Nikon Coolpix S2900 vs Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860: An Expert Comparative Review

When it comes to compact cameras designed for casual enthusiasts or adventurers, the Nikon Coolpix S2900 and the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 both launched in early 2015 are intriguing contenders. At first glance, they share some similarities - both ultracompact fixed-lens shooters with 5× zoom ranges, sub-1/2.3" sensors, and approachable price tags. But dig below the surface, and their target users, key features, and shooting capabilities diverge notably.

Having spent years hands-on testing interchangeable and fixed-lens cameras, including hundreds within the compact segment, I had the opportunity to thoroughly evaluate these two models. In this comprehensive side-by-side comparison, I’ll walk you through every major aspect - from ergonomics and sensor technology to autofocus and video - providing real-world insights grounded in rigorous in-field trial methodology. Along the way, I’ll include detailed image analysis and scoring to help enthusiasts make informed buying decisions.

Let’s start by laying the physical groundwork.

Handling and Ergonomics: Size, Weight, & Usability

Physically, both cameras fall into the ultracompact category but with distinct form factor philosophies.

The Nikon S2900 is smaller and lighter: a slim 95×59×20 mm package weighing just 119 grams. Its ultra-slim profile makes it pocketable in almost any situation, making it the quintessential grab-and-go snapshot tool for casual shoots, street get-ups, or travel days when minimal bulk is a priority.

In contrast, the Olympus TG-860 is significantly chunkier at 110×64×28 mm and weighs 224 grams - almost double the S2900’s weight. This heft is a direct result of its ruggedized, waterproof construction designed for more adventurous use. The TG-860’s larger body offers a more substantial grip surface and physical robustness that’s reassuring when hiking, beaching, or shooting in challenging environments.

Looking closer, the Nikon’s control layout is minimal. It opts for simplicity with a few basic buttons and a basic mode dial - no manual exposure controls, no touch interface, and a fixed rear LCD. The Olympus introduces a larger tilting screen with better resolution, more buttons for quick access, and enhanced mode selections aimed at more ambitious shooting scenarios.

So, for pure portability and pocket friendliness, the Nikon wins hands down. But if you prioritize an actively usable grip, environmental sealing, and a more tactile interface, the Olympus’s design feels more thoughtful despite being bulkier.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

At the heart of any camera’s imaging potential is its sensor. Both cameras employ the typical ultracompact 1/2.3" sensor size (6.17x4.55 mm physical), but their sensor technologies diverge significantly.

The Nikon S2900 uses a 20 MP CCD sensor, whereas the Olympus TG-860 features a 16 MP CMOS sensor. These differences have implications for image quality and noise performance.

CCD sensors were commonplace in earlier compacts... and they still excel in neutral color rendition and high resolution. But CMOS sensors generally provide better low-light sensitivity, faster readout speeds, and more efficient power consumption. This becomes critical when shooting in dim conditions or capturing fast action.

Testing under controlled lighting conditions revealed that while the Nikon’s higher resolution sensor produces finely detailed images at ISO 80 or 100, its noise levels rise quickly beyond ISO 400, constraining low-light performance. The Olympus sensor, though lower resolution, maintains cleaner images up to ISO 800 and acceptable noise characteristics at ISO 1600 and above. This results in more usable shots in real-world low-light or indoor situations.

Both sensors feature antialiasing filters to reduce moiré but slightly impact fine detail resolution - standard for their class.

In landscape and outdoor daylight shots, the slightly lower megapixel count on the Olympus is hardly noticeable. Dynamic range is modest on both; neither camera can compare to larger sensor compacts or mirrorless models in this respect.

Rear Screen and Viewfinder Experience

Neither camera includes an electronic viewfinder - a typical omission in ultracompact fixed-lens cameras in this price and size class.

The Nikon’s 2.7-inch fixed LCD has a modest 230k-dot resolution - dark, somewhat grainy in bright ambient light, and with limited viewing angle flexibility. You’ll find it frustrating to compose in direct sunlight or experiment with low or high angles.

On the other hand, the Olympus offers a 3.0-inch tilting screen with 460k-dot resolution - double the pixel density of the S2900 and a major usability step-up. The tilt function is invaluable for macro work, low-angle street shots, or shooting above crowds while maintaining clear visibility on framing, even outdoors.

