Olympus TG-870 vs Pentax K-30

Lets look a bit more closely at the Olympus TG-870 vs Pentax K-30, former being a Ultracompact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the TG-870 (16MP) and the K-30 (16MP) is relatively well matched but the TG-870 (1/2.3") and K-30 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The TG-870 was launched 3 years later than the K-30 and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus TG-870 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax K-30 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the TG-870 scores versus the K-30 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 & Pentax K-30. The complete galleries are available at Olympus TG-870 Gallery & Pentax K-30 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you'll need to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus TG-870 features external dimensions of 113mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.1") along with a weight of 221 grams (0.49 lbs) while the Pentax K-30 has specifications of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Check out the Olympus TG-870 vs Pentax K-30 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are utilising during that time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the TG-870 and the K-30.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the TG-870 and K-30 is 91 and 63 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to see the contrast between sensor measurements just by reading through specs. The graphic below may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the TG-870 and K-30.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras provide the same megapixel count albeit not the same sensor measurements. The TG-870 features the tinier sensor which should make getting shallower DOF trickier. The newer TG-870 will have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.