• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 14.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 110.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 100.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Pentax RS1500 advantages over Olympus TG-1

  • Less expensive
    $150 vs $400 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Lighter weight
    128g vs 231g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    14.0 vs 12.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Olympus TG-1 advantages over Pentax RS1500

  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.0 vs f/3.2
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    610k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Wider angle lens
    25 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture more of the scene

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Manual focus
    Neither provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

  • Quality, grippable design; Bright and fast f/2.0 lens; Speedy autofocus, startup and shot-to-shot times; Built-in manometer and GPS.

  • Wide-angle photos typically underexposed; Moderate pincushion and barrel distortion; Muted colors; OLED monitor clips highlights.

The Competition

Compared to Pentax RS1000

Pentax RS1500
Pentax RS1000
  • $90
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $117
  • 1/2.3 inch
Olympus TG-1
Pentax RS1000
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $117
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner

Compared to Panasonic DMC-S3

Pentax RS1500
Panasonic DMC-S3
  • $90
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $130
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus
Olympus TG-1
Panasonic DMC-S3
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $130
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus

Compared to Nikon S4100

Pentax RS1500
Nikon S4100
  • $90
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • More dots on screen
Olympus TG-1
Nikon S4100
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $180
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Olympus TG-2

Pentax RS1500
Olympus TG-2
  • $90
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Lighter weight
  • $383
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
Olympus TG-1
Olympus TG-2
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoots 60p video
  • $383
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in GPS

Compared to Pentax WG-3 GPS

Pentax RS1500
Pentax WG-3 GPS
  • $90
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $229
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
Olympus TG-1
Pentax WG-3 GPS
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup
  • $229
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Built-in GPS
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