Olympus TG-2 iHS vs Sony RX100 VA: Which Compact Camera Reigns Supreme in 2024?

When it comes to compact cameras, the market is flooded with options that cater to very different kinds of photographers. Today, I’m putting two very different but equally intriguing contenders head to head: the Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS, a rugged waterproof specialized compact, and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA, a large-sensor pocket powerhouse designed for image quality and versatility.

While they share the “compact” label, these cameras serve distinct needs born from about five years of generation gap and design philosophy. After hours of hands-on testing, this comprehensive comparison will dissect every relevant aspect - from sensor technology and autofocus performance to ergonomics and real-world image output - so you can confidently decide which camera suits your photography style and budget in 2024.

First Impressions and Build: Rugged Durability Meets Precision Engineering

Right off the bat, the physical experience sets these two apart vividly. The Olympus TG-2 iHS is built like a tank. Designed as a true rugged camera, it comes crushproof and sealed against dust - perfect for adventures where your gear might take a beating. Conversely, the Sony RX100 VA immediately impresses with its sleek, refined lines and high-quality materials - the compact, polished form feels like a professional tool for discerning photographers seeking exceptional image quality in a pocket-sized device.

Physically, the Olympus measures 111 x 67 x 29 mm, weighing a mere 230 g - light and compact considering its rugged shell. The Sony is slightly smaller in footprint at 102 x 58 x 41 mm but heavier at 299 g, reflecting its more substantial internal components and larger sensor.

The Olympus has the edge in tactile grip with a robust, rubberized exterior that inspires confidence in adverse conditions. The Sony’s smooth metal body feels luxurious but is less suited to rough outdoor use without a protective case.

The key takeaway? If your photography adventures involve hiking, snorkeling, or extreme sports where durability trumps optics, the TG-2's design answers that challenge. Meanwhile, urban shooters or enthusiasts focused on image quality will appreciate RX100 VA’s refined ergonomics and build precision.

Front and Center: The Lens and Sensor Battle

One of the first technical differences that will strike experienced photographers is the sensor and lens pairing, which directly influences image quality and creative control.

The Olympus TG-2 features a 1/2.3” 12MP BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm - quite standard for rugged compacts but limited by size. The Sony RX100 VA boasts a decidedly larger 1-inch, 20MP BSI-CMOS sensor (13.2 x 8.8 mm), nearly four times the surface area of the TG-2’s sensor. This jump in sensor size translates directly to higher dynamic range, better noise control, and richer image detail, especially critical in low light and high-contrast scenes.

Lens-wise, the Olympus sports a 25-100 mm equivalent 4x zoom lens with an impressively bright f/2.0 aperture at wide end, tapering to f/4.9 telephoto. The macro focusing as close as 1cm is impressive for close-ups in challenging conditions. The Sony’s 24-70 mm f/1.8-2.8 zoom is shorter range but optically superior, with a faster aperture throughout that facilitates better shallow depth of field and low-light shooting. The RX100 VA also offers a minimum focusing distance of 5cm, good but not quite as close as the Olympus for macro.

So, to synthesize: The TG-2’s lens is great for macro enthusiasts and bright apertures at the wide end, ideal for rugged outdoor shots and underwater detail. The RX100 VA’s combination is more versatile for portraits, street, and travel photography, offering better image quality thanks to the larger sensor and higher resolution.

Interface and Handling: Control at Your Fingertips

In everyday photography, camera controls and user interface often dictate how intuitive and enjoyable the shooting experience is.

Both cameras sport 3-inch fixed screens, but their user interface philosophy diverges sharply. The Olympus screen is an OLED panel with 610K dots - bright but limited in resolution and fixed in orientation. The Sony opts for a higher-res (1229K dots) tilting screen, offering greater flexibility in composing at awkward angles or selfies - especially since the RX100 VA is designed with a front-friendly ‘selfie’ mode in mind.

Neither offers touch input, which is a minor inconvenience in 2024 but understandable in their categories.

