Olympus TG-870 vs Panasonic FH5: The Definitive Compact Camera Showdown

Choosing a compact camera in today’s smartphone-saturated world can feel like navigating a digital jungle. Yet, for many enthusiasts and professionals, there’s still an undeniable charm and utility in a pocketable camera dedicated to photography, especially when a rugged friend or ease-of-use is part of the brief. Today, I’m diving deep into the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 - two ultracompact and small sensor compacts from very different eras and with markedly different ambitions. Both wield a fixed zoom lens, both promise portability, but beyond the specs sheet they tell very different stories.

After extensive hands-on testing through varied photography disciplines and shooting conditions, I’m here to break down how these two cameras compare in real-world use, covering everything from image quality and ergonomics to autofocus and video capabilities. Whether you want a tough-ready adventure partner or a no-frills everyday shooter, by the end of this guide you’ll know which one suits your lens on life.

Size Matters - And Sometimes It Doesn’t

Let’s start with the obvious. The Olympus TG-870 weighs in at 221 grams with dimensions 113 x 64 x 28 mm, visibly chunkier than the Panasonic FH5’s feather-light 121 grams and svelter 94 x 54 x 19 mm profile. Handling both side-by-side, the Panasonic is delightfully pocketable and forgettable - ideal for street photography and travel where discretion and ease of carry are paramount.

But here’s where experience trumps pure specs: the TG-870’s bulk actually translates to a more confident grip and better durability (spoiler alert: it’s shockproof, waterproof, freezeproof, and crushproof). That rugged build means you can take it kayaking or bungee jumping without sweating it - something I put to a real test on muddy day hikes and snowy weekends. The Panasonic, on the other hand, feels delicate and better suited for controlled environments, like family events or casual urban strolls.

So if you need your camera to survive the elements or occasional drops, the TG-870’s size is justified - and frankly, a blessing. For casual snapshots where you barely want the camera present, Panasonic wins hands down.

The View From Above - Controls and Usability

The top-deck controls give you an immediate sense of design philosophy. Olympus packs the TG-870 with a clustered yet thoughtful button and dial spread, including dedicated zoom lever, playback button, and mode dial - rare for such a compact. Though there's no true manual focus or exposure modes, the camera’s intuitive navigation and quick toggles make shooting pleasures for casual enthusiasts. I appreciated how the zoom action was precise and effortless in the field, especially when adrenaline-fueled wildlife moments demanded quick framing.

The Panasonic FH5 relies on minimalism - a simple power button, shutter release, and zoom toggle. This keeps the camera unobtrusive but also limits creative control and responsiveness. Autofocus and exposure parameters work entirely behind the scenes, which may frustrate those wanting slightly more influence over shots.

If tactile familiarity and quick access to options are your priorities, TG-870 takes the lead. For point-and-shoot simplicity, Panasonic will still satisfy.

Squeezing Image Quality From Tiny Sensors

Here’s where compact cameras often face their Waterloo: sensor technology and image quality. Both Olympus and Panasonic use a 1/2.3-inch sensor format, similar physically - but the details and generations matter.

Olympus wields a 16MP BSI-CMOS sensor with the TruePic VII processor, a relatively modern combo for its 2016 release, optimized for clean noise handling and dynamic range. Panasonic’s 2011 FH5 uses a 16MP CCD sensor, pushing an older generation technology known generally for lower light performance and slower readout speeds.

In practical terms, Olympus produces images with higher sharpness, better color depth, and noticeably less noise at elevations beyond ISO 800. When shooting landscapes or portraits in tricky light, this distinction surfaces clearly - Olympus manages shadows with more gradation and skin tones appear more natural and less waxy.

However, Panasonic surprises in bright daylight, delivering respectable color saturation and contrast due to the CCD’s punchier nature. But blotchy noise and soft detail creep in at ISO 400+.

As a quick rule: if image quality (especially in low-to-medium light) is your benchmark, Olympus claims the crown; Panasonic is better saved for brightly lit scenes or casual documentation.

Touch and Go - Screen, Viewfinder, and Live View

Neither camera boasts an electronic viewfinder, which means you’re relying solely on the rear LCD displays. The TG-870 sports a 3-inch tilting screen with 921k-dot resolution, vastly superior to the fixed 2.7-inch 230k-dot panel on the FH5. This difference is palpable in the field.

I found composing shots on the Panasonic’s dimmer, less crisp screen a strain in bright outdoor conditions, often second-guessing focus accuracy or exposure. The lack of tilting function also meant awkward body positions when shooting from low or high angles.

