Olympus TG-860 vs Sony A58

Lets look closer at the Olympus TG-860 versus Sony A58, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the TG-860 (16MP) and the A58 (20MP) is relatively comparable but the TG-860 (1/2.3") and A58 (APS-C) feature different sensor dimensions.

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The TG-860 was unveiled 15 months later than the A58 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus TG-860 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A58 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go through a complete comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the TG-860 matches up against the A58 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 and Sony SLT-A58. The full galleries are available at Olympus TG-860 Gallery and Sony A58 Gallery.

When you are going to lug around your camera frequently, you have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus TG-860 offers outside 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 A58 has specifications of 129mm x 95mm x 78mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 3.1") with a weight of 492 grams (1.08 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus TG-860 versus Sony A58 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using at the time. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the TG-860 vs the A58.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the TG-860 and A58 is 91 and 68 respectively.

In many cases, it's tough to visualize the gap in sensor measurements just by checking out specs. The graphic underneath might provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the TG-860 and A58.

All in all, both of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The TG-860 with its smaller sensor is going to make achieving bokeh more difficult and the Sony A58 will produce extra detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The newer TG-860 provides an edge when it comes to sensor technology.