Olympus TG-2 iHS vs Sony S980: A Real-World Comparison for Every Photography Enthusiast

As someone who’s tested thousands of cameras over a decade and a half, I know the frustration of sifting through specs and marketing fluff trying to find the right camera for your needs. Today, I’m diving deep into two somewhat niche compacts: the Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. Both were budget-friendly models from the previous decade, aimed at casual shooters, but with quite different design philosophies and user targets.

If you’re a photography enthusiast or even a professional looking for a secondary compact - or you’re just curious how these older models stack up realistically - this hands-on comparison covers everything. From sensor details and autofocus to build quality, image quality, and suitability for various photography styles, I’ve put these cameras through my standard tests and real-world scenarios. Plus, I’ll make sure to guide you on who should actually consider these models - spoiler: they’re not for everyone nowadays!

Ready to get your hands dirty? Let’s jump in.

Size, Ergonomics, and Handling: Olympus TG-2’s Tactical Build vs Sony S980’s Pocketability

First impressions count, especially when you’re lugging a camera all day. The TG-2 iHS comes in a rugged, chunky body designed like a tank for adventure buffs and those who want a camera that laughs in the face of life’s mishaps. The Sony S980, meanwhile, is a more traditional compact that prioritizes slimness and ease of carry.

The Olympus measures 111 x 67 x 29 mm and weighs 230 grams. It’s no lightweight for a compact but handles noticeably well thanks to its textured rubber grips and thick, almost tactical form. Every button is spaced with gloves in mind - a nod to outdoor enthusiasts or underwater explorers. The fixed-lens design means no fiddling during shoots, but you’ll definitely feel the camera in your hand.

Contrast that with the Sony’s 93 x 56 x 24 mm and lighter 167 grams, which slips effortlessly into most pockets and feels less bulky. Its smooth plastic shell doesn’t offer the grip security or confidence the TG-2 does but is perfect if low footprint is your ace. Though smaller, it’s not without quirks - the less generous button spacing can feel cramped for larger fingers, especially during extended shooting sessions.

Control layouts favor Olympus’s dedicated, well-labeled buttons, including a physical zoom rocker and a manual focus wheel that’s surprisingly responsive for such a compact. Sony’s controls are minimalist - almost Spartan - which might frustrate users seeking more direct control or quick customization during shoots.

My takeaway: If you’re planning tough terrain or want a real survivor camera (that doesn’t scream pro-grade), Olympus wins for ergonomics. Sony caters better to casual street shooters who want something pocket-friendly without extensive muscle memory learning.

Sensor and Image Quality - Small Sensors, Big Challenges

Both cameras use 1/2.3” sensors (about 28 mm² area), which are on the small side by today’s standards and limit imaging potential. But there’s more nuance here.

• Olympus TG-2 has a BSI-CMOS sensor, 12MP resolution, with a native ISO range of 100-6400. Its back-illuminated sensor design gives it an edge in low light performance and dynamic range, particularly with the F2.0 aperture at the wide end.
• Sony S980 relies on an older CCD sensor, also 12MP, but with a lower max native ISO of 3200 and aperture between F3.3-F5.2, meaning less light capture, especially in darker environments.

From a hands-on perspective, Olympus produces sharper, cleaner images with noticeably better color saturation and less chromatic noise at higher ISOs up to 1600. The Sony tends to render flatter colors and struggles with noise beyond ISO 400. The CCD sensor’s character gives a more “film-like” feel, which some may appreciate, but from a technical standpoint, the TG-2 wins comfortably for image quality.

The TG-2’s constant aperture wide end also helps with portraits and landscapes requiring shallow depth of field and subtle subject-background separation. Sony’s narrower apertures kill that potential.

The Display and User Interface: Are They Still Manageable Today?

Considering these cameras hail from earlier eras, their screens reflect the technology of their day.

• The Olympus sports a bright 3-inch OLED screen with 610k dots resolution - sharp and vibrant with good outdoor visibility. The fixed composition and no touch capability mean you rely on buttons for menu navigation, but Olympus’s interface remains surprisingly intuitive.
• The Sony's 2.7-inch LCD offers just 230k dots resolution, resulting in a dimmer, less detailed viewfinder experience with limited angle flexibility. Menus feel clunky and outdated, with slow response times.

For framing and reviewing photos on the fly, Olympus’s screen feels modern enough to satisfy most users, especially in harsh light, while the Sony’s display is decidedly “early digital era.”

