Olympus TG-870 vs Panasonic LX100: An Expert Comparative Analysis for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Selecting a digital camera entails not only understanding individual specifications but also evaluating real-world performance, ergonomics, and how the features influence diverse photography disciplines. Here, we conduct an exhaustive comparison of two markedly different yet notable cameras released within two years of each other: the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 (hereafter TG-870) and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 (hereafter LX100). While the TG-870 is an ultracompact ruggedized model, the LX100 represents a large sensor compact offering advanced manual controls and image quality aimed at enthusiasts and professionals seeking portability without compromise.

Our analysis covers sensor technologies, controls, performance in multiple photographic genres, ergonomics, and value. This study draws from extensive hands-on evaluations, quantitative benchmarks, and testing in varied environments, guiding photographers toward the device best suited for their creative and operational needs.

Comparing Physical Profiles: Size, Weight, and Handling

Before delving into core imaging technology, understanding the cameras’ physical characteristics sheds light on daily usability and handling dynamics.

The TG-870, at 113 x 64 x 28 mm and 221g, is distinctly compact, designed for grab-and-go use, especially in challenging conditions. Its slim profile and lightweight build promote portability and fatigue-free extended handheld shooting. Environmental sealing adds bulk but is cleverly executed in a beach-, dust-, and crush-proof body, reinforcing its rugged purpose.

Conversely, the LX100 registers 115 x 66 x 55 mm and weighs 393g, nearly doubling TG-870’s mass. The significantly increased thickness arises from incorporating a larger Four Thirds sensor and a complex fast-aperture zoom lens engineered for image quality over compactness. While still pocketable in landscape mode, the LX100 demands a deliberate carry decision and offers a more substantial grip that caters to photographic precision rather than pure convenience.

Ergonomic differentiation continues in control layout and access, detailed in the next section.

Top-Down: Control Layout and User Interface

Olympus TG-870 employs a straightforward interface with minimal physical control dials, consistent with its positioned user - entry-level to enthusiast outdoor photographers seeking functional simplicity. Its lack of full manual exposure modes means reliance on automatic exposure and limited user intervention. Buttons are well spaced, yet small, which can challenge gloved or larger hands. The absence of an electronic viewfinder (EVF) mandates dependence on the rear display, a constraint in bright outdoor or impromptu shooting scenarios.

The Panasonic LX100 adopts a more traditional enthusiast control scheme featuring dedicated aperture ring, shutter speed dial, and customizable function buttons. This arrangement supports rapid manual adjustments, promoting seamless manual exposure workflows crucial for professionals or serious amateurs. The inclusion of a high-resolution EVF with 0.7x magnification and 100% coverage supplements the rear display, optimizing composition and critical focusing under diverse lighting.

Thus, control complexity and adaptability decidedly favor the LX100 for users who prioritize hands-on creative control, while the TG-870 caters to a straightforward, rugged, no-fuss operational style.

Sensors and Image Quality: Technical Evaluation

The heart of any camera’s imaging capability lies in its sensor. The TG-870’s 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor measures a modest 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28.07 mm²), producing 16MP stills at 4608 x 3456 resolution. This sensor size is typical for ultracompacts but inherently limits low-light performance, dynamic range, and fine detail resolution. The Bayer color filter array with an anti-aliasing filter aims to balance sharpness and moiré suppression.

In contrast, the LX100 features a much larger Four Thirds CMOS sensor of 17.3 x 13 mm (224.9 mm²) yielding 13MP at 4112 x 3088 resolution. Despite fewer pixels, the larger sensor’s light-gathering capability provides significant advantages in image quality: superior dynamic range, wider native ISO sensitivity reaching up to 25600, and fuller depth rendition. It also retains a traditional anti-aliasing filter to preserve natural texture rendition.

Subjectively, the LX100 delivers finer detail, more natural tonal gradations, and noticeably reduced noise at higher ISOs, validated by DxO Mark metrics reflecting a 22.3-bit color depth and 12.5 EV dynamic range. The TG-870, designed primarily for casual photography, trails in these metrics due to sensor constraints.

Photographers focused on landscapes, portraits, or any application demanding image quality fidelity will greatly benefit from the LX100’s sensor and processing advantage. The TG-870 suits users prioritizing ruggedness and snapshot convenience where extreme resolution and ISO sensitivity are less critical.

LCD Screens and Viewfinder: Composition and Review Interfaces

Both cameras sport 3-inch rear LCD displays with identical resolution (921k dots), but their articulation and design philosophy diverge.

The TG-870’s screen tilts, enhancing shooting flexibility for low-angle or overhead compositions, an advantage in macro or adventure photography where positioning is constrained. However, its fixed resolution and non-touch interface limit real-time focusing control and menu navigation fluidity.

