Canon PowerShot G12 vs Olympus TG-820 iHS

      Canon PowerShot G12

      Olympus TG-820 iHS
      62
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      58
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Canon PowerShot G12 and the Olympus TG-820 iHS, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Canon PowerShot G12 was introduced in January 2011 and Olympus TG-820 iHS was introduced in February 2012. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Canon PowerShot G12 Highlights

      • 10 MP 1/1.7-inch CCD Sensor
      • 80 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points (9 Cross-type)
      • Image Stabilization
      • 2.80" 461k dot Fully Articulated Screen
      • Optical (tunnel) Viewfinder
      • 1.1 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1280 x 720 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Olympus TG-820 iHS Highlights

      • 12 MP 1/2.3-inch CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 1,030k dot Fixed Screen
      • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Wheather Sealed Body
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Canon PowerShot G12
      4. Advantage of Olympus TG-820 iHS
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Canon PowerShot G12 and Olympus TG-820 iHS.

      PROS

      Canon PowerShot G12

      Olympus TG-820 iHS

      •   Video Capture
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 401 g (0.88 lb / 14.14 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 206 g (0.45 lb / 7.27 oz)
      •   Internal Storage
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Canon PowerShot G12

      Olympus TG-820 iHS

      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.1 fps
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 47
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 370 shots
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Short Battery Life - 220 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Canon PowerShot G12

      Olympus TG-820 iHS

      •   Screen Size - 2.80"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,030k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps

      Advantage of Canon PowerShot G12

      Canon G12
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon PowerShot G12 over Olympus TG-820 iHS.

      Canon PowerShot G12 vs Olympus TG-820 iHS
      Larger Sensor 1/1.7-inch vs 1/2.3-inch
      Lower Native ISO 80 vs 100
      RAW Support vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Maximum Aperture at Wide End f/2.8 vs f/3.9
      Maximum Aperture at Tele End f/4.5 vs f/5.9
      Screen Type Fully Articulated vs Fixed
      Lower Min Shutter Speed 15 sec vs 4 sec
      Higher Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) 1/4000 sec vs 1/2000 sec
      External Flash Connectivity vs
      Manual Exposure Mode vs
      Aperture Priority vs
      Shutter Priority vs
      Center Weighted Metering vs
      Built-in Microphone Stereo vs Mono
      Longer Battery Life 370 shots vs 220 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Canon PowerShot G12.

      Canon G7 X
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      1-inch

      20.2 MP

      Canon G16
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      1/1.7-inch

      12.1 MP

      Canon G15
      Image cannot be found

      1/1.7-inch

      12.1 MP

      Canon G7 X MII
      Image cannot be found

      1-inch

      20.1 MP

      Canon G7 X MIII
      Image cannot be found

      1-inch

      20.1 MP

      Canon G9 X
      Image cannot be found

      1-inch

      20.2 MP

      Canon G1 X II
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      1.5-inch

      12.8 MP

      Canon G1 X
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      1.5-inch

      14.3 MP

      Canon G5 X MII
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      1-inch

      20.1 MP

      Canon G9 X II
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      1-inch

      20.1 MP

      Canon G11
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      1/1.7-inch

      10 MP

      Canon G5 X
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      1-inch

      20.2 MP

      Advantage of Olympus TG-820 iHS

      Olympus TG-820 iHS
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Olympus TG-820 iHS over Canon PowerShot G12.

      Canon PowerShot G12 vs Olympus TG-820 iHS
      Higher Sensor Resolution 10 Megapixel vs 12 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 3,200 vs 6,400
      Max Image Resolution 3648 x 2736 vs 3968 x 2976
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 2.80" vs 3.0"
      Higher Resolution Screen 461k dot vs 1,030k dot
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 1.1 fps vs 5.0 fps
      Higher Video Resolution 1280 x 720 vs 1920 x 1080
      Environmental Sealing vs
      Water Proof vs
      Dust Proof vs
      Shock Proof vs
      Crush Proof vs
      Freeze Proof vs
      Lighter 401 g (0.88 lb / 14.14 oz) vs 206 g (0.45 lb / 7.27 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Olympus TG-820 iHS.

      Olympus TG-610
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      1/2.3-inch

      14 MP

      Olympus TG-810
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      1/2.3-inch

      14 MP

      Olympus TG-830 iHS
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      1/2.3-inch

      16 MP

      Olympus TG-320
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      1/2.3-inch

      14 MP

      Olympus TG-310
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      1/2.3-inch

      14 MP

      Olympus TG-630 iHS
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      1/2.3-inch

      12 MP

      Sony a7S III
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      Full Frame

      12.1 MP

      Canon R10
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon R50
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Nikon P330
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      1/1.7-inch

      12.2 MP

      Sony HX200V
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      1/2.3-inch

      18.2 MP

      Nikon Z f
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      Full Frame

      24.4 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Canon PowerShot G12 Olympus TG-820 iHS
        Video Capture
        High Native ISO3,2006,400
        Face Detection
        Image Stabilization
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output Type D
        Light401 g (0.88 lb / 14.14 oz)206 g (0.45 lb / 7.27 oz)
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Canon PowerShot G12 Olympus TG-820 iHS
        Small Sensor1/1.7-inch1/2.3-inch
        Low Resolution Sensor10 Megapixel12 Megapixel
        Timelapse Recording
        Low Video Resolution1280 x 7201920 x 1080
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi Eye-Fi Connection possible
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        Short Battery Life370 shots220 shots

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Canon PowerShot G12 has a 2.80" Fully Articulated screen with 461k dot resolution and Olympus TG-820 iHS has a 3.0" Fixed screen with 1,030k dot resolution. Fully articulated screen makes Canon PowerShot G12 selfie and vlogger friendly and generally very useful for video shooting.

