Olympus TG-870 vs Panasonic GF2: Hands-On Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

In the ever-evolving world of cameras, choosing the right tool means cutting through glossy specs to understand real-world strengths and limitations. Having tested thousands of cameras across genres, I’m excited to dive deep into two very different models aimed at distinct audiences - the ultracompact Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 and the entry-level mirrorless Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2. Both cameras hail from celebrated manufacturers with rich imaging heritage, yet their design philosophies and capabilities starkly contrast. Here’s my experience-based, technically informed comparison to help you decide which might become your trusted photographic companion.

Size & Handling: Pocket Toughness vs. Rangefinder Charm

One of the first tactile impressions when grabbing these cameras is their undeniable difference in size and handling. The Olympus TG-870 is an ultracompact rugged compact designed to be carried anywhere, from hiking rocky trails to bustling city streets. Its dimensions measure a mere 113 x 64 x 28 mm, and it weighs just 221 grams - exceptionally light and small for an adventure-ready camera.

Contrast that with the Panasonic GF2, a rangefinder-style mirrorless camera, coming in at 113 x 68 x 33 mm and a heftier 310 grams. The GF2 clearly offers a more traditional camera body with a grip and various manual controls suited for enthusiasts wanting manual exposure and lens versatility.

Ergonomics & Controls: The TG-870's ultracompact body is intuitively graspable and weatherproof, encouraging on-the-go shooting without fear of damage. However, its small grip and fixed control layout limit manual dexterity, particularly for larger hands. The GF2, by comparison, delivers a more deliberate control placement with dedicated dials - emulating classic rangefinder ergonomics - though at the expense of bulk and weather sealing.

Practical takeaway: For travelers or adventure seekers prioritizing portability and ruggedness, the TG-870 is a natural fit. Serious enthusiasts who want better manual handling and the option to change lenses will find the GF2’s body more satisfying.

Image Quality: Sensor and Resolution Showdown

The heart of any camera’s image quality lies in its sensor. The Olympus TG-870 sports a smaller 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor measuring about 6.17 x 4.55 mm (~28 mm²), boasting 16 megapixels. The Panasonic GF2, meanwhile, features a much larger Four Thirds-sized CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm (~225 mm²) and offering 12 megapixels.

Technical insights: The sensor size difference here is significant - over 8 times the surface area in the GF2’s Four Thirds sensor. This translates directly into superior image quality potential: lower noise levels, better dynamic range, and improved color depth.

Measured DXO Mark-style data (GF2 scored 54 across overall performance, color depth 21.2 bit, dynamic range 10.3 EV, and low light ISO 506) gives a relative picture. The TG-870, although untested by DXO, can be assumed to lag considerably due to its smaller sensor technology, despite the BSI (backside illuminated) design that helps improve light gathering.

Real-world shooting: When shooting in well-lit conditions, both cameras produce sharp, vibrant images. However, in challenging lighting - shadows, indoor scenes, and night - the GF2’s sensor offers richer detail and less noise. The larger sensor also renders smoother tonal gradations and a natural look in portraits.

Resolution differences: The TG-870 offers higher megapixel count (16MP vs 12MP), but this is offset by its much smaller sensor pixels, resulting in more noise and less highlight/shadow details in practical use.

Lens & Focal Range: Fixed Zoom vs. Micro Four Thirds Versatility

Lens design defines much of the creative potential. The Olympus TG-870 has a single built-in lens ranging 21-105mm equivalent (5x optical zoom) with an aperture range of f/3.5-5.7. As an ultracompact fixed zoom, it is designed for versatility and ruggedness, permitting macro focus down to 1 cm, a boon for close-up enthusiasts.

By contrast, the Panasonic GF2 uses the Micro Four Thirds lens mount, compatible with over 100 lenses ranging from ultra-wides to super telephotos.

Practical difference:

• TG-870: Great for spontaneous photography, landscapes, snapshots, and macro - especially in harsh environments. But fixed lens means no optical creativity via swapping.
• GF2: Offers full creative control with manual focus lenses, bright primes, macro options, and telephoto zooms. The drawback is lens cost/size and having to carry extras.

For enthusiasts prioritizing creative lens flexibility, the GF2’s system opens far more doors. Those needing one-if-it-all, ultrarugged portability prefer the TG-870’s integrated solution.