The LX100 utilizes a fixed screen but counterbalances this by incorporating a high-resolution EVF, a critical tool for shooting under bright sunlight or achieving precise focus. Although the LX100’s screen lacks touch input, the combination of EVF and robust physical controls suffices for most professional shooting scenarios.

The absence of a viewfinder on the TG-870 represents a compromise to maintain compactness and ruggedness but restricts effective use in harsh lighting.

Autofocus Performance and Accuracy

The TG-870 employs contrast-detection autofocus (AF) with face detection and center-weighted focusing. Its AF system supports single, continuous, and tracking modes, sufficient for static or slow-moving subjects but prone to hunting in low contrast or fast action conditions due to inherent latency and lack of phase-detection.

The LX100 also uses a contrast-detection AF system combined with 49 selectable focus points and features face detection and continuous tracking. Although lacking phase-detection pixels, its larger sensor and sophisticated Venus Engine processor enable more precise and faster AF acquisition on detailed subjects. Manual focus is supported, with focus peaking aiding critical sharpness assessment, enhancing usability in macro and portrait work.

For wildlife, sports, or fast action photography, both cameras have limitations compared to flagship hybrid AF systems; however, the LX100’s faster continuous AF and superior optics better accommodate these genres than the TG-870.

Lens Characteristics and Optical Performance

The TG-870’s fixed lens spans 21-105 mm equivalent (5x zoom) with a maximum aperture ranging from f/3.5 (wide) to f/5.7 (tele). While versatile, this lens lacks the brightness needed for shallow depth-of-field effects or low-light work and shows optical compromises typical of compact zooms, such as corner softness and chromatic aberration at extremes.

Conversely, the LX100’s fast 24-75 mm equivalent lens offers a wider f/1.7 aperture at wide and f/2.8 at tele, supporting low-light shooting, enhanced bokeh, and improved autofocus performance by allowing more light to the sensor. Constructed with Leica optics, it excels in sharpness, contrast, and minimal distortion - key for professional-grade imagery.

The LX100 holds a clear advantage for portraiture, low-light, and creative depth-of-field control, while TG-870 serves functional, all-around zoom needs in a field-ready shell.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Durability

The TG-870 stands out with extensive environmental sealing, rated waterproof to 15m, shockproof to a drop height of 2.1m, crushproof up to 100 kg of force, and freezeproof to -10°C. These robust specifications enable usage in conditions where the LX100 would risk equipment failure. The TG-870’s rugged construction makes it suitable for adventure, underwater, and harsh environment photography without additional housing.

The LX100 lacks any special sealing or ruggedization, reflecting its design priority on image quality and manual control rather than environmental ruggedness. Photography outdoors in inclement weather requires additional protective measures for the LX100.

Users prioritizing adventure travel, underwater, or extreme environments will find the TG-870 indispensable; the LX100 suits controlled or studio conditions better.

Burst Shooting, Shutter Speeds, and Continuous Shooting

Burst shooting performance is critical for sports, wildlife, and fast event photography.

The TG-870 offers 7 frames per second (fps) continuous shooting with a shutter speed range from 4 seconds to 1/2000s. This speed suffices for casual burst needs but can fall short for prolonged action sequences. The lack of electronic shutter limits silent shooting or ultra-fast shutter options.

The LX100 supports up to 11 fps continuous shooting, enhanced further by a maximum electronic shutter speed of 1/16000s, with silent shutter at similar speeds. It permits capturing fast-moving subjects with more exposure control, valuable in bright conditions or when discretion is needed.

Overall, the LX100 provides a significant advantage for sports and wildlife photographers, enabling faster action capture and greater shutter flexibility.

Video Capabilities

Video functionality enhances a camera’s versatility in modern workflows.

TG-870 records Full HD 1080p at 60fps, supporting MPEG-4 and H.264 compression. It benefits from optical image stabilization for smoother handheld footage and built-in LED illumination for close-up low-light video. However, it lacks 4K capability and external microphone input, limiting professional audio capture and resolution options.

The LX100 surpasses this with 4K UHD recording at 30p and 24p, and Full HD at up to 60fps, encoded in MPEG-4 or AVCHD, providing more creative frame rate and resolution flexibility. Optical stabilization aids handheld shooting, but the absence of external microphone or headphone jacks restricts advanced audio monitoring and recording. Furthermore, LX100’s 4K Photo mode allows extracting high-resolution stills from video, an innovative tool unoffered by the TG-870.

Videographers seeking 4K and advanced imaging control will find the LX100 better aligned with their requirements.

Battery Life and Storage

Both cameras utilize proprietary rechargeable battery packs, with rated life near 300 shots per charge, typical for compact and bridge-style cameras. In real-world field testing, battery endurance respects these figures but varies with usage patterns, particularly with LCD/EVF use and burst shooting.

The TG-870 supports common SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards with internal storage as backup. The LX100 further supports UHS-I speed class memory cards, facilitating faster write speeds necessary for 4K video and high-burst RAW capture.

