Olympus TG-870 vs Pentax ist DS2

Here is a in-depth review of the Olympus TG-870 versus Pentax ist DS2, former being a Ultracompact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by companies Olympus and Pentax. There is a substantial difference among the resolutions of the TG-870 (16MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the TG-870 (1/2.3") and ist DS2 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor measurements.

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The TG-870 was launched 10 years later than the ist DS2 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus TG-870 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a thorough comparison, here is a brief view of how the TG-870 grades versus the ist DS2 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 & Pentax ist DS2. The complete galleries are available at Olympus TG-870 Gallery & Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera, you will have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus TG-870 has got exterior measurements 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 Pentax ist DS2 has measurements of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") and a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Look at the Olympus TG-870 versus Pentax ist DS2 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you select at that moment. Here is a front view measurement comparison of the TG-870 against the ist DS2.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the TG-870 and ist DS2 is 91 and 68 respectively.

Usually, it's tough to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing purely by seeing a spec sheet. The graphic here will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the TG-870 and ist DS2.

Clearly, both of those cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The TG-870 due to its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF tougher and the Olympus TG-870 will show greater detail utilizing its extra 10 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots way more aggressively. The more modern TG-870 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.