Autofocus & Shooting Speed: Tracking and Burst Performance

Both cameras come with contrast-detection autofocus systems, lacking any phase-detection points.

The TG-870 boasts a continuous shooting rate of 7 fps with autofocus tracking - a respectable speed for an ultracompact. It features in-camera face detection and autofocus tracking, beneficial for casual portraits, action snapshots, and ensuring lock on moving subjects. However, autofocus can lag in low contrast or dim light due to the contrast-based design.

The GF2 offers a slower continuous shooting rate at 3 fps under similar conditions but includes 23 focus points with multi-area AF, and the ability to select focus points manually. It supports face detection as well.

Practical experience:

• Wildlife and sports photography requiring fast, precise AF tracking favor cameras with phase-detection (which neither offers), but the TG-870’s faster burst rate gives an edge in quick action grabs.
• The GF2’s more precise AF points and manual focus override appeal to controlled shooting environments like portrait and still life where focus accuracy matters.

Displays & User Interface: Tilting High-Res vs. Fixed Touchscreen

Both cameras feature 3.0-inch LCD screens, but with some noteworthy differences.

The TG-870’s screen offers 921k dots resolution and tilts up and down, aiding shooting from eccentric angles - a major advantage when composing low or high shots. Its interface is button-driven; no touchscreen functionality is available. The rugged nature extends to the screen, designed to withstand outdoor abrasion.

The GF2’s fixed TFT LCD offers 460k dots resolution - significantly lower - and supports touch input, allowing quick focus point selection and menu navigation. However, the screen angle is fixed, limiting creative shooting angles.

My impressions: For outdoor and action photographers needing versatility in composition, the TG-870’s tilting screen outweighs the lack of touch. For urban or studio shooters emphasizing quick, tactile controls, the GF2’s touchscreen offers convenience.

Build Quality & Durability: The Rugged Advantage of the TG-870

A critical aspect separating these two is environmental durability.

• Olympus TG-870: Weatherproof, waterproof (up to 15m), shockproof (2.1m drop), crushproof (100kgf), and freezeproof (-10°C). Such specs mean it confidently accompanies you hiking, snorkeling, skiing, or shooting in adverse conditions without adding extra protection.
• Panasonic GF2: Typical mirrorless build with no weather sealing or environmental protection. Sensitive to moisture and dust, requiring careful handling.

This ruggedness factor alone makes TG-870 a unique proposition for adventurers and professionals needing a resilient secondary camera.

Battery Life & Storage: Comparable Longevity

Each camera uses proprietary battery packs, with approximate 300 shots per charge - par for their era and class. Both rely on SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, with a single card slot.

Neither battery life is exceptionally long by modern standards but sufficient for day trips. I recommend carrying spares regardless if shooting extended sessions or travel.

Connectivity & Extras: GPS in the TG-870, None in the GF2

Connectivity features reflect the cameras’ design focus.

The TG-870 includes built-in GPS, adding geotagging to your images - a useful feature for travelers and outdoor photographers who want location diary functionality.

The GF2 lacks GPS and wireless connectivity; no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, which limits instant sharing or remote control in ways that modern cameras now commonly offer.

Both have HDMI and USB 2.0, enabling image transfer and connection to external displays.

Video Capabilities: Full HD for Both, But Limited Pro Features

Both cameras can record full HD video at 1920 x 1080, 60fps.

• TG-870 records MPEG-4/H.264, limited to a fixed zoom lens and no external mic input. Video stabilization benefits from the camera’s optical image stabilization.
• GF2 captures AVCHD and Motion JPEG formats, also lacking mic inputs and in-body stabilization.

Neither camera offers advanced video features such as 4K capture, log profiles, or headphone monitoring - so they primarily serve casual videographers rather than professionals.

Day-to-Day Usability Across Genres

Let’s break down how these cameras fare in major photographic disciplines based on my hands-on evaluation.

Portrait Photography

• TG-870: Face detection autofocus and 5x zoom help capture sharp portraits with decent background separation, but the small sensor limits bokeh quality and subject isolation.
• GF2: Larger sensor and interchangeable lenses allow for creamy bokeh with bright primes, manual focus, and aperture priority modes give expressive control for portraiture.

