Nikon S31 vs Olympus TG-860

Below is a extended analysis of the Nikon S31 vs Olympus TG-860, both Waterproof digital cameras by companies Nikon and Olympus. There is a substantial difference between the image resolutions of the S31 (10MP) and TG-860 (16MP) and the S31 (1/2.9") and TG-860 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor sizes.

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The S31 was introduced 19 months before the TG-860 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. The two cameras offer different body type with the Nikon S31 being a Compact camera and the Olympus TG-860 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before delving in to a detailed comparison, below is a simple summation of how the S31 grades vs the TG-860 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix S31 & Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860. The whole galleries are provided at Nikon S31 Gallery & Olympus TG-860 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera, you have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Nikon S31 provides exterior measurements of 105mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.1" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs) and the Olympus TG-860 has dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.1") having a weight of 224 grams (0.49 lbs).

Look at the Nikon S31 vs Olympus TG-860 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you use at that time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the S31 vs the TG-860.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the S31 and TG-860 is 90 and 91 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very tough to see the gap between sensor measurements simply by reading technical specs. The photograph underneath will give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the S31 and TG-860.

As you have seen, the two cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The S31 having a tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF tougher and the Olympus TG-860 will deliver more detail using its extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The older S31 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.