Olympus TG-820 iHS Review

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Main Features

12MP - 1/2.3" CMOS Sensor

ISO 100 - 6400

28-140 mm F3.9-5.9 Zoom Lens

Sensor-shift Image Stabilization

3" Fixed Type Screen

5 fps continuous shooting

Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video

206g. 101 x 65 x 26 mm

Weather Sealed Body

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Olympus TG-820 iHS Overview

First introduced in February 2012 , Olympus TG-820 iHS is a 12.0MP Waterproof camera with a 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor, built-in Image Stabilization and 28-140 mm F3.9-5.9 lens.

Olympus TG-820 iHS Review - Click for Table of Contents

Overview
Pros and Cons
Sensor and Photography Features
Physical Specs
LCD and Viewfinder
Connectivity, Storage and Battery
Video
Other Features
Lens
Photography Type Scores
Alternatives
Popular Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Detailed Specifications

Olympus TG-820 iHS is a member of Olympus's TG-8X0 series of cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this series and how their main specs have changed with each new version.

Olympus TG-8X0 Series History

Model	Release Date	Sensor	Max FPS	Dimensions	Weight
Olympus TG-870 Compare	2016	16.0MP - 1/2.3"	7.0 fps	113 x 64 x 28mm	221g
Olympus TG-860 Compare	2015	16.0MP - 1/2.3"	7.0 fps	110 x 64 x 28mm	224g
Olympus TG-850 iHS Compare	2014	16.0MP - 1/2.3"	7.0 fps	110 x 64 x 28mm	218g
Olympus TG-830 iHS Compare	2013	16.0MP - 1/2.3"	fps	109 x 67 x 28mm	214g
Olympus TG-820 iHS	2012	12.0MP - 1/2.3"	5.0 fps	101 x 65 x 26mm	206g

Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series:
Olympus TG-870 vs TG-860 vs TG-850 iHS vs TG-830 iHS vs TG-820 iHS

Olympus TG-820 iHS has an Overall Score of 46/100 and ranked #96 out of 629 in Compact cameras (Top 10 Waterproof), and ranked #556 out of 1220 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

Main Scores

Imaging

Features

Value for Money

Portability

Overall Score

Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.

Olympus TG-820 iHS Physical Specs

Olympus TG-820 iHS weighs 206 g (0.45 lb / 7.27 oz) and has external dimensions of 101 x 65 x 26 mm (3.98 x 2.56 x 1.02″). Considering that the average weight of Compact type cameras is 188g, its weight is about average in its class. With a thickness of 26mm, it also has an average thickness.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

Olympus TG-820 iHS

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Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

Olympus TG-820 iHS

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Here is the front and top view image of Olympus TG-820 iHS with the dimensions:

Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Olympus TG-820 iHS Camera Body

In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Olympus TG-820 iHS, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.

Physical size of the Olympus TG-820 iHS Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

Now lets compare the weight and thickness of Olympus TG-820 iHS with its main competitors:

Olympus TG-820 iHS Size Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Weight	vs TG-820 iHS	Thickness	vs TG-820 iHS
Olympus TG-5 Compare	250g	44g heavier	32mm	6mm thicker
Olympus TG-6 Compare	253g	47g heavier	32mm	6mm thicker
Olympus TG-4 Compare	247g	41g heavier	31mm	5mm thicker
Olympus TG-810 Compare	215g	9g heavier	26mm	equal thickness
Olympus TG-870 Compare	221g	15g heavier	28mm	2mm thicker
Olympus TG-860 Compare	224g	18g heavier	28mm	2mm thicker
Olympus TG-850 iHS Compare	218g	12g heavier	28mm	2mm thicker
Olympus TG-830 iHS Compare	214g	8g heavier	28mm	2mm thicker

Weather Sealing

Olympus TG-820 iHS has environmental sealings (waterproof, shockproof, dustproof, freezeproof)

Olympus TG-820 iHS Sensor and Photography Features

Olympus TG-820 iHS has a 12.0MP 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features TruePic VI processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 3968 x 2976 pixels. TG-820 iHS has a native ISO range of 100 - 6400 but unfortunately, Olympus TG-820 iHS doesn't have RAW file support. If you need a Compact camera with a RAW support, consider Nikon Coolpix P7100 or Canon PowerShot S120 in the same price range.

Olympus TG-820 iHS is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 with its 21.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Olympus TG-820 iHS vs Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 or take a look at Highest resolution Waterproof cameras list.

