Olympus TG-870 vs Panasonic FP7: A Detailed Ultracompact Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

In the rapidly evolving world of photography, ultracompact cameras still hold a uniquely valuable place for many users seeking portability without sacrificing too much on image quality and features. Among these tough contenders, the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 (TG-870) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP7 (FP7) emerge as two interesting options launched in the mid-2010s, aimed at casual yet committed photographers who want reliable point-and-shoot solutions in small packages.

Having run both cameras through extensive field testing, lab measurements, and side-by-side performance checks against various use cases - from landscape vistas to fast-action sports - I’m ready to guide you through how these compact marvels stack up in real-world photo and video scenarios. Let’s dig into the essential specs, tactile experience, image quality, and more, to help you pick the best ultracompact buddy for your photographic adventures.

Size, Ergonomics, and Handling: Tiny Giants in Your Pocket

The first impression when comparing these two cameras comes down to form factor and the feel in the hand - critical considerations for travel, street photography, and spontaneous shooting.

Size comparison illustrating the slightly larger but robust TG-870 vs the slimmer, lighter FP7.

The Olympus TG-870 is noticeably thicker and a bit heavier at 221g compared to the Panasonic FP7’s featherweight 147g. Measuring 113x64x28mm vs 101x59x18mm, the TG-870 still remains pocketable but asserts a rugged presence that matches its enhanced durability features. Its build quality hints at the “tough” branding - completely waterproof, shockproof, crushproof, and even freezeproof. This means serious adventurers will appreciate the peace of mind when venturing outdoors in unpredictable conditions.

In contrast, the FP7 offers an ultra-slim minimalist design that’s utterly discreet - perfect for street photographers or travelers who prioritize lightness over extraordinary weather resistance. However, it lacks any environmental sealing, making it less suited to rugged environments.

Our subjective handling tests found the TG-870 slightly more comfortable for extended shooting sessions due to its more pronounced grip, while the FP7’s flat and smooth surfaces, plus its lower weight, make it easier to slip into a pocket unnoticed.

Control Layout and User Interface: Simplicity vs Functional Access

If a camera’s external design and button layout don’t feel intuitive, it can distract you from photography. Examining the top controls and screen interface unveils these cameras’ operational philosophies.

The Olympus TG-870 boasts more substantial control dials and buttons compared to the flat and simplified Panasonic FP7.

The TG-870 features traditional physical buttons with decent tactile feedback and even a mode dial - surprisingly rare in compact cameras - which gives quick access to essential functions. Its 3-inch tilting screen (921k dots) enhances compositional flexibility, especially for low or high-angle snaps in the wild. The tilting feature is key for macro shots or self-recording (though the TG-870 isn’t selfie-focused).

On the other hand, the FP7 opts for a fixed 3.5-inch touchscreen (230k dots), a decidedly lower resolution screen that feels less sharp but responsive enough for menu navigation and touch autofocus. This touchscreen brings a modern flair but its small dynamic range and resolution may hinder subtle previewing in bright conditions.

While neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder, their live view LCDs are the primary framing aid. Here, the TG-870’s higher-res, tilt-enabled screen gives it an edge in usability.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Every Camera

Both cameras employ 1/2.3-inch sensors with 16MP resolution, but that’s where similarity ends. Olympus relies on a modern BSI-CMOS sensor paired with its TruePic VII processor, whereas Panasonic went with a CCD sensor combined with the older Venus Engine IV processor. From my laboratory tests and field imaging, this distinction manifests clearly.

Illustration of sensor types and their impacts on image performance.

Resolution and Detail: Despite sharing 16MP, the TG-870’s BSI-CMOS sensor captures finer detail across the frame and handles noise better thanks to more efficient light gathering and newer processing technology. The FP7’s CCD sensor, while respectable for its time, produces images with slightly softer detail and reduced microcontrast.

Dynamic Range and Color Rendition: The Olympus excels in dynamic range, revealing more shadow and highlight information - important for landscapes or backlit portraits. Colors on the TG-870 appear more natural and balanced, better representing skin tones and foliage. The FP7 tends toward slightly muted colors and clipped highlights in high-contrast scenes.

ISO Performance: When pushing to ISO 800 and above, I observed more aggressive noise reduction on the FP7, which dims fine textures noticeably. The TG-870 maintains cleaner images at equivalent ISOs, making it more versatile for dim environments or nocturnal shooting.

White Balance and Exposure: Both cameras allow custom white balance, which is useful in mixed lighting, but the TG-870’s metering is more consistent, delivering reliable exposure across varied conditions.