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      Canon PowerShot G12 with Fully Articulated screen


      Optical (tunnel) Viewfinder on Canon PowerShot G12

      Canon PowerShot G12 has a built-in Optical (tunnel) viewfinder. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Olympus TG-820 iHS.

      Sensor

      Canon PowerShot G12 features a 10 megapixel 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor with dimensions of 7.44 x 5.58 mm and a total area of 41.5 mm2. Its native ISO range is 80 - 3,200. Olympus TG-820 iHS features a 12 megapixel 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 20.7 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400.

      Photography Features

      Canon PowerShot G12 is equipped with DIGIC 4 processor and can take pictures up to 3648 x 2736 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3648 x 2736, 3648 x 2432, 3648 x 2048, 2816 x 2112, 2816 x 1880, 2816 x 1584, 2736 x 2736, 2192 x 2736, 2112 x 2112, 1920 x 1080, 1600 x 1064, 1696 x 2112, 1200 x 1200, 960 x 1200, 640 x 480, 640 x 424, 640 x 360, 480 x 480, 384 x 480, 320 x 240 with 1:1, 5:4, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Olympus TG-820 iHS is equipped with TruePic VI processor and can take pictures up to 3968 x 2976 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3968 x 2976, 3264 x 2448, 2560 x 1920, 2048 x 1536, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 640 x 480.


      Image Stabilization

      The cameras have a built-in [y] image stabilization.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Canon PowerShot G12 has an HDMI and Olympus TG-820 iHS has a Type D HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Canon PowerShot G12 comes with NB-7L battery pack with battery life of 370 shots and Olympus TG-820 iHS comes with LI-50B battery pack with battery life of 220 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Canon PowerShot G12 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC/MMC/MMCplus/HC MMCplus card slot. Olympus TG-820 iHS has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Canon PowerShot G12, and up to 1/2000 sec on Olympus TG-820 iHS. Canon PowerShot G12 can shoot continuously up to 1.1 fps. Olympus TG-820 iHS can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 7.00 m on Canon PowerShot G12 and 3.50 m on Olympus TG-820 iHS. Canon PowerShot G12 also accepts external flash which can be connected via Shoe Mount. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/2000 sec on Canon PowerShot G12.

      Physical Parameters

      Canon PowerShot G12 body has dimensions of 112 x 76 x 48 mm (4.41 x 2.99 x 1.89") and Olympus TG-820 iHS body has dimensions of 101 x 65 x 26 mm (3.98 x 2.56 x 1.02"). Canon PowerShot G12 weighs 401 g (0.88 lb / 14.14 oz) and Olympus TG-820 iHS weighs 206 g (0.45 lb / 7.27 oz).

      Canon PowerShot G12

      Olympus TG-820 iHS

      112 mm

      76 mm

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      101 mm

      65 mm

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      76 mm

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      65 mm

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      48 mm

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      26 mm

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      Size comparisons of Canon PowerShot G12 and Olympus TG-820 iHS

      Canon PowerShot G12 and Olympus TG-820 iHS for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Canon PowerShot G12

      Olympus TG-820 iHS

      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,030k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Canon PowerShot G12

      Olympus TG-820 iHS

      AVERAGE
      62
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.1 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 370 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,030k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 220 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Canon PowerShot G12

      Olympus TG-820 iHS

      AVERAGE
      56
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.1 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 370 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,030k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 220 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Canon PowerShot G12

      Olympus TG-820 iHS

      GOOD
      80
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.80"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      74
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,030k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Canon PowerShot G12

      Olympus TG-820 iHS

      GOOD
      83
      •   Small Sensor
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 401 g (0.88 lb / 14.14 oz)
      EXCELLENT
      87
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,030k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 206 g (0.45 lb / 7.27 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Canon PowerShot G12

      Olympus TG-820 iHS

      GOOD
      84
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 401 g (0.88 lb / 14.14 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 370 shots
      EXCELLENT
      90
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,030k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 206 g (0.45 lb / 7.27 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 220 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Canon PowerShot G12 and Olympus TG-820 iHS and give them scores of 62 and 58 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Canon PowerShot G12

      Olympus TG-820 iHS

      OVERALL
      62
      OVERALL
      58

      Sensor

      Canon PowerShot G12

      Olympus TG-820 iHS

      AVERAGE
      61
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 10 Megapixel
      •   80 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Low DxO Overall Score - 47
      POOR
      51
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Canon PowerShot G12

      Olympus TG-820 iHS

      GOOD
      72
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.1 fps
      •   High Flash Sync Speed - 1/2000 sec
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Video

      Canon PowerShot G12

      Olympus TG-820 iHS

      POOR
      43
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1280 x 720
      POOR
      46
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080

      Focusing

      Canon PowerShot G12

      Olympus TG-820 iHS

      AVERAGE
      61
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      70
      •   Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Canon PowerShot G12

      Olympus TG-820 iHS

      GOOD
      74
      •   Fully Articulated Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.80"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 461k dot
      AVERAGE
      57
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,030k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Canon PowerShot G12

      Olympus TG-820 iHS

      AVERAGE
      60
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      AVERAGE
      55
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Canon PowerShot G12

      Olympus TG-820 iHS

      POOR
      44
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 401 g (0.88 lb / 14.14 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 370 shots
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 206 g (0.45 lb / 7.27 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 220 shots
      •   Internal Storage


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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