Although neither support touchscreen inputs, the TG-860’s more detailed and versatile screen offers a clearer framing experience that contributes to a more enjoyable photographic workflow - especially for those used to modern displays.

Autofocus Performance and Shooting Responsiveness

Autofocus speed, accuracy, and flexibility are critical factors that greatly influence satisfaction during real-world shooting.

The Nikon S2900 uses a contrast-detection autofocus system with face detection and single-area AF. It lacks continuous autofocus and tracking modes, severely limiting its ability to handle moving subjects or dynamic scenes efficiently.

Conversely, the Olympus TG-860’s autofocus system also relies on contrast detection but adds multi-area autofocus and continuous AF tracking, plus face detection, improving focus acquisition speed and ability to maintain sharpness on moving subjects. The TG-860 offers a burst mode of 7 fps, a feature entirely absent from the S2900, which has no continuous shooting mode.

Practically, this means the TG-860 is far better equipped for capturing wildlife, sports, or street scenes where subjects rarely sit still. It’s the difference between scoring an out-of-focus shot and a keeper in those fleeting moments.

Lens and Zoom Capabilities

Both cameras feature fixed lenses with optical zooms of 5×, but focal lengths differ slightly.

• Nikon S2900: 26-130 mm equivalent, aperture F3.2-6.5
• Olympus TG-860: 21-105 mm equivalent, aperture F3.5-5.7

The Nikon starts a bit more telephoto, useful for portraits or moderate reach. The Olympus’s wider 21mm equivalent wide end is more versatile for landscapes or cramped interiors. Aperture differences are minor but favor the Olympus for slightly better low-light capability at telephoto.

Both lenses are sealed in their respective bodies and cannot be swapped. The Olympus’s lens benefits from optical image stabilization, whereas the Nikon employs digital stabilization - less effective in practice, especially at longer focal lengths or lower shutter speeds.

Macro and Close-Up Performance

Macro shooting is a delightful genre that rewards accuracy and lens versatility. Here, the Olympus holds a clear edge.

The TG-860 has a macro focusing range down to 1 cm, allowing extremely close proximity to subjects with sharp results - ideal for insects, textures, or product shots.

The Nikon S2900’s macro limit is 10 cm, much less impressive for fine detail work.

Paired with the Olympus’s tilting screen and better stabilization, it forms a small yet compelling package for on-the-go macro photography.

Video Capabilities: A Clear Olympus Advantage

Video specs provide another decisive comparison dimension.

• Nikon S2900 records only 720p HD (1280x720) at 30fps in Motion JPEG format.
• Olympus TG-860 offers full HD 1080p at 60fps (and 720p at 60fps) in H.264, plus 480p at 60fps.

The Olympus’s better frame rates and compression standards result in smoother, more fluid clips with smaller file sizes - important for casual movie making or documenting adventures.

Moreover, the TG-860 includes HDMI output for easy viewing of recordings on external displays. The Nikon lacks this.

Neither model has microphone or headphone jacks, nor manual video controls, but Olympus’s inclusion of video features like time-lapse recording offers added creative versatility.

Toughness, Weather Sealing, and Environmental Durability

Here is where Olympus really diverges from Nikon’s purely consumer-oriented approach.

The TG-860 boasts an impressive specification suite designed to withstand rough handling and adverse environments:

• Waterproof to 15 meters
• Shockproof up to 2.1 meters
• Crushproof to 100 kgf
• Freezeproof to -10°C

This makes it an excellent choice for outdoor enthusiasts, beachgoers, or anyone who needs a camera that can survive rough weather and accidental drops without a bulky housing.

The Nikon S2900 has no weather sealing or ruggedization at all. It’s a delicate unit designed for everyday indoor and outdoor shooting in controlled environments.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Battery life is another practical consideration for extended shooting.

The Nikon uses the EN-EL19 battery offering about 250 shots per charge. The Olympus uses a Li-ion Li-50B battery rated for approximately 300 shots.

While both use proprietary battery packs rather than the more versatile AA or larger capacity systems, Olympus’s slight edge might matter on multi-day trips.

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with one slot each, standard for their class.

Wireless connectivity on the Nikon includes built-in Wi-Fi plus NFC, enabling straightforward image transfer to compatible smartphones. The Olympus has built-in Wi-Fi but lacks NFC.

The TG-860’s more comprehensive GPS logging capabilities mark another plus for travelers wanting to tag their images with location data automatically.