Note: Neither camera offers RAW capture, so JPEG processing quality is paramount - here the Olympus also benefits from more refined in-camera algorithms, translating to sharper, cleaner JPEGs straight out of camera with less reliance on post software tweaking.

Autofocus System: Precision and Speed in a Compact Package

Autofocus can make or break shots, especially with moving subjects. The TG-870 has a contrast-detection AF system with face detection and continuous autofocus modes plus tracking. The FP7 also relies on contrast detection but lacks continuous AF and only has AF tracking enabled.

From hands-on trials:

• Olympus TG-870: AF is generally quick, locking onto faces and subjects accurately, particularly in good light. The inclusion of AF tracking allows better focus retention on moving subjects, beneficial for casual sports or wildlife snapshots.
• Panasonic FP7: AF struggles with continuous focusing and is noticeably slower to lock, leading to more missed shots, particularly when shooting moving targets or in lower light.

Focus point options are limited on both (no manual selection), but TG-870’s face detection performs slightly better. Neither camera supports manual focus, focus bracketing, or focus stacking, limiting professional macro or creative applications.

Lens and Zoom Performance: Versatility or Specialization?

Lens-wise, these fixed zooms offer distinct focal ranges and construction. The Olympus provides 21-105mm (5x optical zoom) with an aperture spanning f/3.5-5.7, while the Panasonic covers 35-140mm (4x optical zoom) at f/3.5-5.9.

Olympus TG-870:

• Wider angle starting at 21mm enabling expansive landscapes and environmental portraits.
• Moderate telephoto extending to 105mm useful for casual wildlife or portraits.
• The lens exhibits moderate distortion at wide end (typical for ultracompacts) but minimal chromatic aberration.
• Macro focusing down to 1cm with lens-side LED illuminator allows impressive close-ups.

Panasonic FP7:

• Begins at a narrower 35mm equivalent, limiting ultra-wide shooting options.
• Longer reach to 140mm telephoto skews towards tighter framing of distant subjects.
• Macro focusing only to 10cm, less forgiving for extreme close-ups.
• Less versatile for wide-angle scenes but enhanced reach for candid portraits or distant subjects like street shots.

In my testing, the Olympus’s lens versatility edges out the FP7’s specialization slightly, especially for travelers and nature photographers who want wide and moderately long coverage in one package.

Build Quality and Durability: Built to Endure or Sleek and Sensitive?

Here is where the TG-870 clears a significant gap. Olympus engineered its TG-870 as a rugged tool - the camera is waterproof to 15m, shockproof to 2.1m, crushproof up to 100 kgf, and freezeproof to −10 °C. This means it can survive aquatic adventures, alpine hikes, and the inevitable bumps and bruises of travel photography without a worry.

Conversely, the FP7 embraces a classic ultracompact consumer design, with no weather sealing or shock protection. It performs well when handled delicately but shouldn’t be your pick for challenging environments.

For outdoor photographers focused on durability and reliability, the TG-870's robust shell is a standout. If you mostly shoot urban or indoor settings, the FP7 may suffice.

Display and User Interface: What You See Is What You Get

The TG-870’s 3-inch 921k-dot tilting screen offers impressive brightness and viewing angles, enabling confident composition in bright outdoor conditions. The tilting ability also makes high-angle or low-angle shooting more comfortable.

The FP7’s 3.5-inch touchscreen, while larger, only supports 230k dots, resulting in somewhat muddy previews, especially under harsh lighting. Although touchscreen controls simplify quick selection and focus point placement, the lower resolution can frustrate closely scrutinizing details or checking fine focus.

Comparing screen clarity and usability between the two models.

Neither camera features an EVF, which may disappoint photographers accustomed to eye-level framing, particularly in bright daylight. However, their compactness partly justifies this.

Burst Rate and Shutter: Catching the Action

For action photographers, frame rate and shutter responsiveness are critical.

The TG-870 shoots up to 7 frames per second (fps), offering the flexibility to capture decisive moments such as kids playing or wildlife movement. The FP7’s more pedestrian 4 fps is adequate for casual snapshots but will likely miss fast sequences.

Shutter speed ranges differ notably: TG-870 spans 4s to 1/2000s, accommodating longer night exposures and some light painting, while the FP7 covers only 1/60s to 1/1600s, limiting low-light and creative exposures. Neither supports electronic (silent) shutter modes.

Video Capabilities: HD Recording in Compact Bodies

If video is a consideration, the TG-870 clearly outshines the FP7. The Olympus captures full HD video at 1080p/60fps with MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs, delivering smooth, detailed footage suitable for casual to moderate video use.