Photographers intending to shoot extensively in burst or 4K video would benefit from the LX100’s superior storage throughput.

Connectivity Features

The TG-870 incorporates built-in wireless for image transfer and remote control but lacks NFC or Bluetooth, limiting rapid pairing. GPS is integrated, appealing for travel photographers needing automatic geotagging.

The LX100 features built-in Wi-Fi with NFC support enabling simplified wireless connections to compatible devices but lacks GPS, requiring manual geotagging or smartphone integration.

Travel photographers valuing geolocation metadata and field connectivity may prefer the TG-870, while enthusiasts with NFC-enabled devices might find LX100’s wireless features more streamlined.

Comparative Performance Ratings and Genre Suitability

The overall performance ratings reflect the cameras’ distinct design targets. The LX100 scores substantially higher in core imaging quality and control versatility, whereas the TG-870’s strengths lie in ruggedness and simplicity.

Portrait Photography

• TG-870: Limited by small sensor, narrow aperture range, and lack of manual exposure modes; face detection aids but bokeh is minimal.
• LX100: Superior with fast lens, larger sensor, manual focus aids, and face detection. Produces creamy backgrounds and accurate skin tones.

Landscape Photography

• TG-870: Adequate for casual use; sensor restrictions limit dynamic range and resolution.
• LX100: Large sensor and greater dynamic range excel in detailed scenes; lens sharpness and raw support crucial advantages.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• TG-870: Moderate burst and AF, insufficient for demanding action; ruggedness helps in extreme settings.
• LX100: Higher burst, fast lens, better AF tracking suit more dynamic subjects but sensor size limits reach/scalability without tele lens.

Street Photography

• TG-870: Very compact and unobtrusive, weatherproof for harsh urban environments.
• LX100: Slightly bulkier but manual controls and EVF facilitate deliberate shooting styles.

Macro Photography

• TG-870: 1cm macro capability is exceptional for an ultracompact; optical stabilization aids handheld close-ups.
• LX100: 3cm minimum focusing distance combined with manual focus precision favors more meticulous macro work.

Night and Astrophotography

• TG-870: Limited by high noise and low ISO ceiling.
• LX100: Enlarged Four Thirds sensor, higher native ISO, and manual exposure modes enable more successful long exposures.

Video

• TG-870: 1080p 60fps capable but limited in codec and no external audio.
• LX100: 4K UHD recording and 4K photo mode provide clear advantages for hybrid shooters.

Travel Photography

• TG-870: Waterproof, shockproof, GPS, very compact; perfect for adventure travel.
• LX100: Higher image quality and manual control at the cost of heft and no weather sealing.

Professional Workflows

• TG-870: No RAW support limits post-processing flexibility.
• LX100: RAW capture and manual control highly conducive to pro workflows, though modest sensor size limits output size.

Final Recommendations

Each camera occupies a distinct niche:

• Choose the Olympus TG-870 if:

  • You require a durable, ultracompact waterproof camera for active, outdoor, and rugged environments.
  • Portability and simplicity outweigh the need for advanced imaging controls or RAW.
  • Your photography is primarily casual, travel, or adventure-oriented with occasional macro use.
  • Budget constraints make the TG-870 appealing, given its approximately $280 price point.

• Choose the Panasonic LX100 if:

  • Image quality, manual exposure control, and sensor performance are paramount.
  • You prioritize portrait, landscape, macro, night, or hybrid still/video workflows.
  • You value fast lenses, 4K video capability, and an integrated EVF.
  • You can accommodate a larger and heavier camera and are willing to pay the higher price, around $800.

Conclusion: Balancing Innovation and Use-Case Realities

This comparison underscores the profound effect that sensor size, physical design, and intended usage have on camera capabilities. The TG-870 remains an excellent choice for those needing a rugged, easy-to-use ultracompact, embracing simplicity and durability. The LX100, on the other hand, emerges as a refined large sensor compact delivering superior image fidelity and control, meeting demands of enthusiasts and professionals prioritizing creative flexibility and quality.

Prospective buyers should weigh their principal shooting environments, desired image quality thresholds, and operational preferences when choosing between these two distinct offerings.

Sample Images and Visual Comparisons

To provide further insight into real-world output and the distinct rendering signatures of each camera, examine the following gallery featuring sample images captured under matched conditions.

Olympus TG 870 front Olympus TG 870 screen back Panasonic LX100 front Panasonic LX100 screen back

This gallery highlights the LX100’s superior detail resolution, dynamic range, and color depth, contrasted against the TG-870’s rugged-context snapshots optimized for portability and all-weather resilience.

For photographers demanding uncompromised control and image fidelity, the Panasonic LX100 continues to impress years after its release, while the Olympus TG-870 fulfills a compelling role as a specialized tool optimized for extreme environments where conventional large-sensor compacts cannot go.