Olympus TG-870 vs Samsung ST30

In this write-up, we will be comparing the Olympus TG-870 vs Samsung ST30, both Ultracompact digital cameras by brands Olympus and Samsung. There exists a noticeable gap between the resolutions of the TG-870 (16MP) and ST30 (10MP) and the TG-870 (1/2.3") and ST30 (1/3") use totally different sensor measurements.

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The TG-870 was manufactured 5 years later than the ST30 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Ultracompact).

Before diving in to a in depth comparison, below is a quick overview of how the TG-870 scores against the ST30 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 & Samsung ST30. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-870 Gallery & Samsung ST30 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera regularly, you will need to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus TG-870 features physical measurements of 113mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.1") having a weight of 221 grams (0.49 lbs) and the Samsung ST30 has measurements of 82mm x 52mm x 17mm (3.2" x 2.0" x 0.7") with a weight of 87 grams (0.19 lbs).

See the Olympus TG-870 vs Samsung ST30 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are working with at that time. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the TG-870 vs the ST30.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the TG-870 and ST30 is 91 and 98 respectively.

Quite often, it can be hard to see the gap between sensor sizing merely by going over a spec sheet. The visual underneath might provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the TG-870 and ST30.

Clearly, both the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The TG-870 because of its bigger sensor will make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Olympus TG-870 will offer you greater detail due to its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The younger TG-870 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.