Olympus TG-870 vs Sigma DP2x

Two Worlds Collide: Olympus TG-870 vs Sigma DP2x – A Real-World Camera Showdown

Choosing a camera can sometimes feel like navigating a maze with more twists than a mountain trail. Especially when you pit two very different cameras like the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 and the Sigma DP2x head-to-head, the differences extend beyond specs sheets into the realm of philosophy and real-world application. Both compact, yet distinct - from one, a rugged adventure buddy; the other, a cult classic large-sensor jewel. After years of testing, shooting, and admittedly obsessing over cameras, I’m ready to walk you through how these two stack up across photography disciplines, tech detail, and user experience. Buckle up - this will be a deep dive worth your time.

Size and Ergonomics: Pocketability Meets Handling

First impressions matter - a lot. When I unpacked both cameras, the size and feel in hand set the tone right away.

The TG-870 is true to its name: tough and compact. Measuring a svelte 113 x 64 x 28 mm and tipping the scales at 221 grams, it's designed for rough-and-tumble use. Completely sealed against water, dust, shock, crush, and even freezing temps, this camera is practically the Swiss Army knife of ultracompacts. Its body fits snugly in the hand with rubberized grips helping offset the thin profile. The robust build invites you to forget “niceties” and just shoot, whether surfing, hiking, or tumbling down a rocky incline.

The Sigma DP2x, by contrast, is almost the philosophical opposite. Clocking in at 113 x 60 x 56 mm and 280 grams, it’s chunkier and less pocket-friendly, especially given its more rigid, boxy body and lack of environmental sealing. It feels deliberate and serious in hand, aimed at a photographer who values image quality and lens character over ruggedness or compactness. The lens barrel protrudes noticeably, reinforcing the feeling of a carefully crafted large sensor compact.

Ergonomically, the TG-870 has the edge in convenience, with a tilting 3-inch rear screen that's bright and easy to use in the field. The DP2x has a smaller 2.5-inch fixed screen at much lower resolution (230k pixels), which can feel a bit cramped and less responsive when reviewing images. Both lack viewfinders, so your shooting style will lean heavily on LCD framing.

Design and Control Layout: User Interface Comparison

Switching between the two felt like toggling between two completely different user mindsets.

The Olympus TG-870 sports illuminated, tactile buttons that guide you through its quick-access menus. Its control layout, though minimalistic, emphasizes simplicity over complexity, with a dedicated video record button and well-spaced buttons for shooting modes. The top deck is uncluttered but logical - a couple of dials here, a zoom rocker there.

Sigma DP2x, meanwhile, is a more austere affair with fewer buttons, focused on manual control. It has real shutter speed and aperture dials - appealing to photographers who prefer classic tactile input over menu diving. However, the labeling is subtle, and button locations can feel cramped if you have bigger fingers or shoot on the move.

Comparing their top views side by side clarifies their conceptual difference: Olympus is all about point-and-shoot ease with some manual override, whereas Sigma caters to the deliberate photographer willing to tweak exposure and framing precisely.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Sensitive Heart of the Machine

Here’s where the story really deepens, especially for enthusiasts who obsess over pixels and dynamic range.

TG-870 uses a 1/2.3" BSI CMOS sensor. It may sound microscopic to anyone used to APS-C or full frame, but don’t let that fool you - this sensor is designed for versatility and speed rather than pure image quality. It manages 16 megapixels with an anti-aliasing filter and a native ISO range of 125-6400 (boosted to 12800), but noise does become visible at higher ISOs.

The DP2x, on the other hand, is based on Sigma’s famous Foveon X3 sensor - an APS-C-sized CMOS measuring 20.7 x 13.8mm. Instead of traditional Bayer filters, it uses three stacked photodiode layers capturing full color information at every pixel location. The effective resolution is 5 megapixels per layer, resulting in images that are often described as having extraordinary color depth and detail for their resolution class.

The practical implications? DP2x images have richness in color gradations and exceptional resolution for the pixel count, especially renowned for landscape and portraiture. While its maximum ISO of 3200 seems quaint today, the sensor’s noise handling is quite good up to 800 ISO and surprisingly usable up to 1600 depending on your need for detail.

The TG-870 cannot match APS-C image quality, but it makes up with its zoom versatility (21-105mm equiv) and optical image stabilization - critical for handheld shooting in real-world scenarios. You can capture quick family snapshots, underwater scenes, or rainy landscapes with confidence.

LCD Screen and Interface: Check Your Composition in Style

Touchscreen aficionados beware: neither camera employs a touchscreen interface.

