Olympus TG-870 vs Panasonic ZS5

Below, we are analyzing the Olympus TG-870 and Panasonic ZS5, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a huge gap between the sensor resolutions of the TG-870 (16MP) and ZS5 (12MP) but they come with the exact same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The TG-870 was introduced 5 years after the ZS5 which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus TG-870 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a in-depth comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the TG-870 matches up versus the ZS5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-870 Gallery and Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to travel with your camera, you're going to have to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus TG-870 enjoys outer dimensions of 113mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.1") and a weight of 221 grams (0.49 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS5 has sizing of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus TG-870 and Panasonic ZS5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have at that moment. Here is the front view size comparison of the TG-870 against the ZS5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the TG-870 and ZS5 is 91 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, it's tough to visualize the gap between sensor dimensions merely by going over specifications. The picture here may offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the TG-870 and ZS5.

To sum up, both of the cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements but different MP. You should expect to see the Olympus TG-870 to deliver greater detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The newer TG-870 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.