Olympus E-PL2 vs Olympus TG-860

Let's look a little more in depth at the Olympus E-PL2 versus Olympus TG-860, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Waterproof and both are built by Olympus. There exists a considerable gap among the resolutions of the E-PL2 (12MP) and TG-860 (16MP) and the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and TG-860 (1/2.3") have different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL2 was released 5 years prior to the TG-860 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus TG-860 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go right into a in depth comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the E-PL2 grades vs the TG-860 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL2 & Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery & Olympus TG-860 Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL2 enjoys outer measurements of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) whilst the Olympus TG-860 has sizing of 110mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.1") having a weight of 224 grams (0.49 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL2 versus Olympus TG-860 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are using during that time. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the E-PL2 vs the TG-860.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL2 and TG-860 is 85 and 91 respectively.

Typically, it is tough to imagine the difference in sensor measurements simply by viewing a spec sheet. The graphic underneath should give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL2 and TG-860.

Clearly, the 2 cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PL2 because of its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Olympus TG-860 will result in more detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics way more aggressively. The older E-PL2 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.