Olympus Tough TG-4 vs Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS

      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Olympus Tough TG-4 and the Olympus Tough TG-1 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.

      Olympus Tough TG-4 was introduced in April 2015 and Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS was introduced in May 2012. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Olympus Tough TG-4 Highlights

      • 16 MP 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • 25 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 460k dot Fixed Screen
      • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Built-in GPS
      • Built-In Wi-Fi
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS Highlights

      • 12 MP 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 610k dot Fixed Screen
      • 3.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Built-in GPS
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      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 Olympus Tough TG-4 and Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS.

      PROS

      Olympus Tough TG-4

      Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS

      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 247 g (0.54 lb / 8.71 oz)
      •   Internal Storage
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 230 g (0.51 lb / 8.11 oz)

      CONS

      Olympus Tough TG-4

      Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS

      •   Small Sensor
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   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 Bluetooth
      •   Short Battery Life - 380 shots
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12 Megapixel
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 610k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots


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

      AVERAGE

      Olympus Tough TG-4

      Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS

      •   Sensor Resolution - 16 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"

      Advantage of Olympus Tough TG-4

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Olympus Tough TG-4 over Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS.

      Olympus Tough TG-4 vs Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS
      Cheaper $379 vs $399
      Higher Sensor Resolution 16 Megapixel vs 12 Megapixel
      Max Image Resolution 4608 x 3456 vs 3968 x 2976
      RAW Support vs
      Timelapse Recording vs
      Continuous Autofocus vs
      Live View Autofocus vs
      Min Normal Focus Distance 10 cm vs 60 cm
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps vs 3.0 fps
      Aperture Priority vs
      Center Weighted Metering vs
      Built-In Wi-Fi vs
      Water Proof vs
      Dust Proof vs
      Shock Proof vs
      Freeze Proof vs
      Longer Battery Life 380 shots vs 350 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Olympus Tough TG-4.

      Advantage of Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS over Olympus Tough TG-4.

      Olympus Tough TG-4 vs Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS
      Selective Autofocus vs
      Higher Resolution Screen 460k dot vs 610k dot
      Built-in Microphone Mono vs Stereo
      Lighter 247 g (0.54 lb / 8.71 oz) vs 230 g (0.51 lb / 8.11 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS.

      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 Olympus Tough TG-4 Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS
        Cheap$379$399
        Video Capture
        High Native ISO6,4006,400
        Face Detection
        Image Stabilization
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output Micro Type D
        Built-in GPS
        Environmental Sealing
        Light247 g (0.54 lb / 8.71 oz)230 g (0.51 lb / 8.11 oz)
      WEAKNESSES Olympus Tough TG-4 Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS
        Small Sensor1/2.3-inch1/2.3-inch
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Resolution Screen460k dot610k dot
        No Viewfinder
        Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)1/2000 sec1/2000 sec
        No External Flash Connectivity
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801920 x 1080
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        Short Battery Life380 shots350 shots

      Screen

      Screen

      Olympus Tough TG-4 and Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS have 3.0" Fixed screens with 460k dot and 610k dot resolutions respectively.

      Sensor

      BSI-CMOS Sensor

      Olympus Tough TG-4 features a 16 megapixel 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 28.1 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400 and expands to 100 - 12,800 in boosted mode. Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS features a 12 megapixel 1/2.3-inch BSI-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.

      The cameras have BSI-CMOS sensor, short for Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor sensor. In traditional CMOS sensors, the wiring and circuitry are located on the front side of the sensor, which can block some of the incoming light. BSI technology flips this design by placing the photosensitive elements (pixels) on the backside of the sensor, allowing more light to reach the pixels. This significantly enhances light sensitivity and improves low-light performance. BSI-CMOS sensors are particularly effective in low-light conditions, as they can capture more light, resulting in brighter and less noisy images. This makes them well-suited for indoor and night photography. BSI-CMOS sensors deliver a higher SNR and reduced cross-talk.

      Photography Features

      Olympus Tough TG-4 is equipped with TruePic VII processor and can take pictures up to 4608 x 3456 resolution. Olympus Tough TG-1 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 2232, 3264 x 2448, 2560 x 1920, 2048 x 1536, 1920 x 1080, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 640 x 480 with 4:3, 16:9 aspect ratios.


