Olympus TG-870 vs Panasonic SZ5

Here is a extended assessment of the Olympus TG-870 versus Panasonic SZ5, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the TG-870 (16MP) and the SZ5 (14MP) is very close and both cameras offer the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

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The TG-870 was announced 3 years later than the SZ5 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus TG-870 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic SZ5 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick summary of how the TG-870 matches up against the SZ5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-870 Gallery and Panasonic SZ5 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera, you are going to need to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus TG-870 has outside dimensions of 113mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.1") and a weight of 221 grams (0.49 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ5 has sizing of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

See the Olympus TG-870 versus Panasonic SZ5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the TG-870 and the SZ5.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the TG-870 and SZ5 is 91 and 95 respectively.

More often than not, it's hard to envision the contrast in sensor sizing merely by viewing technical specs. The graphic here should provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the TG-870 and SZ5.

As you have seen, both the cameras come with the identical sensor size but not the same MP. You should expect to see the Olympus TG-870 to provide you with extra detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The newer TG-870 will have an edge in sensor innovation.