Olympus TG-4 vs Sony QX1

Here is a in depth assessment of the Olympus TG-4 and Sony QX1, former being a Waterproof while the other is a Lens-style by brands Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the TG-4 (16MP) and the QX1 (20MP) is fairly close but the TG-4 (1/2.3") and QX1 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The TG-4 was brought out 8 months later than the QX1 which means that they are both of a similar age. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus TG-4 being a Compact camera and the Sony QX1 being a Lens-style camera.

Before getting through a complete comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the TG-4 scores versus the QX1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Tough TG-4 & Sony Alpha QX1. The entire galleries are available at Olympus TG-4 Gallery & Sony QX1 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry your camera frequently, you're going to have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus TG-4 has outer dimensions of 112mm x 66mm x 31mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 247 grams (0.54 lbs) and the Sony QX1 has specifications of 74mm x 70mm x 53mm (2.9" x 2.8" x 2.1") and a weight of 216 grams (0.48 lbs).

Examine the Olympus TG-4 and Sony QX1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the TG-4 versus the QX1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the TG-4 and QX1 is 90 and 90 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to visualise the difference in sensor sizing only by viewing a spec sheet. The graphic here should provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the TG-4 and QX1.

As you can see, both cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The TG-4 because of its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field more difficult and the Sony QX1 will render greater detail having its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The more modern TG-4 will have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.