Olympus TG-860 vs Sony A450

Here, we will be looking at the Olympus TG-860 and Sony A450, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the TG-860 (16MP) and the A450 (14MP) is relatively similar but the TG-860 (1/2.3") and A450 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The TG-860 was introduced 5 years later than the A450 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus TG-860 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A450 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting right into a detailed comparison, here is a short summary of how the TG-860 grades against the A450 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A450. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-860 Gallery and Sony A450 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera often, you will need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus TG-860 has exterior measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 224 grams (0.49 lbs) while the Sony A450 has proportions of 137mm x 104mm x 81mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.2") having a weight of 560 grams (1.23 lbs).

Compare the Olympus TG-860 and Sony A450 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose at that time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the TG-860 against the A450.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the TG-860 and A450 is 91 and 65 respectively.

In many cases, it is very tough to see the gap between sensor sizing merely by reviewing a spec sheet. The photograph underneath will help give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the TG-860 and A450.

Clearly, each of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The TG-860 using its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF more challenging and the Olympus TG-860 will deliver greater detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The fresher TG-860 will have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.