Olympus TG-4 vs Sony A560: An Expert Hands-On Comparison of Two Distinct Cameras

Choosing the right camera boils down to your distinct photography passions, shooting environments, and what you expect from your gear in terms of durability, image quality, and usability. Today I’m diving deep into two very different models that often intrigue enthusiasts for very different reasons: the rugged Olympus TG-4 and the entry-level DSLR Sony A560. While the TG-4 is a compact tough camera designed for adventure and versatility, the A560 offers classic DSLR handling and optics with an APS-C sensor.

Having personally tested both extensively - and logged thousands of images and hours behind the viewfinder - I’ll walk you through their core differences, real-world performance, and ideal user scenarios. This detailed comparison will cover everything from sensor technology and autofocus quirks to practical shooting across popular photography genres. Let’s jump in.

The Cameras Side-by-Side: Size, Design & Feel

Right off the bat, these two cameras couldn’t be more different physically.

The Olympus TG-4 is a compact, rugged point-and-shoot measuring just 112x66x31 mm and weighing a mere 247g - ideal for travelers or anyone who needs a bombproof camera that fits in a pocket or emergency kit. Its grip is modest but textured to hold well even when wet or gloved. Meanwhile, the Sony A560 is a traditional DSLR body, larger and heavier at 137x104x84 mm and 599g. It offers a substantial handgrip, lots of physical controls, and that unmistakable DSLR heft.

Ergonomically, the TG-4’s simplicity means fewer buttons and no viewfinder, while the Sony’s DSLR ergonomics and customizable buttons suit those who want manual control and a classic shooting experience. If you prefer a camera that disappears in your bag or handles extreme environments without worry, the TG-4 nails it. If you want an adaptable tool with full manual operation and a vast lens ecosystem, the A560 caters well to that.

Above, take note of the A560’s dedicated mode dial, exposure compensation wheel, and customizable buttons, which contrast with the TG-4’s more streamlined control scheme focusing on ease and durability over granular control.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality Fundamentals

Next, let’s talk image quality foundations - the sensor.

The TG-4 houses a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with 16 megapixels, while the A560 benefits from a much larger APS-C-sized CMOS sensor with 14 megapixels. This size difference - approximately 13x more surface area in favor of the Sony sensor - is fundamental. Larger sensors collect more light, yield better dynamic range, finer detail rendition, and superior high ISO performance.

In practical terms, the Sony produces images with richer color depth (22.5 bits vs. unknown for TG-4 but generally lower for small compact sensors) and vastly improved low-light performance. The A560’s sensor is also more versatile for cropping and printing large images.

BUT - and it’s a big but - the TG-4 has a fast f/2.0 aperture at the wide end of its 25-100 mm equivalent zoom lens, which helps in low light despite the sensor. Plus, the TG-4 uses Olympus’s TruePic VII image processor, tuned for crisp JPEG output and minimal noise suppression artifacts.

In my tests, the TG-4 delivers excellent JPEG results for a rugged compact, with punchy color and good detail for 8x10 inch prints or web use. The Sony A560, however, shines when shooting RAW, allowing a greater extent of post-processing flexibility, dynamic tonal edits, and improved noise control.

Viewfinders and Display: Composing Your Shot

Composing an image is deeply tied to how a camera presents the scene.

The TG-4 offers a fixed 3-inch LCD at 460K dots resolution - adequate but limited for critical focus checking or reviewing detailed images in bright conditions. No touchscreen here, which isn’t surprising on a rugged design. The battery and menus are designed for simplicity and outdoor use.

The Sony A560 sports a 3-inch tilting LCD with 922K dots and live view, plus it features an optical pentamirror viewfinder with 95% coverage and 0.53x magnification. This combination lets you shoot in bright daylight without glare issues and compose with precision through the eyepiece - a must for many serious shooters who prefer traditional SLR shooting.

In real-world terms, shooting on the Sony provides more confidence for manual focus or tracking fast-moving subjects, while the TG-4 reinforces quick snaps, macro shots, and underwater compositions where a viewfinder simply isn’t practical.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus and focusing options often make or break usability depending on the subject matter.

