Olympus TG-860 vs Panasonic LX7

Below is a in depth assessment of the Olympus TG-860 and Panasonic LX7, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a big gap between the image resolutions of the TG-860 (16MP) and LX7 (10MP) and the TG-860 (1/2.3") and LX7 (1/1.7") provide totally different sensor sizes.

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The TG-860 was introduced 2 years later than the LX7 and that is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus TG-860 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic LX7 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the TG-860 matches up vs the LX7 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus TG-860 Gallery and Panasonic LX7 Gallery.

If you're aiming to lug around your camera, you will have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus TG-860 comes with physical dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.1") having a weight of 224 grams (0.49 lbs) and the Panasonic LX7 has measurements of 111mm x 68mm x 46mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.8") and a weight of 298 grams (0.66 lbs).

Compare the Olympus TG-860 and Panasonic LX7 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the TG-860 versus the LX7.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the TG-860 and LX7 is 91 and 86 respectively.

More often than not, it can be hard to see the difference between sensor measurements purely by looking at specs. The photograph underneath may offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the TG-860 and LX7.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The TG-860 with its tinier sensor will make getting shallower depth of field trickier and the Olympus TG-860 will resolve greater detail using its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will let you crop shots a bit more aggressively. The newer TG-860 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.