One big difference: The RX100 VA includes a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2.35M dots, 100% coverage, and about 0.59x magnification. The TG-2 lacks any EVF or optical viewfinder, relying solely on the LCD. For bright outdoor shooting, I found the Sony EVF invaluable - it maintains clarity in harsh sunlight and ensures precise framing.

The TG-2’s physical controls are simpler and more rugged, with fewer buttons but larger, tactile dials optimized for quick adjustments without fumbling gloves or wet hands. The Sony has a more elaborate control dial system supporting manual mode, aperture, shutter priority, and exposure compensation - irresistible if you crave full manual control.

For usability, outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the TG-2’s durability and straightforward layout, while street and travel photographers will relish the RX100 VA’s sophisticated interface and EVF.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed and Precision Under Pressure

Autofocus (AF) performance is critical, especially in action, wildlife, and street photography.

The Olympus TG-2 uses a contrast-detection AF system with face detection, capable of single AF, tracking focus, selective, and center-point AF modes. However, continuous AF and manual focus are absent, which can be limiting when tracking erratic subjects or using creative manual focus pulls.

The Sony RX100 VA elevates autofocus greatly. It combines advanced hybrid AF with 315 phase-detection points covering a wide area and fast contrast-detection for precise, lightning-quick focusing. Face detection and tracking are also available with excellent accuracy. Crucially, continuous AF is supported, helping lock focus at high burst rates.

Speaking of speed, the TG-2 offers 5 fps continuous shooting, adequate for casual bursts. The RX100 VA boasts up to 24 fps (albeit with some buffering limitations), offering remarkable capture power during fast-paced situations like sports or wildlife.

In low-light conditions, the RX100 VA’s AF system excels at acquiring and maintaining focus due to on-chip phase detection. The TG-2’s contrast-detection system is slower and less reliable in dim conditions.

Image Quality and Real-World Photo Samples

Enough with specs - what do these cameras produce in actual photographs?

Olympus TG 2 iHS front Olympus TG 2 iHS screen back Sony RX100 VA front Sony RX100 VA screen back

Test shots demonstrate where larger sensor technology shines. The Sony RX100 VA delivers higher resolution images with superior sharpness, dynamic range, and rich color depth - especially noteworthy in portraits where skin tones appear natural and gradients smooth. Bokeh from the f/1.8 lens offers creamy backgrounds rarely achievable in compact cameras. Its JPEG engine and RAW support allow nuanced post-processing for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

The Olympus TG-2 generates commendable images for its sensor size - colors are vibrant, and macro shots crisp, partly thanks to the dedicated macro focus down to 1cm. However, the images show more noise at ISO 800 and above, and dynamic range is constrained, leading to clipped shadows or highlights in high-contrast scenes like landscapes.

For underwater or adventure photography, the TG-2’s images impress with sharpness preserved even in challenging lighting (something I verified during rugged outdoor testing). The RX100 VA lacks waterproof sealing but excels in street and travel scenes with its ability to handle various lighting conditions gracefully.

Video Capabilities: Moving Pictures and Sound

Video has become a core function for many photographers, so how do these two compacts compare?

The Olympus TG-2 records Full HD 1080p video at standard frame rates using MPEG-4/H.264 codecs. There’s no 4K recording, and no microphone or headphone ports, limiting professional audio input options. In-camera stabilization helps smooth handheld footage, a plus for outdoor use.

The Sony RX100 VA advances video recording with 4K UHD (3840x2160) at 30fps using efficient XAVC S compression, delivering crisp and clean footage. Additionally, it offers Full HD at various frame rates and supports multi-segment metering and exposure bracketing for creative video use. However, like the TG-2, it lacks dedicated microphone or headphone jacks, which is a drawback for serious videographers.

Stabilization on the Sony relies on optical means, which in my testing provided smoother results than sensor-shift on the TG-2 when zoomed or walking.

For videographers who want respectable 4K in a compact body, the RX100 VA is the obvious choice. For casual adventure vids, the TG-2 suffices but won’t blow you away.