Olympus’s higher-resolution screen with tilt functionality shines - literally and figuratively - for framing creative shots, macro work, or awkward angles, essential for wildlife or street photography. The interface is easy to navigate with responsive buttons, reducing fumbling during shooting.

Overall, TG-870 delivers a more user-friendly and versatile viewing experience.

Autofocus and Speed: Catching the Decisive Moment

Autofocus systems in compact cameras are often battlefields of compromise - and these two exemplify their respective limits and strengths.

Olympus’s autofocus system relies on contrast-detection with face and center-point AF modes, also offering continuous AF and AF tracking. Panasonic’s FH5 offers 11 focus points and face detection, but throttled to single AF with much slower acquisition and less tracking reliability.

Testing both on moving subjects - hard street runners and playful pets - the TG-870 latched focus decisively faster and tracked reasonably well within its compact constraints. Panasonic struggled to maintain focus lock beyond static scenes, frequently hunting mid-motion, which yielded frustration in wildlife and sports conditions.

Continuous burst speeds also differ: TG-870’s 7 fps outpaces Panasonic’s 4 fps, giving Olympus better chances to capture fleeting moments. Not a pro sports camera by any means, but for casual fast shooting, that speed jump is meaningful.

Lenses: Reach and Macro

Lens specs highlight the cameras’ usage intent.

The TG-870’s 21-105mm equivalent zoom claw offers a versatile 5x reach with a maximum aperture range of f/3.5-5.7. In practical terms, its wider wide-angle suits landscapes and street shots, while the telephoto extends sufficiently for casual wildlife or outdoor events. Plus, its minimum focusing distance of 1 cm means it excels at macro close-ups - a feature I tested on dewy spider webs and close insect portraits with surprisingly crisp results thanks to good stabilization.

By contrast, the Panasonic FH5 sports a 28-112mm f/3.1-6.5 lens with more modest zoom length and a minimum focus distance of 5 cm. This means less dramatic macro capability and narrower framing on the wide end - less ideal for landscapes or tight interiors.

If you prize close-up flexibility and wider framing, Olympus beats Panasonic hands-down with this lens combo.

Image Stabilization and Shutter Speed Range: Steady Shots in the Wild

Both cameras incorporate optical image stabilization, which is essential in compact cameras with smaller sensors to counteract handheld shake - especially at telephoto focal lengths or low shutter speeds.

Olympus’s system proved more aggressive and efficient, enabling steady video and stills even at 1/10 sec exposures handheld - a definite advantage when in tricky light or macro work. Panasonic’s stabilization is more basic, sometimes requiring caution at the telephoto range lest images blur.

Olympus also offers a wider shutter speed range (4 to 1/2000 sec) compared to Panasonic’s narrower 1/60 to 1/1600 sec, allowing more creative freedom with motion blur or bright conditions (though neither supports manual exposure modes). This difference matters when trying to freeze action or embrace creative long exposures.

Video Capabilities: HD, Not 4K, But How Useful?

Neither camera is going to replace your dedicated video gear, but video is a useful bonus.

Olympus shoots 1080p video at smooth 60 fps with H.264 compression, while the Panasonic maxes out at 720p at 30 fps using Motion JPEG - a dated codec that typically produces larger files with less compression.

Video quality from Olympus is noticeably better with less noise in low light and smoother motion. The stabilized lens also contributes to usable handheld clips - something I appreciated when I wanted quick nature clips without lugging heavy gear.

No external mic inputs or advanced video features here, though - don’t expect creative video control. For casual travelers or vloggers, Olympus offers more versatility; Panasonic’s video feels more passable for quick clips.

Durability and Environmental Resistance: The Adventurer’s Ally

This category is Olympus’s domain. The TG-870’s environmental sealing includes waterproofing (rated to 15 meters), shockproofing (up to 2.1m drops), freezeproofing (-10°C), and crushproof rating (100 kgf). Such capabilities enable it to endure excursions where most cameras would perilously falter.

I’ve personally tested the TG-870 on wet hikes, accidental drops on rocky trails, and in chilly weather - all without a hiccup. The reassurance it provides often lets me focus on composition rather than gear anxiety.

The Panasonic FH5 has no special sealing or toughness features, expecting a sheltered life in gentle environments only. For rugged outdoor photography or travel in uncertain climates, it’s simply not the companion you want.

Battery Life and Storage Convenience

Battery life affects practical use, especially for travel or day-long shoots.

Olympus offers around 300 shots per charge with its Li-50B pack, while Panasonic’s smaller battery gives about 260 shots. Neither is exceptional by modern standards but consistent with compact cameras from their periods.

Both cameras use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, with a single slot - standard but limiting compared to newer models offering dual slots for backup.

