Olympus SZ-12 vs Olympus TG-870

Following is a detailed overview of the Olympus SZ-12 vs Olympus TG-870, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Ultracompact and both of them are designed by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the SZ-12 (14MP) and the TG-870 (16MP) is relatively well matched and both cameras provide the identical sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SZ-12 was brought out 5 years prior to the TG-870 which is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-12 being a Compact camera and the Olympus TG-870 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting straight to a full comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the SZ-12 scores against the TG-870 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-12 & Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery & Olympus TG-870 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry around your camera, you are going to need to consider its weight and size. The Olympus SZ-12 comes with external measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Olympus TG-870 has specifications of 113mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.1") along with a weight of 221 grams (0.49 lbs).

Check the Olympus SZ-12 vs Olympus TG-870 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at that time. Following is a front view size comparison of the SZ-12 compared to the TG-870.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-12 and TG-870 is 89 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to imagine the contrast between sensor sizes purely by reading through technical specs. The image underneath may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ-12 and TG-870.

As you have seen, both the cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit different megapixels. You can count on the Olympus TG-870 to resolve more detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots way more aggressively. The more aged SZ-12 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.