In-Field Testing Across Photography Disciplines

Let’s explore how these machines perform across the major photographic genres based on structured field testing protocols.

Portrait Photography

For portraits, accurate skin tone reproduction, pleasing bokeh, and autofocus precision on eyes are key.

• Nikon S2900’s higher resolution sensor provides reasonably detailed facial textures but its aperture range and fixed lens limit shallow depth-of-field effects. Bokeh is generally unremarkable and sometimes harsh.
• Olympus TG-860’s wider lens and optical stabilization enable better subject isolation, though neither produces the creamy bokeh of advanced compacts or mirrorless.
• AF face detection performs better and faster on the Olympus, allowing easier focusing on subjects’ eyes, a utility absent or weak on the Nikon.

Landscape Photography

Landscapes require good dynamic range, resolution, and preferably weather sealing for travel.

• Both cameras have limited dynamic range due to sensor size but produce decent daylight results.
• Nikon’s higher pixel count yields more cropping flexibility.
• Olympus’s weather-sealed design and wider angle lens are superior for rugged outdoor landscape shooting.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Speed and tracking are paramount.

• Nikon S2900’s single-area AF and lack of burst mode remove it from serious candid action work.
• Olympus TG-860’s continuous AF and 7 fps burst allow capturing moving subjects better, within the limitations of fixed lenses.

Street Photography

Discreteness, portability, and low-light performance count.

• Nikon’s small size is an asset here for stealth shooting.
• Olympus is bulkier but offers better low-light capability, faster AF, and versatile zoom range.
• I’d pick the Nikon for casual city strolls, Olympus for more purposeful street shooting.

Macro Photography

Olympus TG-860’s 1cm macro focus distance and tilting screen substantially outperform Nikon’s limited 10cm macro.

Night and Astrophotography

Both cameras are limited by sensor size and fixed aperture. Olympus’s higher ISO ceiling and cleaner noise performance give it a slight advantage.

Video Work

The Olympus TG-860’s 1080p/60fps and time-lapse abilities make it the more attractive casual video tool.

Travel Photography

The Nikon is better for minimalists, but Olympus’s ruggedness, GPS, and better screen tilt make it the more versatile travel companion for adventurous trips.

Professional Work

Neither offers raw capture, manual exposure control, or professional video codecs, so both are unsuitable for professional use despite their convenience.

Value Analysis: Price vs Performance

At launch, the Nikon S2900 was priced around $117, making it an accessible entry-level point-and-shoot offering simplicity and convenience. The Olympus TG-860 was positioned around $279, reflecting its rugged features, superior AF, video, and build quality.

In terms of price-to-performance, the Nikon serves casual users who want a straightforward, inexpensive snapshot camera with adequate daylight image quality and wireless sharing.

The Olympus offers more room to grow creatively with better macro, video, low light, and durability - justifying its premium to those wanting a feature-rich compact capable of handling demanding environments.

Summary Tables: Performance Scoring Across Use Cases

This breakdown reflects hands-on scoring my team conducted measuring autofocus speed, image quality, ergonomics, and feature sets for both cameras across disciplines.

Final Conclusions and Recommendations

Choosing between the Nikon Coolpix S2900 and Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 hinges on your photographic priorities and lifestyle:

• For casual shooters wanting the smallest, simplest, and lowest cost option who mainly shoot in daylight, indoors, or in controlled environments, the Nikon S2900 provides decent image quality and straightforward Wi-Fi sharing. The minimalist controls and pocket-friendly size are its strongest points.

• For hobbyists or travelers seeking a versatile, more rugged compact that can handle active outdoor use, macro photography, and higher-quality video, while delivering a larger screen and longer battery life, the Olympus TG-860 is a far better investment. Its robust build and advanced autofocus significantly broaden shooting opportunities.

Neither model is ideal for professionals needing raw capture or manual exposure; both serve specific consumer niches.

Appendix: Sample Images

Finally, to complement this technical analysis, here are comparative galleries illustrating real-world image output from both cameras under typical shooting conditions.

Nikon S2900 front Nikon S2900 screen back Olympus TG 860 front Olympus TG 860 screen back

This expert comparison should equip you with a grounded understanding of what each camera offers in practical use. Both have their merits, but context and intended use will guide your best choice.

Happy shooting!