      Image Stabilization

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

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      Built-in GPS

      Cameras have built-in GPS (Global Positioning System) technology which allows you to automatically tag the location where you took your photos. You can later categorize, organize, and search for photos based on location. This is very useful for travel and outdoor photographers for documenting the locations where images were captured.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in GPS.


      Built-in Wi-Fi on Olympus Tough TG-4

      Olympus Tough TG-4 has a built-in Wi-Fi which allows to easily transfer photos and videos from the camera to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, printers, or computers. This eliminates the need for cables and allows for quick and convenient media sharing and social media integration. It gives you the ability to control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for taking self-portraits, group shots, or capturing images in challenging conditions without having to touch the camera. Firmware updates can also be downloaded and installed wirelessly.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in WiFi.


      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Olympus Tough TG-4 has a Micro HDMI and Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS has a Type D HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Olympus Tough TG-4 comes with LI-92B battery pack with battery life of 380 shots and Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS comes with LI90B battery pack with battery life of 350 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Olympus Tough TG-4 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory card slot. Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS has a single card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/2000 sec on Olympus Tough TG-4, and up to 1/2000 sec on Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS. Olympus Tough TG-4 can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps. Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS can shoot continuously up to 3.0 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 7.90 m at ISO 1600 on Olympus Tough TG-4..

      Physical Parameters

      Olympus Tough TG-4 body has dimensions of 112 x 66 x 31 mm (4.41 x 2.6 x 1.22") and Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS body has dimensions of 112 x 67 x 30 mm (4.41 x 2.64 x 1.18"). Olympus Tough TG-4 weighs 247 g (0.54 lb / 8.71 oz) and Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS weighs 230 g (0.51 lb / 8.11 oz).

      Olympus Tough TG-4

      Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS

      112 mm

      66 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      112 mm

      67 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      66 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      67 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      31 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      30 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      Size comparisons of Olympus Tough TG-4 and Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS

      Olympus Tough TG-4 and Olympus Tough TG-1 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

      Olympus Tough TG-4

      Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS

      GOOD
      76
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      76
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 610k dot
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Olympus Tough TG-4

      Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS

      GOOD
      72
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 380 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 610k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots

      Wildlife Photography

      Olympus Tough TG-4

      Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS

      GOOD
      73
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 380 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 610k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots

      Portrait Photography

      Olympus Tough TG-4

      Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS

      GOOD
      71
      •   Small Sensor
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Small Sensor
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 610k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Street Photography

      Olympus Tough TG-4

      Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS

      EXCELLENT
      87
      •   Small Sensor
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 247 g (0.54 lb / 8.71 oz)
      EXCELLENT
      87
      •   Small Sensor
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 610k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 230 g (0.51 lb / 8.11 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Olympus Tough TG-4

      Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS

      EXCELLENT
      91
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 247 g (0.54 lb / 8.71 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 380 shots
      EXCELLENT
      91
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 610k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 230 g (0.51 lb / 8.11 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Olympus Tough TG-4 and Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS and give them scores of 66 and 63 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.


      Olympus Tough TG-4

      Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS

      OVERALL
      66
      OVERALL
      63

      Sensor

      Olympus Tough TG-4

      Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Olympus Tough TG-4

      Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS

      GOOD
      72
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Video

      Olympus Tough TG-4

      Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS

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

      Focusing

      Olympus Tough TG-4

      Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS

      GOOD
      71
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      70
      •   0 Cross-type Focus Points
      •   Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Olympus Tough TG-4

      Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS

      POOR
      53
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      AVERAGE
      55
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 610k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Olympus Tough TG-4

      Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS

      GOOD
      77
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      AVERAGE
      66
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Olympus Tough TG-4

      Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 247 g (0.54 lb / 8.71 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 380 shots
      •   Internal Storage
      GOOD
      73
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 230 g (0.51 lb / 8.11 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 350 shots


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

      Amazon Affiliate Disclosure
      ZKelectronics is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for website owners to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon (.com, .co.uk, .ca, etc) and any other websites that may be affiliated with Amazon Service LLC Associates Program.