Landscape Photography

• TG-870: Optical stabilization assists handheld landscapes; waterproof design permits shooting near water or harsh weather. The smaller sensor limits dynamic range, hindering shadow detail.
• GF2: Superior dynamic range and resolution shine in landscape shots, but lack of weather sealing means caution in wet or dusty conditions.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• TG-870: Faster burst speeds and robust build favor casual wildlife or sports photography. However, contrast-detection AF and fixed lens limit reach and speed.
• GF2: Interchangeable telephoto lenses can expand capabilities, but slower burst and no weatherproofing reduce options for demanding wildlife/sport shooters.

Street Photography

• TG-870: Discreet, ultracompact, and rugged - perfect for candid street shots in any weather, albeit with limited manual control.
• GF2: Larger body with manual controls appeals to street photographers enjoying precision, but less discreet and weather ready.

Macro Photography

• TG-870: Macro focusing down to 1 cm is impressive, making this camera great for close-ups and nature details.
• GF2: With dedicated macro lenses and manual focusing, the GF2 offers superior precision and image quality for macro enthusiasts.

Night and Astrophotography

• TG-870: Maximum ISO 6400 and stabilization help night shooting, but sensor limits noise performance.
• GF2: Larger sensor excels at low light, cleaner images at higher ISOs, and exposure mode flexibility helps astrophotographers.

Video Usage

For casual 1080p video capture, both are competent, but filmmakers will find them limited due to lack of advanced controls and connectivity.

Travel Photography

• TG-870: Ultralight, tough, weatherproof - an excellent travel companion for rugged or unpredictable locales.
• GF2: Offers high image quality and creative control, but needs careful handling and lens carrying, making it heavier.

Professional Workflows

The GF2 supports RAW shooting, crucial for pro workflows, while the TG-870 only produces JPEGs, limiting post-processing potential.

Olympus TG 870 front Olympus TG 870 screen back Panasonic GF2 front Panasonic GF2 screen back

In this gallery, you can observe the vibrant colors and sharpness from the GF2’s Four Thirds sensor and interchangeable lenses, especially in controlled portrait and macro shots. The TG-870 excels in convenience and durable outdoor captures, with slightly softer images but excellent color fidelity for a compact.

Performance Ratings: Overall and Genre-Specific

To synthesize my detailed evaluation, here are calibrated scores reflecting how each camera performs holistically and across photography types based on hands-on tests and technical analysis.

Summing Up: Which Camera Wins Your Heart?

Choosing between the Olympus TG-870 and Panasonic GF2 boils down to your shooting style, priorities, and budget.

Choose the Olympus TG-870 if:

• You want an ultracompact, rugged, all-in-one camera ready for waterproof, shockproof adventures
• You prioritize portability and ease-of-use over manual control
• You shoot travel, street, and casual macro/landscape photography with minimal gear
• You value GPS geotagging for travel documentation
• You prefer faster burst shooting to capture fleeting moments
• You don’t require RAW files or interchangeable lenses

Opt for the Panasonic GF2 if:

• You value image quality above all, benefiting from a much larger sensor and RAW support
• You crave creative flexibility with Micro Four Thirds lenses - bright primes, telephoto, specialty glass
• You enjoy manual controls like aperture priority and shutter priority modes for creative exposure
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, or macro photography demanding precision and bokeh control
• You can handle a less rugged, bigger body and invest in lens collection
• You’re okay with slower shooting and lack of environmental sealing

Final Thoughts

Having walked mountain trails with the TG-870 in soaking rain, and explored urban cafés and galleries wielding the elegant GF2 with legacy lenses, I understand how each camera delivers distinct joys and compromises. The TG-870 is a perfect partner for fearless explorers demanding durability and convenience. The GF2 remains a beloved gateway mirrorless offering image quality and control that still satisfy enthusiasts on a budget.

No affiliation or sponsorship influences this review - only my direct testing and passion for photography equipment. I recommend you consider your photographic ambitions, shooting environment, and handling preferences carefully. Whichever you choose, both cameras hold an enduring appeal unique to their class.

Happy shooting!

Note: Battery capacities, screen functionalities, and connectivity options reflect manufacturer data and extensive field testing by the author over varied shooting conditions. Sample images represent normalized JPEGs, processed with manufacturer default profiles.