Let's look at how the size of the Olympus TG-820 iHS's 1/2.3" sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

Comparison image of Olympus TG-820 iHS Sensor Size with other standard sensors

Olympus TG-820 iHS Lens

Olympus TG-820 iHS features a 28-140 mm F3.9-5.9 5× zoom lens. Lens has a good wide angle capability starting at 28mm and 140mm reach on tele gives a lot of flexibility and satisfy most of your needs.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

TG-820 iHS

Widest - Ricoh WG-M1

Average

Telezoom

Compact Cameras

TG-820 iHS

Longest - Canon SX520 HS

Average

With a max aperture of f3.90 at 28mm, we can not consider this lens fast on wide end, and it is slow at the tele end with its max aperture of f5.90.

Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

TG-820 iHS

Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

TG-820 iHS

Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV

Average

TG-820 iHS is also equipped with Sensor-shift image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds.

Olympus TG-820 iHS LCD

Olympus TG-820 iHS has a Fixed Type 3" LCD screen with a resolution of 1,030k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.

TG-820 iHS doesn't have a viewfinder and no option for external viewfinder. Lack of a viewfinder can be problematic especially under strong light where visibility of LCD screens goes down dramatically. If you need a Compact camera with a built-in viewfinder in a similar price range, consider Nikon Coolpix P7100 (Compare) or Nikon Coolpix P7000 (Compare).
If the price is not an issue, take a look at our Top Rated Cameras with Viewfinders.

Olympus TG-820 iHS Connectivity, Storage and Battery

You can connect TG-820 iHS to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

Battery

Olympus TG-820 iHS is powered by battery which provides a shooting life of 220 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Compact type cameras is 255 shots, its battery life is about average in its class but it would still be wise to invest in some spare batteries for long photo trips.

Battery Life Comparison in Waterproof Cameras

Olympus TG-820 iHS

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Average

Max

Olympus TG-4 with its 380shots is the model with longest battery life among Waterproof cameras. Check the comparison of Olympus TG-820 iHS vs Olympus TG-4 or take a look at Longest Battery Life Waterproof cameras list.

Olympus TG-820 iHS Features Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Max Video	Battery Life	Wi-fi	Bluetooth	NFC
Olympus TG-5 Compare	3840 x 2160	340shots	Yes	No	No
Olympus TG-6 Compare	3840 x 2160	340shots	Yes	No	No
Olympus TG-4 Compare	1920 x 1080	380shots	Yes	No	No
Olympus TG-810 Compare	1280 x 720	220shots	No	No	No
Olympus TG-870 Compare	1920 x 1080	300shots	Yes	No	No
Olympus TG-860 Compare	1920 x 1080	300shots	Yes	No	No
Olympus TG-850 iHS Compare	1920 x 1080	330shots	Yes	No	No
Olympus TG-830 iHS Compare	1920 x 1080	300shots	No	No	No

Olympus TG-820 iHS Video Features

With Olympus TG-820 iHS, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 30 fps and save in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. Full HD resolution of Olympus TG-820 iHS will be adequate in most of the situations. But if you are after the highest resolution videos available, see our list of Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Video.

TG-820 iHS has a built-in Mono microphone and a Mono speaker.
Olympus TG-820 iHS doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Compact camera with external microphone connectivity, consider Nikon Coolpix P7100 or Nikon Coolpix P7000 in a similar price range.

Olympus TG-820 iHS Other Features

Max Shutter speed

Olympus TG-820 iHS can shoot continuously at max speed of 5 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/2000 sec.

Flash

Unfortunately TG-820 iHS doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.

Focusing

Olympus TG-820 iHS features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system.

Olympus TG-820 iHS also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

Olympus TG-820 iHS PROs and CONs Review

Now let's get in to more details of our Olympus TG-820 iHS review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

PROs

Water Proof

Shock Proof

Crush Proof

Freeze Proof

Image Stabilization

Full HD Video

Face Detection Focusing

1.030k dots LCD Resolution

206g Light Body

Environmental Sealing

Report a correction

Buy Olympus TG-820 iHS from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO

CONs

No Wireless Connection

No Articulating Screen

No External Flash Shoe

No Touch Screen

No Built-in Viewfinder

No RAW Shooting

Low Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP

Low Battery Life: 220 shots

No Manual Focusing

No Manual Exposure

Slow Lens at Wide: f3.90

Slow Lens at Tele: f5.90

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What type of Photography is Olympus TG-820 iHS Good for?

In this section, we review and score Olympus TG-820 iHS in 5 different photography areas.

Olympus TG-820 iHS for Portrait Photography

Olympus TG-820 iHS has a score of 28 for Portrait Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait We strongly recommend you to check our Top Waterproof Cameras for Portrait Photography list and consider these alternatives over theTG-820 iHS.

Image Stabilization
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe

No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling

Read the details of how we scored Olympus TG-820 iHS for Portrait Photography

Olympus TG-820 iHS for Street Photography

Olympus TG-820 iHS has a score of 60 for Street Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Street Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Waterproof Cameras for Street Photography list.

Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Image Stabilization
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small Body

No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
Slow Lens at Wide: f3.90
No RAW shooting capability
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor

Read the details of how we scored Olympus TG-820 iHS for Street Photography

Olympus TG-820 iHS for Sports Photography

Olympus TG-820 iHS has a score of 21 for Sports Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Sports We strongly recommend you to check our Top Waterproof Cameras for Sports Photography list and consider these alternatives over theTG-820 iHS.

Environmental Sealings
Image Stabilization
Average Continuous Shooting: 5.0fps
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
140 mm Tele Lens
Focus Points
Poor Battery Life: 220 shots

Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
No Manual Exposure Mode
No Manual Focus Mode
No Built-in Viewfinder
No External Flash Shoe
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.90
No RAW shooting capability

Read the details of how we scored Olympus TG-820 iHS for Sports Photography

Olympus TG-820 iHS for Daily Photography

Olympus TG-820 iHS has a score of 66 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Waterproof Cameras for Daily Photography list.

Compact Body
206g
Environmental Sealings

5.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability

Read the details of how we scored Olympus TG-820 iHS for Daily Photography

Olympus TG-820 iHS for Landscape Photography

Olympus TG-820 iHS has a score of 20 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Waterproof Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theTG-820 iHS.

28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Environmental Sealings
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
No Manual Exposure Mode

No Manual Focus Mode
No RAW shooting capability
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor

Read the details of how we scored Olympus TG-820 iHS for Landscape Photography

Olympus TG-820 iHS Alternatives

In this section, we analyse how Olympus TG-820 iHS compares with other Compact cameras within a similar price range.

Read a more detailed analysis of Olympus TG-820 iHS alternatives.

Popular Comparisons of Olympus TG-820 iHS

Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Olympus TG-820 iHS amongst Camera Decision readers.

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Olympus TG-820 iHS Alternatives in Cameras

It would also be interesting to compare Olympus TG-820 iHS with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Olympus TG-820 iHS's price range.

Frequently Asked Questions about Olympus TG-820 iHS

Does the Olympus TG-820 iHS have Image Stabilization?
Does the Olympus TG-820 iHS have RAW support?
Does the Olympus TG-820 iHS have Weather Sealing?
Does the Olympus TG-820 iHS have built-in GPS?
What is the Max ISO of Olympus TG-820 iHS?
What is the Sensor Size of Olympus TG-820 iHS?
is the Olympus TG-820 iHS a Full Frame (FF) camera?
Does the Olympus TG-820 iHS have Touch Screen?
Does the Olympus TG-820 iHS have built-in Wireless?
What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Olympus TG-820 iHS?
What is the Weight of Olympus TG-820 iHS?
What are the Dimensions of Olympus TG-820 iHS?

Olympus TG-820 iHS Detailed Specifications

General
Brand	Olympus
Model	Olympus TG-820 iHS
Announced	2012-02-08
Body Type	Compact
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens
Number of Lenses
Lens Focal Range	28-140 mm (5×)
Max Aperture	F3.9-5.9
Macro Focus Range	1cm
Screen
Screen Type	Fixed Type
Screen Technology	HyperCrystal III TFT Color LCD
Screen Size	3"
Screen Resolution	1,030k dots
Live View
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	None
Viewfinder Resolution	no electronic viewfinder
Viewfinder Coverage	n/a
Viewfinder Magnification	n/a
Photography Features
Min Shutter Speed	4s
Max Mechanical Shutter Speed	1/2000s
Continuous Shooting	5.0 fps
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Exposure Compensation	n/a
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	3.50 m
Flash Modes	Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in
External Flash
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Exposure Modes
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score	not tested
DxO Color Depth	not tested
DxO Dynamic Range	not tested
DxO Low Light ISO	not tested
	Report a correction

Sensor
Sensor Type	CMOS
Sensor Size	1/2.3"
Sensor Dimensions	6.17 x 4.55 mm
Sensor Area	28.07mm²
Sensor Resolution	12 megapixels
Max Image Resolution	3968 x 2976
Max Native ISO	6,400
Min Native ISO	100
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Video Features
Video Resolutions	1920 x 1080 (30 fps)1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 180 (30fps)
Max Video Resolution	1920 x 1080
Video Formats	MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	None
HDMI
USB	USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Water Proof
Dust Proof
Shock Proof
Crush Proof
Freeze Proof
Weight	206g
Physical Dimensions	101 x 65 x 26mm
Battery Life	220 shots
Battery Type	Battery Pack
Battery Model	LI-50B
Other Features
Self Timer	Yes (2 or 12 sec, pet auto shutter)
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None
Storage Type	SD/SDHC/SDXC
Storage Slots	1