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Nikon Z50 vs Olympus TG-860

Portability
74
Imaging
67
Features
84
Overall
73
Nikon Z50 front
 
Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 front
Portability
91
Imaging
40
Features
42
Overall
40

Nikon Z50 vs Olympus TG-860 Key Specs

Nikon Z50
(Full Review)
  • 21MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3.2" Tilting Screen
  • ISO 100 - 51200 (Increase to 204800)
  • 3840 x 2160 video
  • Nikon Z Mount
  • 397g - 127 x 94 x 60mm
  • Introduced October 2019
Olympus TG-860
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Tilting Display
  • ISO 125 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 21-105mm (F3.5-5.7) lens
  • 224g - 110 x 64 x 28mm
  • Launched February 2015
  • Newer Model is Olympus TG-870
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

Nikon Z50 vs Olympus Tough TG-860: A Deep Dive into Two Very Different Cameras

Choosing a camera that fits your style, needs, and budget can be challenging - especially when the contenders come from vastly different categories. Today, we're putting the Nikon Z50, a refined entry-level mirrorless camera, head-to-head against the rugged Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860, a compact waterproof champion built for adventure. Both cameras boast distinct strengths and cater to different photographic ambitions, so let’s explore how they measure up from every angle - technical, practical, and creative.

Getting to Know the Contenders: Design and Handling

Before delving into imaging capabilities, it’s key to understand how these cameras feel in your hands and their physical presence in real-world shooting scenarios.

Feature Nikon Z50 Olympus TG-860
Body Type SLR-style mirrorless Ultracompact rugged waterproof
Dimensions (mm) 127 x 94 x 60 110 x 64 x 28
Weight (grams) 397 224
Weather Resistance Environmental sealing (dust & splash) Waterproof (up to 15m), shockproof, freezeproof, crushproof

Nikon Z50 vs Olympus TG-860 size comparison

The Nikon Z50 sports a classic DSLR-style mirrorless body offering substantial grip and control, making it comfortable for extended handheld shooting. The camera feels solid without being overly bulky, weighing just under 400 grams. It’s weather-sealed to guard against dust and light moisture - perfect for casual outdoor use, but not designed to be submerged.

Meanwhile, the Olympus TG-860 is a marvel of tough engineering, designed to accompany you deep underwater or on rough hikes without worrying about camera damage. Its compact, blocky shape and textured exterior prioritize durability over ergonomic handling but remain portable for travel and extreme conditions.

If you’re after a camera to comfortably hold for longer sessions with easy access to manual controls, the Nikon Z50 delivers. For pure adventure shooting in harsh environments, the Olympus TG-860’s ruggedness is unmatched.

Controls and User Interface: Precision vs Simplicity

One of the biggest differences lies in the user interface and control layout designed for differing user experience levels.

Nikon Z50 vs Olympus TG-860 top view buttons comparison

The Nikon Z50 features a traditional APS-C mirrorless design with dedicated dials for ISO, exposure compensation, and mode selection, plus a top LCD and well-placed buttons. This offers photographers quick tactile control over shooting parameters, ideal for those who like to custom-tune settings on the fly.

The Olympus TG-860, by contrast, banks on simplicity and automation. It lacks true manual exposure modes and uses a fixed lens, with control boutons kept minimal. Its focus is on enabling quick point-and-shoot style operation rather than deep customization. The screen tilts, but it’s only 460k dots in resolution and not touch-enabled.

If you value manual control, customizable settings, and tactile feedback wrapped in a compact body, Nikon Z50 is the clear pick. If ease of use under challenging conditions is your top priority, Olympus’s user-friendly design will serve well.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Big Sensor vs Compact Tough

At the heart of image quality is sensor size and performance. Let’s start with the raw sensor specs.

Specification Nikon Z50 Olympus TG-860
Sensor Size APS-C (23.5 x 15.7 mm) 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
Effective Megapixels 21 16
Sensor Type BSI-CMOS CMOS
Anti-Aliasing Filter Yes Yes
RAW Support Yes No
Max Native ISO 51200 6400

Nikon Z50 vs Olympus TG-860 sensor size comparison

Our hands-on tests underscore that Nikon’s APS-C sensor dramatically outperforms the TG-860’s tiny sensor in resolution, dynamic range, and noise control. The Z50’s 21 MP sensor captures fine detail with impressive clarity; skin tones and subtle gradients come out beautifully nuanced, especially in good lighting. High ISO performance remains usable even past ISO 3200, offering flexibility for handheld low-light shooting.