Interestingly, Olympus includes built-in GPS, useful for geotagging adventures, whereas Panasonic does not.

Connectivity and Wireless Options - Tomorrow’s Expectations?

Only Olympus ships with built-in wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi) enabling remote control and image transfer - a significant bonus in 2016, especially for travelers. Panasonic offers no wireless options, making file transfer a manual, slower USB ordeal.

Neither offer Bluetooth, NFC, or HDMI ports (Panasonic lacks HDMI), limiting integration with external monitors or audio.

For enthusiasts seeking seamless sharing or tethered shooting, Olympus is the smarter pick.

Price Point - Hiring Your Compact Sidekick

As of now, the Olympus TG-870 hovers around $280 used or new old stock, while the Panasonic FH5 remains a thriftier option near $170.

Given the substantial difference in features, durability, and image quality, Olympus justifies the higher price for buyers wanting a versatile and reliable camera. The Panasonic FH5 suits those on tight budgets who need a purely casual shooter.

Putting it All Together: The Scorecard

To summarize visually, here’s an overview of the key performance areas from my testing:

And drilled deeper across photography disciplines:

How They Handle Different Photography Styles

Portraits:
Olympus’s wider lens, better color fidelity, and more responsive AF make it better for portraits with natural skin tones and softly blurred backgrounds (bokeh). Panasonic’s narrower zoom and slower AF can lead to less engaging portraits especially in mixed lighting.

Landscapes:
TG-870’s wide 21mm equivalent, improved dynamic range, tilting screen, and tougher body make it perfect for outdoor landscapes. Panasonic’s lens is narrower, and limited shutter speed plus weaker sensor dynamic range reduce versatility.

Wildlife and Sports:
While neither is a pro sports camera, Olympus’s faster AF, better burst rate (7 fps vs 4 fps), and better reach lend it slight edge for casual wildlife and action shots.

Street Photography:
Panasonic’s small, lightweight form wins here for unobtrusiveness and ease of carry. But Olympus’s tilting screen and rapid AF give it a fighting chance where discretion can be balanced with responsiveness.

Macro:
The TG-870’s 1 cm macro focusing distance coupled with stable hand-held shooting make it superior for close-ups and detail shots, outperforming Panasonic’s less close 5 cm minimum.

Night/Astro:
Neither excels at astro, but Olympus’s low-light performance and longer shutter speeds give it relatively stronger low-light capability.

Video:
Olympus delivers smoother, higher-resolution video with stabilization and Wi-Fi sharing, suitable for casual video shooters. Panasonic falls behind here.

Travel:
Durability and GPS are strong points for Olympus, whereas Panasonic appeals mainly for its slim portability.

Professional Work:
Neither can replace pro-level DSLRs or mirrorless, but Olympus’s ruggedness and better image quality make it a useful backup or specialized tool for adventure professionals.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Navigating the compact camera jungle requires honesty, and both Olympus TG-870 and Panasonic FH5 represent very different philosophies shaped by their eras and target users.

The Olympus TG-870 is an adventurer’s dream: rugged, versatile, and capable of delivering surprisingly good image quality with a useful zoom range, excellent stabilization, and smart usability tweaks like tilting screen and GPS. It’s the camera to grab if you want a dependable, capable shooter for rough outdoor use, outdoor enthusiasts, and macro lovers who value durability and image fidelity as non-negotiables.

The Panasonic FH5, meanwhile, caters to budget-minded casual shooters wanting a tiny, simple point-and-shoot to tote along for daylight street photography or family moments where durability and extended zoom aren’t priorities. It’s a less exciting but approachable introduction to compact digital photography, great when smartphone cameras feel limiting, but with obvious compromises in image quality and functionality.

So, if your photography life is about adventure, pushing the envelope outdoors, or shooting varied subjects under different conditions, Olympus TG-870 is my unhesitating recommendation. If you want a lightweight, pocket-friendly companion for sunny days with an easy-to-use interface and minimal fuss, Panasonic FH5 still has a place.

Sample Images and Real-World Output

To truly understand what sets these two apart, take a look at the comparison gallery of real-world photos taken with both cameras under various lighting and subject conditions:

Olympus TG 870 front Olympus TG 870 screen back Panasonic FH5 front Panasonic FH5 screen back

The differences in sharpness, noise handling, and color reproduction speak volumes beyond just specifications.

In conclusion, every camera tells a story of compromises and priorities. My hands-on testing affirms that while the Panasonic FH5 still produces decent images in good light, the Olympus TG-870 stands well ahead in versatility, build, and performance. Choose your compact ally wisely - your memories deserve it.

Happy shooting!