FujiFilm Z70 vs Olympus TG-870: An Expert’s Take on Two Ultracompact Cameras with Distinct Personalities

Choosing an ultracompact camera is a minefield of trade-offs. These tiny bodies promise pocket portability and grab-and-go convenience, but cramming good image quality, responsive shooting, and useful features into such small packages is a tough balancing act. Today, I’m diving deep into two very different ultracompacts from FujiFilm and Olympus: the 2010-era FujiFilm FinePix Z70 and the more recent Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 from 2016. Both serve the “point-and-shoot” crowd but with wildly different takes on how to meet modern photographers’ needs.

Based on my hands-on experience with hundreds of cameras spanning ultracompacts to pro-level gear, I’ll break down everything - from sensor tech and autofocus to ergonomics and real-world shooting performance - so you can decide which, if either, fits your pocket and shooting style. I’ll also share personal insights gleaned from practical testing, not just specs stacked in a vacuum. Let’s get cracking.

A Tale of Two Bodies: Size, Feel, and Ergonomics

Before unleashing a volley of tech talk, it’s essential to grasp how these cameras feel in your hands and pockets - the first-order factor for ultracompacts.

The diminutive FujiFilm Z70 measures a modest 91x57x20mm and weighs just 124g with battery, a feather in the ultracompact class. Its simple slab-like form reinforces the idea of quick snaps on the fly. However, the Z70's ultra-slim design leads to a very minimalistic grip. Honestly, after a day of shooting, your fingers might feel like they’re clinging to a bar of soap - anyone with larger paws will know what I mean.

Contrast that to the Olympus TG-870, which adds a little heft (221g) and bulk (113x64x28mm). That extra meat in the chassis contributes to much better handling and a sturdier, more reassuring grip. Plus, Olympus’s reputation for rugged bodies shows here - its “Tough” line is designed to withstand weather, drops, and crushes, so you have a compact that laughs in the face of adventure. For outdoorsy street photographers and rugged travelists, this is a real boon.

Ergonomically, both cameras lack any clubs for thumbs, but the TG-870’s larger size means controls sit more comfortably under your fingers. The Fuji Z70’s buttons are tiny and squeezed, demanding more precision and less hurried shooting.

Examining the top plate and button layout reveals Olympus’s more sophisticated approach. The TG-870 provides easier access to a zoom lever tightly wrapped around the shutter button, a dedicated playback button, and customizable controls. The Z70, designed for the cheapskate user who just wants simple point-and-shoot functionality, spares you complexity but also any real tactile feedback or nuance in control.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Not All Pixels Are Equal

When you peel away the skins of these two compacts, the guts tell a story about the kinds of images each camera can produce.

Both share the same sensor format: the prevalent 1/2.3-inch size measuring roughly 6.17x4.55mm. This sensor size is typical for ultracompacts but naturally restricts dynamic range and low-light performance because of the tiny photosites.

FujiFilm Z70 sports a 12MP CCD sensor - an increasingly rare choice by 2010 standards. CCDs historically offered clean images with good color rendering but at the expense of speed and high ISO noise performance. Fuji chose 12 million pixels on that small sensor, which results in moderate pixel density and acceptable detail for casual snapshots.

Conversely, Olympus TG-870 advances with a 16MP BSI-CMOS sensor, which Logitech engineers optimized for better light gathering and faster readout. The BSI (Back-Side Illuminated) design helps the sensor capture more photons, improving noise control especially above ISO 800. The increased megapixel count means you get more resolution - 4608x3456 max image size compared to Fuji’s 4000x3000 - but don’t be fooled: details only improve if the optics and processing keep pace.

In my testing, this difference materializes in cleaner images from the TG-870, especially in lower light. The Fuji Z70’s images start showing noise and a noticeable softness if the ISO creeps above 200, making it best suited for well-lit, daylight scenarios.

LCD Screens and Live View: What You See Is What You Get

Since both cameras ditch the viewfinder, the rear screen becomes critical.

The FujiFilm Z70 offers a tiny fixed 2.7-inch LCD with a sparse 230K-dot resolution. This screen feels grainy and quite limiting when composing images or reviewing shots. The fixed angle makes dealing with bright sunlight or awkward shooting angles a chore. Without touchscreen support or articulating functionality, you’re stuck head-on with that little window.