The TG-4 relies on a contrast-detection autofocus system with 25 AF points, including face detection and AF tracking. It also supports continuous AF modes and offers focus bracketing and stacking - features uncommon in rugged cameras. The macro focus range goes down to 1 cm, letting you capture tiny details with impressive clarity.

The Sony A560 uses a hybrid AF system with phase-detection AF across 15 autofocus points (3 cross-type), providing superior speed and accuracy, especially on moving subjects or in low light. Face detection exists but with fewer automated modes for subject tracking; it is best paired with faster lenses for peak performance.

In my extensive testing, the Sony’s DSLR phase-detection AF consistently delivers faster lock speeds and better tracking for wildlife and sports photography, while the TG-4 shines with its macro efforts and outdoor scene focus versatility - especially when speed isn’t critical.

Burst and Video Performance

Both cameras offer continuous shooting at around 5 frames per second, which suffices for casual action but will start to show limits in fast sports or wildlife shoots.

Video-wise:

• TG-4 shoots 1080p at 30fps with H.264 codec; lacks microphone input, which limits professional audio capture.
• Sony A560 offers 1080p at 60fps (and 30fps) with MPEG-4 and AVCHD formats, plus a microphone input jack for external audio devices.

If video quality and sound are priorities - think vlogging or short films - the Sony has the edge, especially with variable frame rate support and better codecs.

Build Quality and Durability: Use Case Differentiators

This is where the cameras really part ways.

The Olympus TG-4 is made for abuse: waterproof down to 15m, shockproof from 2.1m drops, freezeproof to -10°C, dustproof, and crushproof to 100kg. The TG series has long been a favorite amongst underwater shooters, hikers, and anyone who needs a camera that keeps going where DSLRs dare not tread.

The Sony A560 is a classic entry-level DSLR with no official weather sealing or ruggedization. It’s a delicate instrument by comparison, better suited to controlled environments or protected outdoor photography.

Lens Ecosystem and Optical Versatility

The TG-4 sports a fixed 25-100mm (35mm equivalent) f/2.0-4.9 lens. This zoom range is useful for most everyday scenarios plus macro shots down to 1 cm, but there’s no possibility of lens changes - the usual tradeoff with rugged compacts.

Conversely, the Sony A560 uses the Sony Alpha (Minolta Alpha) A-mount, compatible with over 140 lenses ranging from ultra-wide to telephoto, primes, macros, and specialty optics. Its 1.5x crop factor means a 50mm lens behaves like 75mm in field of view, typical for APS-C DSLRs.

This vast lens ecosystem means the Sony is naturally more flexible for professional workflows, fine-art portraiture, super-tele wildlife shots, and artistic macro photography.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

Sony’s A560 impresses with up to 1050 shots per charge, nearly triple the TG-4’s rated 380. Dependable battery life matters for long shoots or travel without access to power, so the DSLR wins here.

On storage, Sony’s dual SD card/Memory Stick slots support redundancy and extended capacity, while Olympus has a single SD slot plus internal memory - a minor convenience for quick backups but less flexible for serious pros.

Connectivity and Modern Features

Olympus TG-4 includes built-in GPS - a boon for travelers wanting geotagged images - and built-in Wi-Fi for image transfers. No Bluetooth or NFC.

Sony A560’s wireless options are limited to Eye-Fi card compatibility, and lack onboard GPS or Wi-Fi. This is understandable given the camera’s 2010 release but may be a serious limitation for modern users wanting instant sharing or smartphone tethering.

Diving Into Photography Genres: Where Each Camera Excels

Let’s break down how these cameras perform in popular photography types, based on my hands-on trials and image appraisal.

Portrait Photography

• Sony A560: With larger sensor, interchangeable lenses, and manual exposure modes, it’s ideal for portraits. Skin tones render more naturally with better tonal gradation, and bokeh quality improves dramatically when paired with fast prime lenses. Face detection AF is basic but useful.
• Olympus TG-4: Limited lens, smaller sensor, and fixed-focus autofocus reduce bokeh potential. Still, surprisingly good for casual portraits outdoors, with good color and sharpness in good light.