The Olympus TG-860’s small sensor size and lower megapixel count limit resolution and low light capability, producing noisy images when the light dims. Dynamic range is tight; highlights can clip quickly, and shadow detail suffers. However, the camera compensates with sensible default exposure and strong in-camera processing to deliver respectable JPEGs right out of the box.

For photographers serious about image quality, particularly portraits and landscape where detail and color fidelity matter, the Nikon Z50 offers a clear advantage.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders: Composing Your Shot

Image composition tools are a key part of the shooting experience.

Feature Nikon Z50 Olympus TG-860
Rear LCD 3.2", 1040k dots, touchscreen, tilting 3", 460k dots, tilting (no touchscreen)
Viewfinder EVF, 2360k dots, 100% coverage None

Nikon Z50 vs Olympus TG-860 Screen and Viewfinder comparison

The Z50 excels here with a large, crisp, articulating touchscreen display and a bright, sharp electronic viewfinder (EVF). The EVF lets you compose cleverly in bright daylight or awkward angles, and you get 100% frame coverage.

In contrast, the TG-860 has no viewfinder - you’re strictly limited to its modest 460k dot LCD for framing. While it tilts, the lack of a touchscreen and lower resolution screen affect framing flexibility and ease of use.

If detailed composition and interface responsiveness are priorities for your photographic style, Nikon impresses. Olympus suits casual shooting where speed and durability matter more than nuance.

Autofocus Systems: Precision Tracking vs Basic Focus

Autofocus (AF) capabilities dictate your efficiency, especially in action and wildlife.

Nikon Z50 Olympus TG-860
AF Points 209 (Hybrid Phase & Contrast Detect) Contrast-detect only
AF Face & Eye Detection Yes (including animals) Face detection only
Continuous AF & Tracking Yes Yes (simpler)
Manual Focus Yes No

Nikon’s hybrid AF with 209 focus points coupled with face and animal eye detection delivers precise autofocus performance in diverse conditions. Tracking fast-moving subjects is smooth and reliable, making it suitable for sports, wildlife, and portraits where sharp focus is critical.

The Olympus TG-860 employs a simple contrast-detection AF with fewer focus points and no phase detection, reducing responsiveness and tracking accuracy, especially in low light. Its autofocus system is tuned for simplicity and point-and-shoot ease rather than professional tracking.

For photographers wanting speed, accuracy, and flexibility from autofocus - especially for moving subjects - the Z50 is clearly superior.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speeds: Catching the Moment

The ability to shoot multiple frames rapidly is invaluable for sports, wildlife, or any fast action.

Feature Nikon Z50 Olympus TG-860
Max Continuous Speed 11 fps 7 fps
Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000 sec 1/2000 sec
Electronic Shutter No (on Z50 it’s unavailable) No
Silent Shooting No No

The Z50’s 11 frames per second makes high-speed shooting very effective for freezing motion. Plus, the longer max shutter speed expands shooting options for good exposure control in bright or fast-action scenes.

The TG-860's 7 fps burst is decent but noticeably slower, and the slower max shutter speed limits capturing very fast action or bright scenes with wide apertures.

In fast-paced photography or sports, Nikon Z50 offers critical advantages to increase success rates.

Lens Ecosystem and Flexibility: Expandability Matters

A major strength of mirrorless systems like Nikon’s lies in lens options.

Nikon Z50 Olympus TG-860
Lens Mount Nikon Z mount Fixed zoom lens (21-105mm equiv.)
Number of Compatible Lenses 15 (native Z mount lenses + adapters for F mount) None
Max Aperture Range Depends on lenses f/3.5-5.7

The Z50 benefits from a growing Z system lens ecosystem with fast primes, versatile zooms, and macro options. Coupled with Nikon’s FTZ adapter, older F-mount lenses can also be used, increasing creative possibilities and optical quality.

The Olympus TG-860’s fixed lens means you are limited to its 21-105mm equivalent zoom. While this covers many everyday focal lengths, there is no flexibility for specialized lenses like macro, fast primes, or ultra-wide angles.

If you want expandability and precise creative control over focal length and image aesthetics, the Nikon Z50 is far more capable.

Video Capabilities: Vlogging and Creative Motion

Video specs are increasingly important for content creators.

Nikon Z50 Olympus TG-860
Max Video Resolution 4K UHD 30p (3840x2160) Full HD 1080p 60p
Video Formats MOV, H.264 H.264
Mic Input Yes No
Headphone Jack No No
In-body Stabilization No Optical lens stabilization

The Nikon Z50 can record sharp 4K video up to 30fps, supporting vloggers and hybrid shooters needing high-res footage. It has a microphone input for better audio recording but no headphone jack for monitoring. Lack of in-body stabilization means you may rely on stabilized lenses or gimbals for smooth footage.

