Olympus TG-860 vs YI M1

In this write-up, we are matching up the Olympus TG-860 and YI M1, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and YI. The resolution of the TG-860 (16MP) and the M1 (20MP) is fairly well matched but the TG-860 (1/2.3") and M1 (Four Thirds) come with totally different sensor size.

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The TG-860 was launched 19 months earlier than the M1 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus TG-860 being a Ultracompact camera and the YI M1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the TG-860 grades vs the M1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 and YI M1. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-860 Gallery and YI M1 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to lug around your camera regularly, you will need to think about its weight and size. The Olympus TG-860 has physical measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.1") having a weight of 224 grams (0.49 lbs) whilst the YI M1 has specifications of 114mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.5" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 350 grams (0.77 lbs).

Check the Olympus TG-860 and YI M1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the TG-860 compared to the M1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the TG-860 and M1 is 91 and 87 respectively.

Quite often, it can be hard to envision the difference between sensor measurements purely by looking at technical specs. The visual below will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the TG-860 and M1.

As you have seen, each of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The TG-860 featuring a tinier sensor will make getting shallower depth of field trickier and the YI M1 will give you extra detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images a little more aggressively. The older TG-860 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.