Olympus TG-870 vs Panasonic FS42

Here is a complete overview of the Olympus TG-870 and Panasonic FS42, both Ultracompact digital cameras by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a noticeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the TG-870 (16MP) and FS42 (10MP) and the TG-870 (1/2.3") and FS42 (1/2.5") offer different sensor size.

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The TG-870 was introduced 6 years later than the FS42 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Ultracompact).

Before we go straight to a full comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the TG-870 scores versus the FS42 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-870 Gallery & Panasonic FS42 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus TG-870 features external dimensions of 113mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 221 grams (0.49 lbs) and the Panasonic FS42 has proportions of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus TG-870 and Panasonic FS42 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you use during that time. Here is a front view scale comparison of the TG-870 vs the FS42.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the TG-870 and FS42 is 91 and 95 respectively.

Quite often, it is tough to imagine the gap between sensor sizing purely by going over technical specs. The photograph below might give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the TG-870 and FS42.

As you have seen, the two cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The TG-870 with its larger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF simpler and the Olympus TG-870 will offer greater detail using its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics more aggressively. The fresher TG-870 should have a benefit in sensor innovation.