Landscape Photography

• Sony A560 pulls ahead with superior dynamic range (12.3 EV vs unknown/low for TG-4), larger sensor resolution, and ability to use wide-angle lenses. The lack of weather sealing is an issue but manageable with care.
• TG-4 scores with durability - shooting in wet, dusty, or muddy environments where DSLRs risk damage. Its 25mm wide angle is decent but less flexible.

Wildlife Photography

• Sony A560’s phase-detection AF and lens options make it far better for fast-moving wildlife, with possibilities for telephoto zooms and high ISO performance.
• TG-4, with a 100mm max zoom and contrast AF, is limited but handy for quick snaps while hiking or snorkeling.

Sports Photography

• Both deliver 5fps burst, but Sony’s phase-detection focus and lenses give it the edge.
• TG-4’s ruggedness is a plus for outdoor, rough conditions but not for fast, decisive capture.

Street Photography

• The compact TG-4 is less conspicuous - great for candid shots and urban exploration.
• Sony A560 is bulkier, more noticeable but offers manual control and the optical viewfinder which I personally love for street shooting once you’re comfortable with the size.

Macro Photography

• TG-4’s 1cm macro focusing and focus bracketing deliver surprisingly sharp close-ups without needing special lenses.
• Sony A560 depends on dedicated macro lenses but offers greater magnification control and image quality.

Night and Astro Photography

• Sony’s APS-C sensor and high ISO capability (up to 12800) outperform TG-4’s small sensor and max ISO 6400.
• Both cameras lack in-built astro features (like long exposure noise reduction or bulb timer), but Sony’s manual modes give creative control.

Video Capabilities

• Sony wins for video with 1080p60, various formats, and microphone input.
• TG-4 provides basic 1080p30 with internal mics only, suitable for casual use.

Travel Photography

• TG-4’s rugged compactness, GPS, and waterproofing make it a better travel companion for adventure trips.
• Sony’s larger size restricts portability but offers more image quality and creative freedom.

Final Performance Ratings: How Do They Stack Up?

After summarizing all my test results and user feedback, here’s the overall performance snapshot.

The Sony A560 scores better on core image quality and professional control, while the Olympus TG-4 shines in durability and ease in harsh environments.

Genre-Specific Scores: Which to Pick for Your Passion

The TG-4 leads in rugged outdoor, macro, and travel use. The Sony delivers in portrait, landscape, wildlife, and video-driven genres.

Sample Images Showdown: Visual Proof from Both Cameras

To crystallize these differences, here’s a gallery of image samples (marked Sony and Olympus).

Olympus TG 4 front Olympus TG 4 screen back Sony A560 front Sony A560 screen back

You’ll notice Sony’s images have better dynamic range and low-light control, while Olympus captures are sharp and colorful in bright, outdoor scenarios.

Who Should Buy the Olympus TG-4?

• You need a camera that just works wherever you go - rain, mud, underwater, and tough terrain.
• You want simple, reliable macro and landscape snaps with modest zoom.
• You prioritize pocketability, GPS, and straightforward shooting.
• You don’t mind limited manual control or less stellar low-light images.
• Budget-conscious under $400 with rugged reliability.

Who Should Buy the Sony A560?

• You want a traditional DSLR experience with full manual modes.
• You want to grow your system with a variety of lenses and accessories.
• You prioritize image quality, especially in portraits, wildlife, and landscapes.
• You shoot often in low light or need faster phase-detection autofocus.
• You value optical viewfinder composition and long battery life.
• Budget around $650 with a lens (body only here).

Closing Thoughts: Complementary Tools for Different Shooting Worlds

Frankly, the Olympus TG-4 and Sony A560 appeal to mostly non-overlapping photographers. The TG-4 is an adventurous companion for casual shooters and outdoor enthusiasts who value durability above all. In contrast, the Sony A560 is aimed at enthusiasts ready to take manual control, invest in lenses, and pursue more traditional photography styles.

If durability and convenience are king, the TG-4 boldly answers the call. If image quality, system expandability, and control are paramount, the Sony A560 remains a solid entry-level DSLR contender.

Whether you prioritize rugged reliability or image fidelity, I hope this comparison clarifies how each camera can meet your needs. Feel free to ask if you want lens recommendations or shooting tips for either rig!

Happy shooting!