• 35mm 861.6mm2
  • 24.6 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 3200
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 140.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony A900 advantages over Olympus TG-830

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.94 vs 1.34 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    24.6 vs 16.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Dual card slots
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster shutter
    1/8000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Olympus TG-830 advantages over Sony A900

  • Less expensive
    $280 vs $3000 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    28 mm vs 81 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    214g vs 939g
    Lighter weight
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    11.5 fps vs 5.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    17 vs 11 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • 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
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony A850

Sony A900
Sony A850
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compare Sony A900 vs Sony A850

Olympus TG-830
Sony A850
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $2219
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Olympus TG-830 vs Sony A850

Compared to Fujifilm XP150

Sony A900
Fujifilm XP150
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $272
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof

Compare Sony A900 vs Fujifilm XP150

Olympus TG-830
Fujifilm XP150
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • HDMI out
  • $272
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compare Olympus TG-830 vs Fujifilm XP150

Compared to Nikon D800

Sony A900
Nikon D800
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup

Compare Sony A900 vs Nikon D800

Olympus TG-830
Nikon D800
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $1850
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Olympus TG-830 vs Nikon D800

Compared to Canon 5D Mark III

Sony A900
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO

Compare Sony A900 vs Canon 5D Mark III

Olympus TG-830
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Olympus TG-830 vs Canon 5D Mark III

Compared to Fujifilm XP170

Sony A900
Fujifilm XP170
  • $3000
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof

Compare Sony A900 vs Fujifilm XP170

Olympus TG-830
Fujifilm XP170
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • More dots on screen
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compare Olympus TG-830 vs Fujifilm XP170

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