Olympus’s TG-870 flips the script with a larger 3.0-inch tilting screen boasting a substantially sharper 921K-dot LCD. This tilt mechanism comes especially handy for shooting at low or high angles - a godsend for macro and street photographers alike. Though the lack of touchscreen might feel antiquated for those spoiled by smartphones, the crisp display and tilt flexibility more than compensate, improving day-to-day shooting comfort and flexibility.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Precision, and Tracking

Autofocus (AF) performance can make or break candid shooting and fast action capture, so let’s talk about what these two deliver under the hood.

The FujiFilm Z70 uses contrast-detection AF only, with a single AF point and face detection notably absent. It can focus reasonably in good light on static subjects, but tracking moving objects is clumsy at best due to a low-speed processor and lack of AF continuous mode. The AF system is the kind I’d call “point-and-hope” for wildlife or sports.

The Olympus TG-870 boasts a more evolved contrast-detection AF with face detection, multiple AF points, and continuous AF plus tracking. Its TruePic VII processor manages autofocus fairly well for its class, delivering snappier and more reliable AF lock. In real-world terms, this means the TG-870 can keep pace with children at play or a moving pet better than the Fuji, though don’t expect DSLR or mirrorless class speed.

Lens Quality and Focal Range: Zoom or Versatility?

With fixed lenses, zoom range and optical quality are critical factors defining what kind of shots you can nail.

The FujiFilm Z70 offers a 36-180mm equivalent zoom range (5x) with apertures from f/4.0 to f/4.8. Coming from 2010 standards, the optics deliver decent images in the center but start to show softness and chromatic aberration at telephoto ends. The limited maximum aperture isn’t great for low light or creative depth of field, pushing the camera to higher ISOs more often.

The Olympus TG-870 widens the angle with 21-105mm equivalent zoom (also 5x) but starts at a wider f/3.5 aperture that narrows to f/5.7 at the long end. This lens versatility covers everything from wide environmental landscapes and group shots to moderate telephoto reach for portraits and closer details.

Interestingly, Olympus permits close macro focusing down to 1cm, much tighter than Fuji’s 9cm minimum. For macro photographers or anyone who likes to get in close, this makes a notable difference.

Burst Rates and Shutter Speeds: For the Action Junkies

If you’re into sports, wildlife, or decisive moments, continuous shooting speed and shutter range matter a lot.

FujiFilm’s Z70 has a shutter speed range topping out at 1/2000 second but no specified burst shooting data - likely meaning it lacks meaningful continuous modes. This limits capturing fast action or scenes with rapid subject changes.

The Olympus TG-870 also maxes out at 1/2000 sec but supports 7 fps burst shooting. That’s a major plus for sports shooters on a budget who want to pick the best image of the pack. Being able to shoot multiple frames quickly can make all the difference snapping unpredictable action indoors or outdoors.

Low-Light and High ISO Performance: Pushing the Boundaries

High ISO noise levels often constrain small-sensor ultracompacts. Let’s see how these two stand up under dim conditions.

The FujiFilm Z70 is capped at ISO 1600 and generally starts producing visible noise and softness beyond ISO 200–400. The CCD sensor’s older tech shows its age here, producing grainy photos that require noise reduction and sacrifice detail.

Olympus stretches its ISO range up to 6400 native and offers boosts to 12800. Combined with BSI-CMOS tech and decent image processing, the TG-870 is far more capable in poorly lit scenes. Shots at ISO 800 or 1600 retain usable detail and relatively controlled noise, unlocking night or event photography options in a compact package.

Video Recording and Sound: How Do They Handle Moving Pictures?

Both cameras support video modes but differ markedly in specs and utility.

FujiFilm Z70 records at max 1280x720p HD at 30fps with Motion JPEG compression. Simple, but by modern standards, it’s grainy and clunky with no external mic input or image stabilization.

Olympus TG-870 steps up to full HD 1080p at 60fps with MPEG-4/H.264 compression - much smoother and more versatile for action or travel videos. Plus, it offers optical image stabilization, smoothing shaky hands during handheld clips. The TG-870 also packs an LED illuminator that doubles as a constant light source if you want to film in darker settings, adding creative flexibility.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Ready for the Rough Stuff?

Of the two, only the Olympus TG-870 embraces ruggedness:

• Fully waterproof to 15 meters
• Shockproof from 2.1m drops
• Crushproof under 100kg pressure
• Freezeproof to -10°C
• Environmentally sealed against dust and moisture

The FujiFilm Z70 is a delicate flower by comparison: no environmental resistance, no shock absorption, nothing. It’s a camera for mild conditions, careful handling, and indoor or street shooting only.

