Olympus TG-860 vs Olympus XZ-2 iHS

Let's take a more detailed look at the Olympus TG-860 versus Olympus XZ-2 iHS, former being a Waterproof while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are created by Olympus. There is a considerable difference among the sensor resolutions of the TG-860 (16MP) and XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the TG-860 (1/2.3") and XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") use totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The TG-860 was launched 2 years later than the XZ-2 iHS and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus TG-860 being a Ultracompact camera and the Olympus XZ-2 iHS being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief overview of how the TG-860 grades vs the XZ-2 iHS when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 & Olympus XZ-2 iHS. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-860 Gallery & Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus TG-860 enjoys exterior dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.1") with a weight of 224 grams (0.49 lbs) and the Olympus XZ-2 iHS has proportions of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") having a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs).

Check the Olympus TG-860 versus Olympus XZ-2 iHS in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the TG-860 versus the XZ-2 iHS.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the TG-860 and XZ-2 iHS is 91 and 85 respectively.

Generally, it can be difficult to envision the contrast in sensor sizing just by seeing specifications. The visual below should give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the TG-860 and XZ-2 iHS.

To sum up, the 2 cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The TG-860 featuring a smaller sensor will make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Olympus TG-860 will show greater detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures much more aggressively. The younger TG-860 will have a benefit in sensor tech.