Panasonic’s FP7 caps out at 720p/24fps in Motion JPEG format, a more dated codec, with inferior resolution and frame rate, leading to choppier videos that may require more post-processing.

Neither model includes microphone or headphone jacks, limiting professional audio control.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life

The TG-870 includes built-in Wi-Fi and GPS, two features absent on the FP7, enhancing image geotagging and allowing wireless image transfer or remote control via smartphone - a boon for travel and social sharing.

Both cameras use SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards and offer a single card slot, standard for this class.

Battery life is fairly comparable: TG-870 rated for ~300 shots per charge, FP7 for ~240 shots, but real-world performance tends to favor the Olympus with more efficient power management during Wi-Fi and screen use. The TG-870 uses a rechargeable Li-50B pack, offering good endurance in the field.

USB 2.0 connectivity exists on both but without fast transfer speeds or charging capabilities.

Evaluating Each Camera’s Strengths and Weaknesses

Real-World Performance Across Photography Genres

Olympus TG 870 front Olympus TG 870 screen back Panasonic FP7 front Panasonic FP7 screen back

To add practical insight, I challenged both cameras across key photography styles:

Portrait Photography

TG-870's more natural skin tone rendering and face detection delivered consistently pleasing portraits. Its 21mm wide angle also allowed environmental context in portraits - think a lively street or nature background. The FP7, while capable, struggled with less flattering color and softness, reducing final image impact.

Landscape Photography

The Olympus's wide-angle lens coupled with superior dynamic range better preserved sky and shadow detail crucial for landscapes. The FP7’s more limited zoom and narrower dynamic range made dramatic vistas less impressive.

Wildlife Photography

Both cameras fall short for serious wildlife due to limited telephoto reach and AF sophistication. However, TG-870’s faster AF and better tracking offered more keepers in casual situations.

Sports Photography

With 7fps burst and continuous AF, the TG-870 outperforms FP7 significantly. FP7’s 4fps plus slower AF limit effectiveness on dynamic sports scenes.

Street Photography

FP7’s compactness and discreet design shine here, although lack of weatherproofing restricts outdoor risk-taking. TG-870 is bulkier but tougher - great if unpredictability is a factor.

Macro Photography

TG-870’s 1cm focusing minimum and macro illuminator outperform FP7’s 10cm macro distance, providing finer close-up work.

Night/Astro Photography

Wide ISO capabilities and longer shutter speeds on TG-870 make it a decent option for night shooting, while FP7’s limited shutter speed hampers this genre.

Video Capabilities

TG-870’s 1080p/60fps video is more flexible and modern, delivering clean, fluid footage compared to the basic 720p FP7 recordings.

Travel Photography

The TG-870 is ideal for active travelers needing durability and versatility; the FP7 caters to light packers prioritizing minimalism.

Professional Work

Neither camera fits professional standards fully - but TG-870’s stronger feature set and robust build aid casual pro backup or reference imagery.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Choosing between the Olympus TG-870 and Panasonic FP7 comes down to your priorities:

• If you need rugged durability, better image quality, wider versatility, and modern connectivity, the Olympus TG-870 is the clear winner. It handles every scenario more capably, from landscapes to sports, and even modest video work. The tradeoff is extra weight and bulk.

• If your budget is limited, and you crave the lightest, simplest ultracompact camera for straightforward daylight shooting and street-level discretion, the Panasonic FP7 suffices. However, prepare for slower autofocus, softer images, and lack of weather protection.

As someone who's logged dozens of hours behind both cameras, I urge careful consideration of your usage environment. For adventurous photographers who’ll push limits, TG-870’s solid build and superior sensor technology justify its premium. For casual snapshots on city streets or compact carry, FP7 offers a no-frills but affordable option.

Technical Summary Table

Methodological Note

Throughout this evaluation, I employed established testing protocols, including controlled illumination setups for image quality analysis, high-speed capture for burst rate verification, and outdoor fieldwork to assess autofocus and handling. Real-world shooting was performed in varied conditions - bright daylight, dim interiors, and wet environments - to ensure a comprehensive, user-focused evaluation.

In conclusion, the Olympus TG-870 represents a rugged, future-proofed ultracompact that absorbs a surprising amount of versatility into its tough frame and modern sensor, while the Panasonic FP7 provides an ultra-slim, minimalist appeal with adjusted compromises on performance. Your final choice should closely align with your photographic journey - where you plan to shoot, how often, and what you value most in a pocketable companion.

Happy shooting!