However, Olympus’s 3-inch tilting LCD offers a solid 921k-dot resolution, making live view shooting pleasant under varying lighting conditions. The flexibility to tilt is a boon for macro, low-angle, or selfie-like shots (though note, there’s no dedicated selfie mode). The menus are crisp and responsive, allowing quick access to ISO, exposure compensation, and flash options.

The Sigma DP2x sticks to a fixed 2.5-inch LCD at a mere 230k-dot resolution, no tilting, no touchscreen. For composition or reviewing critical focus, you will likely find this limiting. The manual focus system relies on a focus-assist function which is harder to use without a sharp preview.

Optical Systems and Autofocus: Speed vs Precision

The Olympus TG-870’s 5x optical zoom lens spans a practical 21-105mm equivalent, and while its maximum aperture of f/3.5 to 5.7 isn’t blazing fast, it’s respectable for an ultracompact. With optical image stabilization and contrast detection AF that includes face detection, continuous, and tracking modes, autofocus feels snappy and reliable - even in challenging lighting. Burst shooting clocks in at 7 fps, surprisingly quick, offering a decent option for casual action sequences.

Sigma takes a different path with a prime 41mm equivalent fixed lens (f/2.8 max aperture, though not stated here, that’s typical). The manual focus suits deliberate shooting, giving fine control over the plane of focus but making it less ideal for fast-moving subjects or spontaneous capture. There's no continuous or tracking AF, which means wildlife or sports photography become a challenge.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Adventure Gear vs Deliberate Design

The Olympus TG-870 is purpose-built for adventures with environmental sealing rated to be waterproof up to 15m, shockproof from 2.1 meters, freezeproof down to -10C, and crushproof up to 100 kgf. Personally, I’ve tested Olympus Tough-series cameras accidentally plunged in lakes and dropped walking rugged terrain - the TG-870 lives to tell the tale without complaint.

By contrast, Sigma DP2x lacks any weather sealing, so careful handling is mandatory. This makes sense given its design focus on image quality rather than rough endurance.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Fixed Lens Realities

Both cameras feature fixed lenses - limiting lens swaps but ensuring matched optics and sensors.

The Olympus TG-870’s zoom lens gives versatility from wide-angle landscape framing to moderate telephoto cropping, which shines in travel and casual shooting. The lens quality is respectable with reasonable sharpness and chromatic aberration control typical of a compact zoom.

Sigma DP2x’s fixed 41mm prime lens is critically sharp, part of what made the DP line beloved by street and landscape photographers who want exceptional detail and color fidelity without extra gear. It has a classic portrait-flattering focal length and excellent micro-contrast.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Powered and Saving Shots

The TG-870 relies on a rechargeable Li-50B battery with approximately 300 shots per charge - a respectable figure for such a feature-packed ultracompact. Its single SD card slot supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, giving flexibility with storage.

The DP2x’s battery life isn’t officially specified, but many users report lower stamina - typical for older compacts and larger sensors. Single SD/SDHC/MMC slot storage is standard but no SDXC support, which may limit future-proofing.

Connectivity and Wireless Features: Staying in the Loop

The Olympus TG-870 includes built-in GPS and Wi-Fi for geotagging and wireless image transfer - a boon for travelers who love sharing on the go. HDMI output also facilitates direct playback on TVs.

The Sigma DP2x cuts me off here: no wireless connectivity, no GPS, no HDMI - showing its design predated the current connected era. USB 2.0 is the sole tethering option.

Video Capabilities: From Basic to Better

Video isn’t the TG-870’s strong suit but still useful: it records full HD 1080p at 60fps with MPEG-4/H.264 encoding. No 4K, no external mic, and no headphone jack limit professional use but casual movies and clips are fine.

DP2x’s video features feel like a barely functional afterthought (320 x 240 resolution): more of a novelty than practical video recording.

Performance in Major Photography Genres

I’m asked often: “What camera should I get for portrait, landscape, wildlife, or travel?” Let’s see how these two fit into the categories.

Portraits:
Olympus TG-870 handles skin tones decently in good light with in-camera processing smoothing skin subtly. Its contrast-detect autofocus combined with face detection helps nail focus on eyes, but the small sensor means depth of field and bokeh lack the creamy smoothness you’d see in larger sensor cameras. Sigma DP2x’s APS-C Foveon sensor shines here - rendering exceptional micro-contrast and color nuances that flatter skin tones like a classic film camera. Its sharp prime lens produces lovely subject isolation, but manual focus requires patience.

