Olympus SZ-11 vs Olympus TG-870

In this article, we will be evaluating the Olympus SZ-11 vs Olympus TG-870, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Ultracompact and both of them are produced by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the SZ-11 (14MP) and the TG-870 (16MP) is relatively close and they come with the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The SZ-11 was introduced 5 years before the TG-870 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SZ-11 being a Compact camera and the Olympus TG-870 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go through a detailed comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the SZ-11 grades versus the TG-870 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-11 & Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SZ-11 Gallery & Olympus TG-870 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera often, you're going to have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-11 features outer dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Olympus TG-870 has sizing of 113mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.1") with a weight of 221 grams (0.49 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SZ-11 vs Olympus TG-870 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the SZ-11 compared to the TG-870.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ-11 and TG-870 is 89 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, it's difficult to visualize the gap in sensor measurements just by looking through specifications. The visual underneath might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-11 and TG-870.

To sum up, both of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit different resolution. You can count on the Olympus TG-870 to render greater detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots far more aggressively. The older SZ-11 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.