Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus TG-870

Lets look more closely at the Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus TG-870, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Ultracompact and both of them are built by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the TG-870 (16MP) is fairly well matched but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and TG-870 (1/2.3") come with different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL5 was released 4 years prior to the TG-870 and that is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus TG-870 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a short view of how the E-PL5 matches up against the TG-870 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL5 and Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery and Olympus TG-870 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera often, you will have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL5 offers physical dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) and the Olympus TG-870 has measurements of 113mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.1") with a weight of 221 grams (0.49 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus TG-870 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose during that time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the E-PL5 versus the TG-870.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL5 and TG-870 is 88 and 91 respectively.

In many cases, its difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizing merely by looking at technical specs. The photograph here should offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL5 and TG-870.

As you can tell, both cameras enjoy the same exact resolution but different sensor sizing. The E-PL5 has the larger sensor which is going to make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult. The older E-PL5 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.