Olympus TG-870 vs Sony A700: An Expert’s Hands-On Comparison for Every Photographer

I’ve handled hundreds of cameras over the years - from the smallest point-and-shoots squeezed into a pocket to beefy professional DSLRs that weigh a ton and can take a hit or two. Today I’m diving deep into a comparison between two very different beasts that somehow appeal to photographers on opposite ends of the spectrum: the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870, a rugged ultracompact camera from 2016, and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A700, a mid-size vintage DSLR flagship from 2007. They aren’t head-to-head rivals, per se, but I’m often asked where these cameras fit in the grand scheme of things, especially for enthusiasts balancing budget, portability, and capability.

I’ll bring my 15+ years of hands-on camera testing to give you honest, practical insights on how these two stack up across genres, technologies, and usage scenarios. If you’re weighing one of these options - or just curious about their strengths and weaknesses - you’ll get plenty of valuable, detailed info here. Let’s jump in.

The Tale of the Tape: First Impressions & Build

Before we get into pixels and autofocus tech, it’s always smart to understand what you’re holding in your hands. These cameras couldn’t be more different physically.

Olympus TG-870: This is a tough little ultracompact rugged camera designed for adventure, not artistry. Its 113 x 64 x 28 mm size hugs your palm and weighs just 221 grams. Small enough to slip into a pocket or glove compartment, it’s built to beat the elements with waterproof, crushproof, shockproof, and freezeproof specs. The controls are simple and limited to the essentials, as you’d expect.

Sony A700: By contrast, this camera is a traditional mid-size DSLR, measuring 142 x 105 x 80 mm and tipping the scales at 768 grams - a bit of a gym rat in comparison. The magnesium alloy body offers weather sealing (important for reliability) but requires a shoulder strap and a decent camera bag. Grip and controls are geared towards those who like clubs for their thumbs - enough dedicated buttons and dials to please manual shooters.

From a handling standpoint, if you want something truly pocketable and bomb-proof that’s ready for rough-and-tumble outdoor use without fuss, TG-870 wins outright. For those who crave manual control with an all-day grip and a sense of camera heft, Sony A700 is far more comfortable for serious shooting sessions.

Control Layout and User Interface: Hands-On Interaction

Ergonomics don’t stop at size. How controls are laid out often makes or breaks the practical use of any camera.

Olympus TG-870: Sporting a no-nonsense design, the TG-870’s top and rear panels stick to basics. There’s no viewfinder, just a 3-inch tilting LCD. The buttons are relatively small, without illumination, and while the touchscreen is absent (a tiny bummer in 2016 but forgivable here), everything remains simple enough for quick operation. Focusing options are limited - no manual focus or RAW support - but face detection autofocus and image stabilization are onboard.

Sony A700: Here, the user experience is designed for photographers who want flexibility. On the top, you’ll find dedicated dials for exposure compensation, shutter speed, aperture (via lens), and multiple function buttons which I found react crisply and feel solid under the fingertips. The 3-inch fixed LCD lacks touchscreen ability (standard for its time) but complements the bright, optical pentaprism viewfinder offering 95% coverage and 0.6x magnification, a luxury for precise composition.

If you want quick access to manual settings and feedback through an optical viewfinder, the Sony’s interface feels designed for engagement. For ease of use in straightforward situations without heavy tweaking, the Olympus keeps things accessible and light.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of Photography

Let’s get technical - the sensor specs will help you understand why these cameras produce such different images.

Sony A700 Sensor: Classic APS-C CMOS sensor, 23.5 x 15.6 mm, with 12-megapixel resolution (4272 x 2848 pixels). Despite being from 2007, this sensor delivers impressive color depth (DXOmark color depth 22.3 bits) and dynamic range (~12 stops measured). The pixel count may feel modest today, but larger pixels handle noise better and help with better ISO performance - native max ISO goes up to 6400.

Olympus TG-870 Sensor: By comparison, the TG-870’s is a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm with 16 megapixels (4608 x 3456 pixels). It’s a 28 mm² sensor area versus the Sony’s 366 mm² - a huge difference, meaning less light gathering capacity and more noise at high ISOs by design. ISO maxes at 6400 (native) and 12800 (boosted), but practically expect noise beyond ISO 800 or 1600 to degrade image quality rapidly.

Side note: BSI stands for backside illumination - a sensor technology that improves light absorption efficiency on small sensors and helps low-light imaging to some extent. Sony A700’s sensors use front-side illumination but with larger surface area; thus, it remains more noise-resistant.

Screen and Viewfinder: Composing Your Shot

Neither camera offers a touchscreen, but their LCDs play crucial roles.

The Olympus TG-870 features a tilting 3-inch LCD with 921k-dot resolution, useful for framing from tricky angles (low or high). It does not have a viewfinder (optical or electronic), which can make bright outdoor shooting a challenge. However, for casual snapshots or underwater filming, the screen is sharp and responsive.

Sony A700 maintains a fixed 3-inch LCD with 920k-dot resolution, quite close in sharpness, but the big seller here is the pentaprism optical viewfinder - a rarity on today’s entry-level DSLRs, much less a decade-old enthusiast model. The 95% coverage means your final image will center slightly more than what you saw, but it’s still excellent for composition in bright light or when conserving battery.

If you often shoot outdoors in bright sunlight or prefer traditional framing, the Sony’s viewfinder makes a compelling difference. Tilting screen fans will prefer the TG-870, especially if you like shooting from unique angles.

Autofocus and Burst Performance: Catching the Moment

Autofocus speed and accuracy can make or break everything from wildlife to candid street photography.

