Canon 550D vs Olympus TG-870

Here, we will be contrasting the Canon 550D versus Olympus TG-870, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the latter is a Ultracompact by companies Canon and Olympus. The image resolution of the 550D (18MP) and the TG-870 (16MP) is relatively close but the 550D (APS-C) and TG-870 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor dimensions.

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The 550D was manufactured 6 years before the TG-870 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Canon 550D being a Compact SLR camera and the Olympus TG-870 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving into a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the 550D scores vs the TG-870 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon EOS 550D and Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870. The entire galleries are viewable at Canon 550D Gallery and Olympus TG-870 Gallery.

When you are going to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to factor in its weight and volume. The Canon 550D provides exterior measurements of 129mm x 98mm x 62mm (5.1" x 3.9" x 2.4") and a weight of 530 grams (1.17 lbs) and the Olympus TG-870 has sizing of 113mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.1") having a weight of 221 grams (0.49 lbs).

Examine the Canon 550D versus Olympus TG-870 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are working with during that time. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the 550D and the TG-870.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the 550D and TG-870 is 70 and 91 respectively.

In many cases, it can be difficult to visualise the gap in sensor measurements just by looking through specifications. The visual below may provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the 550D and TG-870.

To sum up, both the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The 550D because of its bigger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field simpler and the Canon 550D will result in extra detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs way more aggressively. The older 550D will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.