Olympus E-M1 III vs Olympus TG-870

In this article, we will be analyzing the Olympus E-M1 III versus Olympus TG-870, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Ultracompact and both of them are produced by Olympus. There is a significant difference among the image resolutions of the E-M1 III (20MP) and TG-870 (16MP) and the E-M1 III (Four Thirds) and TG-870 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-M1 III was revealed 4 years later than the TG-870 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M1 III being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus TG-870 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before delving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the E-M1 III scores vs the TG-870 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III and Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-M1 III Gallery and Olympus TG-870 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-M1 III enjoys exterior dimensions of 134mm x 91mm x 69mm (5.3" x 3.6" x 2.7") and a weight of 580 grams (1.28 lbs) while the Olympus TG-870 has proportions of 113mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.1") with a weight of 221 grams (0.49 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-M1 III versus Olympus TG-870 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the E-M1 III versus the TG-870.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the E-M1 III and TG-870 is 67 and 91 respectively.

Generally, it is difficult to see the contrast in sensor sizing simply by seeing specs. The visual below will give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-M1 III and TG-870.

All in all, both of those cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-M1 III using its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF simpler and the Olympus E-M1 III will produce extra detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The fresher E-M1 III is going to have an advantage in sensor technology.