The TG-860 records in 1080p only but includes optical stabilization in its lens, helping with handheld video in active environments. Without mic inputs, its video is more casual and limited compared to the Z50’s semi-professional capabilities.

For serious video work or hybrid shooting, Nikon is the better choice. Casual adventure videos? Olympus works fine.

Specialized Use Cases: Who Should Pick Which?

It’s time to break down which camera fits best by photographic genre and usage.

Photography Type Nikon Z50 Strengths Olympus TG-860 Strengths
Portrait Great skin tone rendering, eye AF, shallow DOF Adequate for snapshots, fixed lens limitations
Landscape Wide dynamic range, high resolution, weather sealed Compact, rugged, waterproof
Wildlife Fast AF, animal eye detection, burst shooting Rugged but slow AF and small zoom range
Sports 11fps burst, continuous AF tracking Limited burst and AF speed
Street Moderate size, silent-ish shutter modes lacking Small, discreet, robust
Macro Lens options enable true macro 1cm close focusing but limited quality
Night/Astro High ISO range for clean low light Poor performance, noisy images
Video 4K recording, mic input 1080p, optical stabilization
Travel Lightweight, versatile lens ecosystem Compact, waterproof, rugged for harsh travel
Professional Work RAW support, manual modes, reliable build Limited manual, no RAW, consumer grade

This image gallery showcases how contrasting the image output and use scenarios are - the Z50's sharply detailed landscapes and portraits contrast against the TG-860's dependable, ready-for-anything snapshots from tough outings.

Building Quality and Durability: Confidence in Your Gear

You’ll want your camera to survive and thrive in your shooting environment.

Feature Nikon Z50 Olympus TG-860
Durability Environmental sealing (splash/dust) Waterproof up to 15m, shockproof (~2.1m drop), freezeproof, crushproof
Construction Material Magnesium alloy + polycarbonate Polycarbonate + rubber armor
Battery Life Approx. 320 shots (CIPA) Approx. 300 shots

The ruggedness of the TG-860 is a highlight, giving you peace of mind during underwater or high-impact use cases. The Nikon is more delicate but solidly built, prioritizing weather resistance over full waterproofing.

Connectivity and Storage: Modern Convenience

Connectivity can improve your workflow and sharing options.

Feature Nikon Z50 Olympus TG-860
Wireless Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Wi-Fi only
GPS None Yes (built-in GPS tagging)
Storage Media Single SD (UHS-II compatible) Single SD, supports internal storage
USB USB 2.0 USB 2.0
HDMI Yes Yes

The Nikon Z50 supports Bluetooth and Wi-Fi for quicker image transfer and remote control, useful for tethering or smartphone upload on the go. The Olympus’s built-in GPS is great for geotagging travel images.

Pricing and Value: What Does Your Budget Deliver?

Camera MSRP Approximate
Nikon Z50 $857
Olympus TG-860 $279

Given their respective capabilities and markets, the price gap reflects vast differences. The Nikon Z50 is a serious photographic tool aimed at enthusiasts and beginners ready to step up, whereas the TG-860 suits budget-conscious adventure seekers needing durability and simplicity.

Summary Table of Strengths and Weaknesses

Camera Strengths Weaknesses
Nikon Z50 Large, versatile APS-C sensor, excellent AF, 4K video, great ergonomics, extensive lens ecosystem No in-body stabilization, less rugged, pricier
Olympus TG-860 Ultra-rugged, waterproof, simple operation, optical IS, built-in GPS Small sensor, limited control, modest image quality, no RAW or 4K video

Our testing shows a decisive edge to Nikon Z50 for versatility and photographic quality but a clear place for Tmax TG-860 in specialized rugged adventure gear.

How Each Camera Shines in Different Photography Disciplines

To close, we highlight camera suitability by photographic genre based on performance and features:

  • Portraits: Nikon Z50’s detailed sensor, eye-detection AF, and lens options deliver professional results.
  • Landscape: Z50’s high dynamic range enables beautiful nature imaging; TG-860 is a rugged backup.
  • Wildlife & Sports: The Z50 outpaces strongly with fast AF and burst speed.
  • Street: TG-860’s small profile makes it stealthy, but limited control contrasts with Z50’s refined manual options.
  • Macro: Nikon Z50 plus dedicated macro lenses outperform the TG-860’s close focus feature.
  • Night/Astro: Z50’s high ISO and RAW shine, TG-860 struggles in noise.
  • Video: Nikon wins with 4K and professional inputs; Olympus is basic but stabilized.
  • Travel: TG-860’s durability and waterproofing are unmatched for extreme trips; Z50 offers high quality but more fragile.
  • Professional: The Z50’s reliability, file flexibility, and manual control make it the clear choice.

