Olympus SP-820UZ vs Olympus TG-860

On this page, we will be reviewing the Olympus SP-820UZ and Olympus TG-860, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Waterproof and both of them are designed by Olympus. The resolution of the SP-820UZ (14MP) and the TG-860 (16MP) is pretty similar and both cameras have the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The SP-820UZ was unveiled 3 years earlier than the TG-860 and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Olympus SP-820UZ being a Compact camera and the Olympus TG-860 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go right into a in depth comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the SP-820UZ matches up vs the TG-860 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SP-820UZ & Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860. The full galleries are provided at Olympus SP-820UZ Gallery & Olympus TG-860 Gallery.

If you're intending to lug around your camera regularly, you should think about its weight and volume. The Olympus SP-820UZ comes with external measurements of 117mm x 78mm x 93mm (4.6" x 3.1" x 3.7") accompanied by a weight of 485 grams (1.07 lbs) and 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 SP-820UZ and Olympus TG-860 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at the time. The following is a front view measurements comparison of the SP-820UZ against the TG-860.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SP-820UZ and TG-860 is 69 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to visualize the contrast between sensor measurements simply by reviewing a spec sheet. The visual below might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the SP-820UZ and TG-860.

As you can see, both of the cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit different megapixels. You can expect the Olympus TG-860 to deliver greater detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures more aggressively. The older SP-820UZ is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.