Canon T1i vs Olympus TG-6

The Canon EOS Rebel T1i (called Canon 500D in some regions) and the Olympus Tough TG-6 are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in March 2009 and May 2019. The T1i is a DSLR, while the TG-6 is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on an APS-C (T1i) and a 1/2.3-inch (TG-6) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 15.1 megapixels, whereas the Olympus provides 12 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Canon T1i		Olympus TG-6
Digital single lens reflex		Fixed lens compact camera
Canon EF mount lenses		25-100mm f/2.0-4.9
15.1 MP, APS-C Sensor		12 MP, 1/2.3" Sensor
1080/20p Video		4K/30p Video
ISO 100-6,400 (100 - 12,800)		ISO 100-12,800
Optical viewfinder		No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0 LCD, 920k dots		3.0 LCD, 1040k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
3.4 shutter flaps per second		20 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization only		In-body stabilization
not weather sealed		Waterproof body (15m)
400 shots per battery charge		340 shots per battery charge
129 x 98 x 62 mm, 520 g		113 x 66 x 32 mm, 253 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS Rebel T1i and the Olympus Tough TG-6? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Canon T1i and the Olympus TG-6 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The TG-6 can be obtained in two different colors (black, red), while the T1i is only available in black.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Olympus TG-6 is considerably smaller (41 percent) than the Canon T1i. It is noteworthy in this context that the TG-6 is splash and dust-proof, while the T1i does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing. More than that, the TG-6 is water-proof up to 15m and can, thus, be used for underwater photography.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the TG-6 has a lens built in, whereas the T1i is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the T1i and their specifications in the Canon EF Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the T1i gets 400 shots out of its LP-E5 battery, while the TG-6 can take 340 images on a single charge of its LI-92B power pack. The power pack in the TG-6 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Canon T1i	129 mm	98 mm	62 mm	520 g	400	n	Mar 2009	799
2.		Olympus TG-6	113 mm	66 mm	32 mm	253 g	340	Y	May 2019	449
3.		Canon T100	129 mm	102 mm	77 mm	436 g	500	n	Feb 2018	399
4.		Canon T6i	132 mm	101 mm	78 mm	555 g	440	n	Feb 2015	749
5.		Canon T5	130 mm	100 mm	78 mm	480 g	500	n	Feb 2014	449
6.		Canon T5i	133 mm	100 mm	79 mm	580 g	440	n	Mar 2013	649
7.		Canon T4i	133 mm	100 mm	79 mm	575 g	440	n	Jun 2012	849
8.		Canon T3i	133 mm	100 mm	80 mm	570 g	440	n	Feb 2011	599
9.		Canon T2i	129 mm	98 mm	62 mm	530 g	440	n	Feb 2010	699
10.		Canon XSi	129 mm	98 mm	62 mm	524 g	500	n	Jan 2008	799
11.		Canon XTi	127 mm	84 mm	65 mm	556 g	370	n	Aug 2006	799
12.		Canon XT	127 mm	94 mm	64 mm	540 g	400	n	Feb 2005	899
13.		Nikon W300	112 mm	66 mm	29 mm	231 g	280	Y	May 2017	389
14.		Olympus TG-5	113 mm	66 mm	32 mm	250 g	340	Y	May 2017	449
15.		Olympus TG-4	112 mm	66 mm	31 mm	247 g	380	Y	Apr 2015	379
16.		Olympus XZ-1	111 mm	65 mm	42 mm	275 g	320	n	Jan 2011	499
17.		Ricoh WG-6	118 mm	66 mm	33 mm	246 g	340	Y	Feb 2019	399
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The TG-6 was launched at a lower price than the T1i, despite having a lens built in. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon T1i features an APS-C sensor and the Olympus TG-6 a 1/2.3-inch sensor. The sensor area in the TG-6 is 92 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.6 and 5.6. The sensor in the T1i has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the TG-6 offers a 4:3 aspect.

With 15.1MP, the T1i offers a higher resolution than the TG-6 (12MP), but the T1i nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.69μm versus 1.53μm for the TG-6) due to its larger sensor. However, the TG-6 is a much more recent model (by 10 years and 1 month) than the T1i, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels.

The resolution advantage of the Canon T1i implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the T1i for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 23.8 x 15.8 inches or 60.4 x 40.2 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 19 x 12.7 inches or 48.3 x 32.2 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 15.8 x 10.6 inches or 40.2 x 26.8 cm. The corresponding values for the Olympus TG-6 are 20 x 15 inches or 50.8 x 38.1 cm for good quality, 16 x 12 inches or 40.6 x 30.5 cm for very good quality, and 13.3 x 10 inches or 33.9 x 25.4 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon EOS Rebel T1i has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 6400, which can be extended to ISO 100-12800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Olympus Tough TG-6 are ISO 100 to ISO 12800 (no boost).

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Canon T1i	APS-C	15.1	4752	3168	1080/20p	21.7	11.5	663	63
2.		Olympus TG-6	1/2.3	12.0	4000	3000	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
3.		Canon T100	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	21.9	11.4	695	63
4.		Canon T6i	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/30p	22.7	12.0	919	71
5.		Canon T5	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	21.9	11.3	724	63
6.		Canon T5i	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	21.7	11.2	681	61
7.		Canon T4i	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	21.7	11.2	722	62
8.		Canon T3i	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	22.1	11.5	793	65
9.		Canon T2i	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	22.1	11.5	784	66
10.		Canon XSi	APS-C	12.2	4272	2848	none	21.9	10.8	692	61
11.		Canon XTi	APS-C	10.1	3888	2592	none	22.1	11.0	664	62
12.		Canon XT	APS-C	8.0	3456	2304	none	21.8	10.8	637	60
13.		Nikon W300	1/2.3	15.9	4608	3456	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
14.		Olympus TG-5	1/2.3	12.0	4000	3000	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
15.		Olympus TG-4	1/2.3	15.9	4608	3456	1080/30p	..	..	..	..
16.		Olympus XZ-1	1/1.7	10.1	3664	2752	720/30p	18.8	10.4	117	34
17.		Ricoh WG-6	1/2.3	20.2	5184	3888	4K/30p	..	..	..	..

