Olympus TG-870 vs Pentax 645Z

Here is a in-depth overview of the Olympus TG-870 vs Pentax 645Z, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Pro DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the TG-870 (16MP) and 645Z (51MP) and the TG-870 (1/2.3") and 645Z (Medium format) offer totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The TG-870 was launched 22 months later than the 645Z which makes them a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus TG-870 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax 645Z being a Large SLR camera.

Before going into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the TG-870 grades vs the 645Z in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 and Pentax 645Z. The complete galleries are available at Olympus TG-870 Gallery and Pentax 645Z Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry your camera, you will have to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus TG-870 has got outer measurements of 113mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.1") with a weight of 221 grams (0.49 lbs) and the Pentax 645Z has sizing of 156mm x 117mm x 123mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.8") and a weight of 1550 grams (3.42 lbs).

Look at the Olympus TG-870 vs Pentax 645Z in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have at the time. Below is a front view size comparison of the TG-870 against the 645Z.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the TG-870 and 645Z is 91 and 49 respectively.

Generally, its hard to envision the contrast between sensor sizing simply by going over a spec sheet. The photograph below should offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the TG-870 and 645Z.

As you can see, both of these cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The TG-870 featuring a tinier sensor will make shooting bokeh trickier and the Pentax 645Z will deliver greater detail utilizing its extra 35 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more modern TG-870 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.