Autofocus and Speed: Where Olympus Moves Ahead

Neither camera goes heavy on advanced AF tech, but again, the TG-2 shows its age more gracefully.

• Olympus employs a contrast-detection AF system with face detection and tracking, good for still subjects but lagging on fast-moving objects. Single AF mode is functional for portraits but continuous AF is limited.
• Sony offers contrast-detection AF with 9 focus points and multi-area selection, but no face or eye detection. Its single AF mode is slow, and continuous AF is absent.

In practice, Olympus lets you nail portraits and stationary wildlife shots better thanks to face detection. Sports or wildlife photographers will find both cameras underwhelming - continuous tracking fails in challenging conditions. Burst shooting on Olympus maxes at 5 fps versus Sony’s sluggish 1 fps, a big gap for action photography.

Ruggedness and Environmental Protection - TG-2’s Main Event

If durability matters, the Olympus TG-2’s raison d’etre is tough, reliable operation in extreme scenarios.

• Olympus TG-2 is crushproof to 100 kg, shockproof from 2.1 meters, and freezeproof down to -10°C. It also has waterproof credentials (IPX8 rating, typically down to 15m), making it a go-anywhere companion. Plus, it boasts internal GPS for geo-tagging those epic hikes.
• The Sony S980, meanwhile, has no environmental sealing. It’s your typical compact with zero rugged features and no GPS.

For adventure, trekking, or even beach holidays where you risk water spray or impact, Olympus is leagues ahead and in a different class entirely. The Sony simply can’t compete here.

Handling Different Photography Disciplines: What Really Works?

Having covered basic specs, I want to zoom out and share practical performance by genre - I tested these cameras in the field to bring you real insights.

Portrait Photography

• TG-2: Fast f/2 aperture gives nice subject isolation and creamy bokeh at 25mm equivalent, and Olympus’s face detection works reliably to keep eyes sharp. Expect natural skin tones and decent color science.
• Sony S980: Slower lens means less background blur and less light intake; combined with no face detection, portraits are often flat and less pleasing.

Winner: TG-2 for portraits without question.

Landscape Photography

• Resolution-wise, both hit 12MP, but the TG-2 edges ahead thanks to better dynamic range and exposure latitude from its BSI-CMOS sensor.
• TG-2’s ruggedness lets you shoot in challenging weather - withstand rain, dust, and rough terrain without fear.
• The Sony lacks weather sealing and has narrower apertures, reducing depth control in landscapes but can still deliver fine images under good light.

Winner: TG-2 again, especially if you hike or shoot outdoors.

Wildlife Photography

Both cameras falter here: small sensors and slow AF hinder telephoto performance.

• Olympus’s 4x zoom (25-100mm equiv.) isn’t exceptional for distant animals but is usable with steady hands.
• The Sony’s 33-132mm zoom has a slightly longer reach, but image quality drops off at telephoto range.

With only 5 fps burst on Olympus and single shot on Sony, action capture is limited.

Winner: If forced, TG-2 by virtue of slightly faster focus and burst.

Sports Photography

These shooters demand fast AF tracking and high burst rates - neither camera shines here.

• TG-2’s 5 fps burst and face tracking offer minimal support, but struggles with fast-moving subjects.
• Sony’s 1 fps shoot rate and slow AF render it unsuitable.

Winner: Neither is ideal; for casual use, TG-2 is marginally better.

Street Photography

• Sony’s compact size and lighter weight make it easier to carry discreetly in urban environments.
• TG-2’s bulk and rugged looks might draw more attention, though the tough housing means you can shoot confidently in wet or grimy conditions.

Image quality tilts in favor of TG-2, but portability is Sony’s trump card.

Winner: Sony if stealth matters more; TG-2 if you want ruggedness.

Macro Photography

• TG-2 offers an impressive 1cm minimum focus distance and sensor-shift stabilization.
• Sony starts focusing only at 10cm, making close-up shots less detailed.

Winner: Olympus is clearly favored for macro.

Night and Astro Photography

• Olympus supports ISO 6400 with usable noise suppression up to ISO 1600, lending it to low light.
• Sony tops out at ISO 3200 and struggles beyond 400, plus no stabilization makes handheld low-light tricky.

Neither has specialized astro modes, but TG-2’s sensor handles dark scenes better.

Winner: TG-2.

Video Capabilities

• TG-2 records Full HD 1080p at 30fps in H.264 – smooth with good color reproduction but no external microphone input.
• Sony maxes out at 720p 30fps with Motion JPEG format – less efficient and lower quality.

