Olympus TG-860 vs Pentax XG-1

Here is a thorough review of the Olympus TG-860 and Pentax XG-1, former being a Waterproof while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the TG-860 (16MP) and the XG-1 (16MP) is relatively close and both cameras provide the same sensor size (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The TG-860 was announced 7 months later than the XG-1 and they are both of a similar age. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus TG-860 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax XG-1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving right into a detailed comparison, here is a short highlight of how the TG-860 scores versus the XG-1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 & Pentax XG-1. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-860 Gallery & Pentax XG-1 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera often, you'll have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus TG-860 has got outside measurements 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 Pentax XG-1 has measurements of 119mm x 89mm x 98mm (4.7" x 3.5" x 3.9") along with a weight of 567 grams (1.25 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus TG-860 and Pentax XG-1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the TG-860 and the XG-1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the TG-860 and XG-1 is 91 and 66 respectively.

Generally, it is hard to visualise the gap in sensor sizing just by viewing specs. The visual below will give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the TG-860 and XG-1.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras provide the same sensor dimensions and the exact same resolution and you can expect comparable quality of photographs but you would want to take the age of the cameras into account. The younger TG-860 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.