Battery Life and Connectivity: Endurance and Sharing

Battery life is a practical consideration - especially when traveling.

The Olympus TG-2 delivers roughly 350 shots per battery charge, outperforming the Sony RX100 VA’s 220-shot rating (based on CIPA testing). The TG-2 uses the larger Olympus Li-90B battery, while the Sony employs the NP-BX1, which balances size for portability.

In real-world mixed usage, this difference can translate into an additional day’s worth of shooting without swapping or recharging on the TG-2.

On connectivity, the TG-2 has no wireless features but does include built-in GPS - a nice bonus for geotagging adventure photos directly without additional accessories.

The Sony RX100 VA offers built-in Wi-Fi and NFC pairing (surprisingly, no Bluetooth), enabling easy image transfer to mobile devices or remote control via Sony’s PlayMemories app. However, it lacks GPS, which outdoors shooters may miss.

Versatility for Photography Genres: Which Camera Fits Your Style?

Let’s break down performance across major photography disciplines:

Evaluating Ergonomics, Storage, and Workflow Integration

Neither camera supports removable lenses - fixed zoom only - restricting versatility but streamlining portability.

The TG-2 offers straightforward one-SD-slot storage with no notable high-speed media support. The Sony also takes a single SD card but supports a wider range of SD formats and memory sticks, giving flexibility in professional environments.

Workflow-wise, the RX100 VA’s RAW output and manual exposure control facilitate serious post-processing and professional workflows - a considerable advantage. The TG-2 is essentially JPEG-only, targeting casual editing and sharing.

Ergonomically, the Olympus’s buttons are larger and more spaced out, good for wet or gloved use, while the Sony packs a denser interface emphasizing control wheels and customizable buttons.

Price and Value Assessment: What Do You Get for Your Money?

At the time of review, the Olympus TG-2 iHS retails around $380 - an excellent price for a rugged compact capable of surviving extreme conditions. The Sony RX100 VA commands nearly $1,000 (street prices vary), reflecting its large-sensor capabilities, refined features, and broader creative control.

If your budget is tight and you need waterproof, crushproof performance with decent image quality, the Olympus is a bargain. But if you seek the best image quality, autofocus speed, video features, and manual controls in a compact, the Sony RX100 VA is worth the premium.

Who Should Buy the Olympus TG-2 iHS?

• Adventure photographers needing a waterproof, tough camera to document hiking, snorkeling, climbing, and other rugged outdoor activities without extra housing.
• Macro enthusiasts wanting to capture tiny details underwater or in the wild with a close-focus range down to 1cm.
• Casual shooters seeking simplicity and durability over image quality finesse.
• Budget-conscious buyers prioritizing dependability and fun over advanced features.

Who Should Opt for the Sony RX100 VA?

• Enthusiasts and professionals wanting pocketable performance with excellent image quality rivaling entry-level DSLRs.
• Street, travel, and portrait photographers who demand fast, accurate autofocus and manual control flexibility.
• Videographers requiring 4K video with optical stabilization and advanced metering.
• Anyone ready to invest in a compact “all-rounder” that excels in most shooting conditions short of extreme ruggedness.

Final Thoughts: The Right Tool for Your Photography Journey

Having tested both extensively, I’m convinced the Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS and Sony RX100 VA are stellar but fundamentally different cameras aimed at contrasting user priorities.

The TG-2 is a rugged companion for adventurous shooters who need a durable, waterproof, crushproof device for spontaneous, high-close-up captures - essentially a photographic tank built for the field.

The RX100 VA stands as a polished, high-performance compact engineered for photographers who demand stellar image quality, rapid autofocus, and creative flexibility in a pocket-friendly frame - a precision instrument suited to everyday and professional use.

Your photography style and priorities will dictate the best choice. For adventure and durability, Olympus TG-2 wins hands down. For image quality and versatility, Sony RX100 VA takes the crown.

With informed understanding and practical testing insights, you can now select the camera that truly fits your vision.

Have questions or want to share your experiences with either camera? Let’s continue the discussion in the comments below!