Neither supports 4K or advanced video features.

Winner: TG-2 comfortably.

Travel Photography

• TG-2’s size is a tradeoff: heavier but weatherproof, built for rugged conditions and varied shooting.
• Sony’s slim, lightweight body is easier to carry but offers less versatility in scene types and conditions.

Winner: Depends - if you want rugged flexibility, go TG-2; if portability is king, Sony.

Professional Work

• Neither supports RAW shooting or advanced customizations, limiting professional workflow integration.
• Olympus’s internal GPS can aid travel and documentary workflows.
• Sony’s limited controls and slower performance reduce usability for pro applications.

Winner: TG-2 is better suited for casual professional uses in demanding environments.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Olympus Thrives

We already touched on this, but to reinforce:

• TG-2’s crushproof and freezeproof options are rare for this category.
• Sony is standard compact fare with variable plastic parts and no sealing.

For shooting in wet, snowy, or dusty environments - Olympus is your fail-safe.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Both cameras have fixed lenses, so no swapping or upgrades.

• TG-2’s 25-100mm with f/2.0 max aperture at wide end is very versatile.
• Sony’s 33-132mm lens trades aperture speed for telephoto reach but remains modest by any standard.

If you want more focal variety or interchangeable lenses, consider this a deal breaker for both.

Battery Life and Storage Options

• TG-2: Li-90B battery, rated 350 shots per charge, which held up well in my tests with minimal disappointment.
• Sony: Official battery specs were missing but generally lower capacity and fewer shots per charge were reported historically.

Storage: TG-2 relies on SD cards; Sony uses Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo, limiting compatibility and expanding cost.

For all-day shooting, Olympus offers a more modern and practical package.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Neither camera supports wireless connectivity like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, reflecting their age. Both have USB 2.0 and HDMI ports for basic data transfer and playback. The TG-2’s built-in GPS is a bonus.

Price-to-Performance Ratio: Does It Make Sense in 2024?

Retail prices were roughly $380 for TG-2 and $300 for Sony at launch. Adjusted for today, these cameras hover in the lower secondhand market bracket.

Given their age, neither stacks well against modern compacts or smartphones in image quality or features. But for niche rugged use or collectors’ interest, the Olympus offers more bang for your buck by a mile.

Olympus TG 2 iHS front Olympus TG 2 iHS screen back Sony S980 front Sony S980 screen back

Summing Up: Who Should Buy the Olympus TG-2 iHS?

• Outdoor adventurers who want a tough, dependable camera that can survive punishment and still deliver solid images.
• Photographers who shoot a mix of portraits, landscapes, and macros requiring a fast lens and stabilization.
• Travelers needing weather sealing and GPS tagging.

Cons: Heavier, limited zoom range, no RAW support, outdated video.

Who Might Still Consider the Sony S980?

• Ultra-budget-conscious buyers wanting simple, lightweight point-and-shoot without rugged demands.
• Those shooting in well-lit urban or indoor environments who prize pocketability over image refinement.
• Collectors seeking a vintage compact with somewhat balanced zoom reach.

Cons: Poor low-light performance, no image stabilization, limited controls, and aging video format.

The Final Verdict

Between these two, if you can afford a bit more and prioritize image quality, durability, and versatility, the Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS stands out clearly - despite lacking some modern bells and whistles. It’s the cam I’d pack if I planned to hike, shoot near water, or want a rugged sidekick.

The Sony S980, while once respectable, now feels like a relic best suited for very casual snapshots or nostalgia lovers. Its compromises on sensor tech and controls make it hard to recommend in 2024, aside from perhaps the smallest pockets.

Practical Advice for Buyers Today

• If ruggedness is crucial, search for a newer rugged compact or even consider entry-level waterproof mirrorless cameras - they now offer interchangeable lenses and superior sensors.
• For a pure compact everyday shooter, many current generation compacts or flagship smartphones blow these old models out of the water on image quality and features.
• If restored or found cheap used, the TG-2 could still serve dedicated hobbyists who want waterproofing on a budget.

At the end of the day, these cameras illustrate how far compact digital photography has come. Thanks for sticking with me through this detailed duel - I hope it helps your camera hunt or just satisfies your gear curiosity. Remember, no camera is perfect, but choosing one that suits your shooting habits and environment is the best way to get inspired behind the lens.

Feel free to drop questions or experiences below - happy shooting!