Olympus SH-2 vs Olympus TG-870

On this page, we will be evaluating the Olympus SH-2 versus Olympus TG-870, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Ultracompact and they are both sold by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the SH-2 (16MP) and the TG-870 (16MP) is pretty comparable and both cameras boast the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SH-2 was unveiled 10 months earlier than the TG-870 so they are of a similar generation. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus SH-2 being a Compact camera and the Olympus TG-870 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before going into a thorough comparison, here is a quick view of how the SH-2 scores vs the TG-870 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SH-2 and Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870. The full galleries are available at Olympus SH-2 Gallery and Olympus TG-870 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry around your camera, you have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SH-2 provides outer measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) and the Olympus TG-870 has dimensions 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 SH-2 versus Olympus TG-870 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are working with at the time. The following is a front view scale comparison of the SH-2 versus the TG-870.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the SH-2 and TG-870 is 88 and 91 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's hard to see the contrast in sensor sizes simply by seeing a spec sheet. The picture below will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the SH-2 and TG-870.

As you can see, both cameras have the same sensor dimensions and the exact same MP so you should expect comparable quality of photographs although you really should factor the release date of the cameras into account. The more aged SH-2 will be behind in sensor technology.