Olympus TG-4 vs Sony HX1

Here is a in-depth analysis of the Olympus TG-4 and Sony HX1, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Olympus and Sony. There exists a huge gap among the resolutions of the TG-4 (16MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the TG-4 (1/2.3") and HX1 (1/2.4") posses totally different sensor sizes.

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The TG-4 was brought out 6 years later than the HX1 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus TG-4 being a Compact camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving into a in-depth comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the TG-4 scores vs the HX1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Tough TG-4 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus TG-4 Gallery and Sony HX1 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera, you have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus TG-4 has exterior measurements of 112mm x 66mm x 31mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") and a weight of 247 grams (0.54 lbs) and the Sony HX1 has dimensions of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Examine the Olympus TG-4 and Sony HX1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you select during that time. Underneath is a front view dimension comparison of the TG-4 vs the HX1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the TG-4 and HX1 is 90 and 67 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be hard to see the contrast in sensor sizing only by going through specs. The visual below will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the TG-4 and HX1.

All in all, both of the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The TG-4 because of its larger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF easier and the Olympus TG-4 will produce more detail having its extra 7MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The newer TG-4 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.