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the TG-6 provides a better video resolution than the T1i. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Canon is limited to 1080/20p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the T1i has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the TG-6 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Canon T1i and Olympus TG-6 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Size (inch)	LCD Resolution (000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Mech Shutter Speed	Shutter Flaps (1/sec)	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Canon T1i	optical	n	3.0	920	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.4	Y	n
2.		Olympus TG-6	none	n	3.0	1040	fixed	n	1/2000s	20.0	Y	Y
3.		Canon T100	optical	n	2.7	230	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
4.		Canon T6i	optical	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
5.		Canon T5	optical	n	3.0	460	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
6.		Canon T5i	optical	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
7.		Canon T4i	optical	n	3.0	1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
8.		Canon T3i	optical	n	3.0	1040	swivel	n	1/4000s	3.7	Y	n
9.		Canon T2i	optical	n	3.0	1040	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.7	Y	n
10.		Canon XSi	optical	n	3.0	230	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.5	Y	n
11.		Canon XTi	optical	n	2.5	230	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
12.		Canon XT	optical	n	1.8	115	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0	Y	n
13.		Nikon W300	none	n	3.0	921	fixed	n	1/4000s	7.0	Y	Y
14.		Olympus TG-5	none	n	3.0	460	fixed	n	1/2000s	20.0	Y	Y
15.		Olympus TG-4	none	n	3.0	460	fixed	n	1/2000s	5.0	Y	Y
16.		Olympus XZ-1	optional	n	3.0	614	fixed	n	1/2000s	2.0	Y	Y
17.		Ricoh WG-6	none	n	3.0	1040	fixed	n	1/4000s	1.0	Y	n

The Olympus TG-6 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The T1i writes its imaging data to SDHC cards, while the TG-6 uses SDXC cards. The TG-6 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the T1i cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS Rebel T1i and Olympus Tough TG-6 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Microphone	Internal Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Canon T1i	Y	mono	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
2.		Olympus TG-6	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
3.		Canon T100	Y	mono	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
4.		Canon T6i	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
5.		Canon T5	Y	mono	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
6.		Canon T5i	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
7.		Canon T4i	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
8.		Canon T3i	Y	mono	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
9.		Canon T2i	Y	stereo	-	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
10.		Canon XSi	Y	-	-	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
11.		Canon XTi	Y	-	-	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
12.		Canon XT	Y	-	-	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
13.		Nikon W300	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	Y
14.		Olympus TG-5	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
15.		Olympus TG-4	-	stereo	mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
16.		Olympus XZ-1	Y	mono	-	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
17.		Ricoh WG-6	-	mono	mono	-	-	micro	3.0	-	-	-

It is notable that the T1i has a hotshoe, while the TG-6 does not. This socket makes it possible to easily attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun.

Travel and landscape photographers will find it useful that the TG-6 has an internal geolocalization sensor and can record GPS coordinates in its EXIF data.

The TG-6 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Olympus. In contrast, the T1i has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the T1i was succeeded by the Canon T2i. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Canon and Olympus websites.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Canon T1i better than the Olympus TG-6 or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Arguments in favor of the Canon EOS Rebel T1i:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (15.1 vs 12MP) with a 14% higher linear resolution.
• Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
• Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
• Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
• More flexible: Can take a variety of interchangeable lenses, including specialty optics.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (400 versus 340) on a single battery charge.
• Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in March 2009).

Advantages of the Olympus Tough TG-6:

• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/20p).
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 920k dots).
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (20 vs 3.4 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• Ready to shoot: Comes with an integrated lens, while the T1i requires a separate lens.
• More compact: Is smaller (113x66mm vs 129x98mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight even though it has a lens built in (unlike the T1i).
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
• Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
• Water-proof: Is rugged and sealed and can thus be used for underwater photography (up to 15m).
• Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
• More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
• More modern: Reflects 10 years and 1 month of technical progress since the T1i launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the TG-6 is the clear winner of the contest (16 : 11 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon T1i and the Olympus TG-6 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Travel-Zoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the T1i or the TG-6 perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Canon T1i	..	+ +	74/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Mar 2009	799
2.		Olympus TG-6	..	+ +	76/100	4/5	4/5	May 2019	449
3.		Canon T100	..	o	..	3.5/5	3.5/5	Feb 2018	399
4.		Canon T6i	5/5	..	75/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	749
5.		Canon T5	3/5	+	..	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2014	449
6.		Canon T5i	..	..	76/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Mar 2013	649
7.		Canon T4i	4/5	+ +	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2012	849
8.		Canon T3i	3/5	o	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2011	599
9.		Canon T2i	..	+ +	77/100	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2010	699
10.		Canon XSi	..	+ +	+ +	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2008	799
11.		Canon XTi	..	+ +	+ +	o	4/5	Aug 2006	799
12.		Canon XT	..	80/100	+ +	o	..	Feb 2005	899
13.		Nikon W300	..	+	..	4/5	4/5	May 2017	389
14.		Olympus TG-5	..	+ +	..	4/5	4/5	May 2017	449
15.		Olympus TG-4	..	+	79/100	4/5	4/5	Apr 2015	379
16.		Olympus XZ-1	4/5	..	74/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2011	499
17.		Ricoh WG-6	..	..	..	3.5/5	3.5/5	Feb 2019	399
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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Specifications: Canon T1i vs Olympus TG-6

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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