Battery Life and Storage Options: Shoot More, Worry Less

The FujiFilm Z70 uses the older NP-45A battery (details scarce), and battery life isn’t formally rated, but expect modest stamina fitting its simple design - probably around 200 shots per charge at best.

Olympus TG-870’s Li-50B rechargeable battery offers about 300 shots per charge, a solid figure for ultracompacts. It also supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards giving you more expansive and modern storage choices compared to the Fuji’s standard SD/SDHC.

Connectivity and Extras: Keeping Up with Today’s Workflows

Olympus carries a slight edge here, providing built-in GPS for geotagging your photos - a godsend for travelers who love location logging. It also features HDMI output for direct HDTV playback. Wireless connectivity is built-in, although limited to Wi-Fi (no Bluetooth or NFC).

The FujiFilm Z70, being an older model, sports only USB 2.0 connections. No wireless features, no GPS, no HDMI–basically, it plays only in the offline sandbox.

Image Samples and Shooting Experience: Which One Makes You Smile?

FujiFilm Z70 front FujiFilm Z70 screen back Olympus TG 870 front Olympus TG 870 screen back

Having captured a wide array of subjects with both cameras, the Olympus TG-870 clearly yields richer, sharper images with more accurate colors. Its wider zoom range and better macro performance win points for creative flexibility. Meanwhile, the FujiFilm Z70 shows a nostalgic charm with straightforward color rendition but fails to keep up in detail and sharpness - especially under less-ideal lighting.

Performance Ratings and Summary Charts

The Olympus TG-870 scores higher in virtually all performance categories - autofocus, image quality, burst speed, and durability - while the FujiFilm Z70 falls behind except for pure portability.

As the genre breakdown reveals:

• For portrait photography, Olympus edges ahead with face-detection AF and more aperture flexibility.
• Landscape photographers will appreciate Olympus’s wider zoom and better dynamic range.
• The TG-870 also scores well in wildlife and sports thanks to burst mode and continuous AF.
• FujiFilm’s Z70 only manages casual street and travel photography in ideal lighting.
• Olympus excels in macro and night/astro shots due to better optics and high ISO handling.
• Video is a clear Olympus strength as well, with HD capabilities and stabilization.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Let’s cut through the specs and serve recommendations I’d confidently give to friends or readers:

Buy the FujiFilm Z70 if...

• You want an ultra-tiny, super-lightweight camera purely for casual snapshots in bright light.
• Your budget is tight - this camera currently retails near $130.
• You appreciate simple one-button photography without fuss.
• You don’t need RAW files, manual controls, or advanced video.
• You want a second pocket camera to supplement a smartphone or primary DSLR.

Opt for the Olympus TG-870 if...

• You want a rugged, weatherproof camera for outdoors, travel, or active use.
• You need better image quality with faster AF and burst shooting.
• You shoot macros, landscapes, or moderate telephoto portraits.
• You want better video capability plus image stabilization.
• Your budget extends to the $280-$300 range for more features and durability.
• You want a versatile “adventure” compact that can handle unexpected rough treatment.

Final Thoughts: The Best Ultracompact for You Depends on Priorities

The FujiFilm FinePix Z70 and Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 are ultracompacts but inhabit different worlds. Fuji’s “slim and simple” Z70 feels like a camera from a bygone era - adequate for basic snapshots with an emphasis on portability and affordability. Olympus’s TG-870, on the other hand, breathes modern features, toughness, and more competent imaging into the little box, making it a robust travel companion for users who want more creative control without stepping up to mirrorless or DSLR systems.

For my money and from experience testing these cameras in the real world, the Olympus TG-870 offers far better value and practical performance - especially if you want to shoot a variety of subjects (macro, landscapes, wildlife) in diverse conditions. It strikes a solid balance between size, ruggedness, and image quality that beginners and enthusiasts alike can rely on.

The FujiFilm Z70 makes sense only if absolute pocketability and price are paramount - and you’re happy to accept the compromises in image quality, controls, and durability.

Whether you gravitate toward Fuji’s ultra-travel-light ethos or Olympus’s adventure-ready toughness, understanding these trade-offs will help you select a compact camera that genuinely suits how and where you shoot.

Happy snapping!