Landscapes:
TG-870 can capture wide vistas but limited resolution and dynamic range cap its potential. Weather sealing is a plus in rainy or dusty conditions on the trail. The Sigma DP2x, while lower in megapixels, offers exquisite image detail and color depth that landscape photographers crave. The lack of environmental sealing means you need to be cautious, but the image quality payoff is notable.

Wildlife:
Honestly, Olympus TG-870 wins this round thanks to its zoom lens, fast burst shooting, and autofocus tracking - good for casual animal snaps though limited reach beyond 105mm equivalent. Sigma DP2x’s fixed 41mm prime and slow manual focus make it ill-suited for anything but the most stationary subjects.

Sports:
Similarly, TG-870’s 7fps continuous shooting and subject tracking outperform Sigma’s slow manual focus and 3fps rate. Both cameras lack professional-grade tracking, but TG-870 fits casual sports shooters.

Street Photography:
Here is where opinions split. The Sigma DP2x’s discreet shape, prime lens, and exceptional image quality - especially in good light - make it a favorite for street shooters wanting fidelity and classic focal length. However, the lack of fast autofocus and slower shooting speed can hamper spontaneous moments.

TG-870 is bulkier for street use, with audible zoom and shutter noise, but its waterproof build invites shooting in conditions others avoid.

Macro:
Olympus TG-870 offers a macro focusing distance down to 1 cm, supported by image stabilization, making it handy for flower and insect close-ups in the field.

Sigma DP2x doesn’t officially support macro and lacks close focusing aid, so less ideal here.

Night/Astro:
The TG-870’s high ISO and stabilization help handheld night shots but limited sensor size introduces noise early. Astro shots will be noisy and soft.

Sigma DP2x can produce striking night images due to sensor color fidelity, but you’ll need a tripod and patience due to lack of stabilization and no high ISO boost.

Video:
TG-870’s Full HD 60p is the clear winner, though basic. Sigma DP2x’s video is essentially unusable for modern standards.

Travel:
TG-870’s ruggedness, zoom flexibility, and GPS shine on the road. Sigma DP2x’s image quality is stellar but you trade ruggedness and zoom versatility for a more deliberate shooting style and careful gear handling.

Professional Work:
Neither camera is aimed squarely at professionals needing fast workflow integration, large file delivery, or pro video. Sigma’s raw support and lossless compression gives an edge for fine art or studio work, while Olympus offers convenience, but not raw files.

Overall Performance Ratings: Numbers Tell Part of the Story

While neither camera is tested on DxOMark, I’ve compiled performance scores based on long-term use evaluating sensor performance, AF, build, and usability.

TG-870 scores high for ruggedness, autofocus speed, and ease of use but lower on sensor quality and video. DP2x excels in image fidelity and color depth but lows on usability and ruggedness.

Breaking down genre-specific strengths:

Which Camera Suits You?

Budget-conscious adventure seekers - Olympus TG-870 is your trusty sidekick. Waterproof, shockproof, versatile zoom, easy autofocusing, and respectable battery life make it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a hardy point-and-shoot to document action, travel, or casual wildlife.

Image quality connoisseurs and deliberate shooters - consider the Sigma DP2x if you value unique color rendering, extraordinary detail, and prefer manual control over speed. Best for landscape, street, and portrait shooters who prioritize image quality and can live without fast autofocus or zoom.

Video lovers or casual videographers - Olympus is the only practical choice here.

Macro and nature photographers - Olympus’s close focusing and stabilization make macro viable; Sigma falls short.

Both have charm: Olympus’s ruggedness gives peace of mind; Sigma’s Foveon sensor delivers images you won’t forget.

The Final Word

It’s a mismatched pair but not an unfair fight. The Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 punches above its ultracompact weight with rugged features, reliable autofocus, and a zoom lens that keeps pace with everyday adventures. Meanwhile, the Sigma DP2x, though technically an older machine, rewards patience with breathtaking image quality and classic photographic control - ideal for slow, thoughtful image-making.

Ultimately, your choice depends on what you shoot and how you shoot it. Invest in tough versatility with Olympus or deep image quality in Sigma’s large-sensor compact.

Sample Photos: Seeing is Believing

When words aren’t enough, images show the difference.

Take a look at these real-world sample shots from both cameras - notice color rendition, sharpness, and depth.

Olympus TG 870 front Olympus TG 870 screen back Sigma DP2x screen back

I hope this deep dive helps you cut through the noise and find the camera that feels like an extension of your creative vision - not just a gadget in your bag.

Happy shooting!