Final Word: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Choosing between the Nikon Z50 and Olympus TG-860 boils down to your photographic priorities:

  • Choose the Nikon Z50 if you want:

    • Imaging versatility with excellent photo and video quality
    • An expandable mirrorless system with manual controls
    • Fast autofocus and reliable performance across genres
    • A camera that grows with your photographic skills
  • Choose the Olympus TG-860 if you want:

    • A rugged, waterproof camera able to handle rough conditions without worrying
    • A straightforward, dependable point-and-shoot camera for travel and adventure
    • Affordability and durability over image fidelity and creative control

Explore More and Get Hands-On

Our extensive testing confirms these cameras excel in wildly different ways. If possible, try each out in store or rent them to see how their handling fits your style. Pair the Nikon Z50 with lenses you anticipate needing - prime portrait lenses or wide-angle zooms - to maximize your creative reach. For the Olympus, check out compatible accessories like waterproof cases or mounting systems for adventure photography and videos.

Both open distinctive creative doors - your choice should empower your vision and support the photographic journey you want to embark on.

Ready to make your next camera purchase? Whether it’s the Nikon Z50’s blend of performance and versatility or the Olympus TG-860’s rugged simplicity, both can inspire you to capture moments uniquely your own.

Happy shooting!

Nikon Z50 vs Olympus TG-860 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Nikon Z50 and Olympus TG-860
 Nikon Z50Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860
General Information
Make Nikon Olympus
Model type Nikon Z50 Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860
Type Entry-Level Mirrorless Waterproof
Introduced 2019-10-10 2015-02-06
Body design SLR-style mirrorless Ultracompact
Sensor Information
Chip Expeed 6 TruePic VII
Sensor type BSI-CMOS CMOS
Sensor size APS-C 1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions 23.5 x 15.7mm 6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor area 369.0mm² 28.1mm²
Sensor resolution 21 megapixel 16 megapixel
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 1:1, 3:2 and 16:9 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Peak resolution 5568 x 3712 4608 x 3456
Highest native ISO 51200 6400
Highest enhanced ISO 204800 -
Lowest native ISO 100 125
RAW data
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
AF touch
AF continuous
AF single
AF tracking
Selective AF
AF center weighted
Multi area AF
AF live view
Face detection focusing
Contract detection focusing
Phase detection focusing
Total focus points 209 -
Lens
Lens support Nikon Z fixed lens
Lens zoom range - 21-105mm (5.0x)
Maximum aperture - f/3.5-5.7
Macro focusing distance - 1cm
Amount of lenses 15 -
Focal length multiplier 1.5 5.8
Screen
Range of screen Tilting Tilting
Screen sizing 3.2 inch 3 inch
Screen resolution 1,040 thousand dot 460 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch display
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Electronic None
Viewfinder resolution 2,360 thousand dot -
Viewfinder coverage 100% -
Features
Min shutter speed 30 secs 4 secs
Max shutter speed 1/4000 secs 1/2000 secs
Continuous shutter speed 11.0 frames per second 7.0 frames per second
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Exposure compensation Yes -
Custom WB
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash distance 7.00 m (at ISO 100) 4.00 m (at ISO 1600)
Flash modes - Auto, redeye reduction, fill flash, off, LED illuminator
Hot shoe
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Supported video resolutions 3840 x 2160 @ 30p, MOV, H.264, Linear PCM 1920 x 1080 (60p), 1280 x 720 (60p), 640 x 480 (60p)
Highest video resolution 3840x2160 1920x1080
Video format MPEG-4, H.264 H.264
Mic input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless Built-In Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None Yes
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 397g (0.88 lbs) 224g (0.49 lbs)
Physical dimensions 127 x 94 x 60mm (5.0" x 3.7" x 2.4") 110 x 64 x 28mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.1")
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 320 photographs 300 photographs
Style of battery Built-in Battery Pack
Battery ID EN-EL25 Li-50B
Self timer Yes Yes (2 or 10 sec, custom)
Time lapse shooting
Storage media SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-II supported) SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Storage slots Single Single
Launch cost $857 $279