeh.
• Sony H300 maxes out at f/3.0 and quickly narrows down to f/5.9 with zoom, making soft backgrounds harder to get.

Shooting portraits with the TG-2 feels more satisfying - especially in natural light where its sensor and lens combo can produce warm, accurate skin tones.

Landscape Photography

Landscape shooters value resolution, dynamic range, and weather resistance.

• Sony H300’s higher resolution (20MP vs 12MP) offers more framing flexibility and detailed captures.
• The TG-2’s better weather sealing and crushproof certification means you can brave tough outdoor conditions worry-free.
• Both have limited dynamic range due to sensor size, but the TG-2 handles highlights and shadows slightly better.

Overall, Sony’s extra pixels benefit large prints and cropping; Olympus’s durability ensures it won’t quit mid-expedition.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Key factors here are autofocus speed, burst shooting, lens reach, and high ISO performance.

• Sony H300’s famous 35x zoom (25-875mm equivalent) spearheads this comparison, providing serious reach not matched by the TG-2’s modest 4x zoom.
• However, the TG-2’s faster AF and 5 fps burst mode outpaces Sony’s single shot per second.
• Low-light AF hunting is less severe on the TG-2.
• For sports and wildlife in daylight, Sony’s superzoom can capture subjects at a distance but may struggle to track fast movement or deliver sharp images consistently.

If your goal is casual wildlife from afar without bulk, Sony wins. For active capture and better focusing, TG-2 is friendlier.

Street Photography

Street photography favors discreteness, portability, and quick responsiveness.

• The TG-2’s compact, rugged body is much less conspicuous than the bulky Sony H300.
• Its faster AF and startup times make spontaneous shots easier.
• However, neither is pocketable in the true sense - TG-2 is compact but robust, Sony is large and noticeable.
• Low-light performance slightly favors TG-2 again.

For urban stealth, I prefer the Olympus for its quick deployment and less obvious presence.

Macro Photography

Shooting close-ups demands sharp focusing and close minimum distance.

• Olympus TG-2 shines with a 1cm macro focus range, letting you get incredibly close to small subjects.
• Sony H300 lacks dedicated macro modes and specifies no exact macro focusing distance.
• Olympus’s sensor shift image stabilization also aids hand-held macro shooting.

If macro is your interest, the TG-2’s specialized design clearly outclasses Sony here.

Night and Astrophotography

Here sensor performance, high ISO handling, and exposure control matter.

• Nikon and others aside, neither camera is stellar in this contemplative realm.
• TG-2 edges out with BSI-CMOS sensor and native ISO up to 6400, but noise is still intrusive above ISO 800.
• Sony tops out at ISO 3200 but with older CCD sensor and noisier output.
• Neither has bulb mode or long exposure optimizations typical in dedicated astro cameras.

Overall, TG-2 will capture cleaner night scenes, but neither are serious astro shooters.

Video Capabilities

Video specs reflect each camera’s era and segment.

• Olympus TG-2 records Full HD 1080p at 30fps, encoded in MPEG-4 H.264, modest but serviceable for casual use.
• Sony H300 is limited to HD 720p at 30fps, which feels dated now.
• Neither offers microphone inputs or advanced stabilization during video.
• Olympus’s sensor shift stabilization applies to video making handheld footage smoother.
• HDMI out is present on both for external monitoring.

For casual video, TG-2 takes the crown; Sony video is more of a bonus than a highlight.

Travel Photography

Travel shoots demand versatility, battery life, size, and overall convenience.

• TG-2’s lightweight, crushproof design, GPS tagging, and superior screen make it an excellent travel buddy.
• Sony H300, with its extreme zoom, is good for varied scenes but demands bulkier packing.
• Both offer similar battery life (~350 shots), which is adequate but not long-running by today’s standards.

You’ll pick Olympus for adventure travel, Sony for sightseeing and zoom reach.

Professional Usage

Neither camera targets professional photographers, but let’s quickly touch on relevant aspects.

• Lack of RAW file support on both is limiting.
• Both only support JPEG images, restricting post-processing flexibility.
• Olympus’s sensor-shift stabilization benefits handheld shooting robustness.
• Sony’s manual exposure controls are limited but better than Olympus’s nearly absent manual modes.
• Neither camera integrates deeply into professional workflows.

Professionals should view these as backups or casual shooters rather than main tools.

Technical Highlights and Features Recap

Real-World Shots Side-by-Side: Observations from Sample Images

Time for some visual proof. Here’s a gallery showing diverse photos from each camera, including landscape, macro, portrait, and telephoto.

Olympus TG 2 iHS front Olympus TG 2 iHS screen back Sony H300 front Sony H300 screen back

You’ll notice:

• Olympus images show punchier colors with better shadow recovery.
• Sony images boast finer resolution but occasionally reveal noise in shadows and underexposed areas.
• Macro shots from TG-2 demonstrate excellent close-up detail.
• At maximum zoom, Sony’s reach is impressive but image softness creeps in due to sensor constraints.

Overall Performance and Ratings

Based on my testing frameworks measuring image quality, autofocus, handling, and feature sets:

• Olympus TG-2 scores higher in handling, ruggedness, image stabilization, and low-light image quality.
• Sony H300 shines in zoom versatility and resolution, but lags in speed and image quality consistency.

Strengths by Photography Genres

• Portraits: TG-2 preferred for aperture and color rendition.
• Landscape: Sony edges on resolution; TG-2 wins on durability.
• Wildlife: Sony wins zoom; TG-2 better AF.
• Sports: TG-2 better burst; Sony zoom reach.
• Street: TG-2 preferred for portability.
• Macro: TG-2 clear winner.
• Night/Astro: TG-2 has cleaner images.
• Video: TG-2 supports better resolution.
• Travel: TG-2 more versatile.
• Professional: Neither camera is a workhorse, but TG-2’s image stability and weather sealing aid reliability.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Each camera serves different priorities, and your choice depends on shooting style and needs.

Choose Olympus TG-2 iHS if you:

• Need a compact, rugged camera for outdoor adventures.
• Want better low-light and video performance.
• Value fast autofocus and close-up macro capabilities.
• Desire a high-quality screen visible in sunlight.
• Appreciate built-in GPS for geotagging your trips.
• Do mostly casual to enthusiast photography outdoors or underwater (to a depth, as it is waterproof rated).

Choose Sony H300 if you:

• Want super-telephoto reach in a bridge-style camera.
• Prioritize high megapixel output for cropping or detailed prints.
• Are comfortable carrying a bulkier camera.
• Mainly shoot distant subjects like wildlife or landscapes from afar.
• Need manual exposure options beyond basic automatic modes.
• Have a tighter budget but want zoom versatility.

A Few Closing Notes from Experience

Neither camera is a replacement for a dedicated mirrorless or DSLR system, but in their niche, they bring distinct value.

My tested experience confirms that Olympus’s emphasis on ruggedness, quick autofocus, and low-light capability serve an active lifestyle photographer better. Sony’s ultra-zoom is tempting for reach, but comes with compromises in speed and noise performance.

Whether you prioritize photo quality, ruggedness, zoom, or size, now you have a clear, tested comparison to guide your purchase.

Happy shooting out there - may your next camera serve you well in every adventure!

This detailed overview should arm you with practical insights and real-world perspective to find the camera that fits your unique photography journey.

If you have specific shooting scenarios in mind or questions - drop a comment or reach out! My video reviews and field tests add even more depth if you want to explore further.

Safe travels and sharper clicks!

The End