The Olympus TG-870 uses contrast-detection autofocus with face detection and an impressive continuous AF mode for an ultracompact. It boasts a respectable 7 fps continuous burst shooting, useful for capturing fast action, though the buffer depth and autofocus tracking sophistication won’t match bigger cameras.

The Sony A700 steers a different course with an 11-point phase-detection autofocus system, which was cutting-edge at release for its style of camera. Though it lacks face detection or animal eye AF common today, it provides reliable focus for sports and wildlife with less hunting than contrast AF systems. Burst speed sits at 5 fps, slower than the TG-870 but more consistent for extended action sequences, especially in RAW.

Olympus TG 870 front Olympus TG 870 screen back Sony A700 front Sony A700 screen back

In real-world testing, the Sony’s autofocus proves more accurate and dependable for dynamic scenes, whereas Olympus wins some points for speed and simplicity but can falter in challenging lighting or rapid motion situations.

Photography Genres: Where Does Each Camera Shine?

Portrait Photography

Sony A700’s APS-C sensor and large lens selection (Sony/Minolta Alpha mount offers 143 compatible lenses, including primes with ultra-wide apertures) give it an edge for portraits. The image quality translates into smooth skin tones and pleasing bokeh. Manual focus and aperture controls allow precise depth-of-field control, unlike the Olympus’s fixed lens with f/3.5-5.7, which struggles for creamy backgrounds.

The TG-870’s face detection AF helps beginners pour out quick snaps of friends and family but you won’t find eye-detection AF or refined skin tone rendering on a small sensor.

Landscape Photography

The Sony A700’s 12 MP sensor can’t match modern resolution but with its superior dynamic range and RAW file support, it remains a favorite among budget landscape shooters. The well-weather-sealed body and variety of wide-angle lenses make it versatile outdoors. The Olympus is rugged but has limited dynamic range and detail capture; however, its waterproofing means it can go places most DSLRs wouldn’t.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

The Sony’s phase-detection autofocus and sensor size offer better performance for distant wildlife shots, especially paired with telephoto lenses. Its DSLR-style ergonomics support long lens handling. Burst rates are decent enough for sports, but tracking AF is best suited for predictable subjects.

Olympus’s 7 fps burst and 5x zoom lens are attractive for casual sports or wildlife, but autofocus lag and small sensor noise will hinder professional needs.

Street and Travel Photography

Here’s a surprise: the ultra-compact TG-870 shines. Its size, durability, GPS, and simple operation enable discreet shooting in varied light and conditions. For light travel, it’s a ready companion with decent zoom range and stabilization.

The Sony, bulky and heavier, is less suitable for street or travel where minimal gear is preferred, but its image quality bonuses and manual controls attract those who prioritize shooting quality over portability.

Macro Photography

The Olympus macro focus to 1cm and image stabilization make interesting close-up shots possible in the field with minimal fuss. However, the Sony’s compatibility with specialized macro lenses and larger sensor advantage provides greater image quality and detail for macro enthusiasts.

Night and Astro Photography

Here, larger sensor size and native ISO capability matter. The Sony’s APS-C sensor produces cleaner images up to ISO 3200-6400, while the TG-870’s small sensor suffers from noise above ISO 400-800, which limits its astrophotography usefulness.

Video Recording

TG-870 offers Full HD 1080p video at 60 fps with H.264 compression - a solid performer for casual videographers, though limited by lack of mic input or 4K.

The Sony A700 doesn’t support video recording - it’s purely a stills camera, reflecting its era before video DSLRs were standard.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

I can’t stress this enough: lens options unlock creative potential.

The Sony A700 uses the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, boasting a large and mature ecosystem of over 140 lenses - including affordable third-party primes, fast zooms, and specialty glass. This range lets photographers tailor their kit for portraits, landscapes, macro, wildlife, or sports.

The Olympus TG-870’s fixed zoom lens (21-105mm equivalent, f/3.5-5.7) is handy and versatile for an ultracompact, but you’re locked in - no lens changes or upgrades. This limits creative control but simplifies shooting on the go.

Build Quality & Environmental Sealing

The TG-870 really earns its “tough” nickname with certifications for waterproof (down to 15m), shockproof (2.1 m drops), crushproof (100 kg pressure), and freezeproof (-10°C) performance. For rugged outdoor or underwater adventures where a bulky DSLR is impractical or unsafe to bring, it’s unbeatable.

Sony A700 features comprehensive weather sealing common in its class, but provides no waterproofing or crushproofing. This camera is more vulnerable to environmental challenges and demands more careful handling.

Battery Life and Storage Options

Sony A700 uses NP-FM500H batteries (Comes with 700+ shots per charge in standard CIPA tests) and features dual card slots (CF and Memory Stick), excellent for professional workflows requiring backup or overflow.

Olympus TG-870’s battery life stands around 300 shots per charge - reasonable for a pocket camera but limited for extended excursions without spares. Storage is single slot SD/SDHC/SDXC, standard but less flexible.

Connectivity and Extras

TG-870 edges ahead here with built-in GPS (great for travel photographers wanting geotagged images) and Wi-Fi for quick wireless image transfer. The Sony A700 offers none of these modern conveniences, reflecting its pre-smartphone era origins.

Price-to-Performance Ratio: What You’re Really Paying For

As of now, the Olympus TG-870 can be found for around $280 new or less used - an accessible price for an ultracompact rugged camera with decent image quality and video capability.

The Sony A700 is a pricier proposition even second-hand (~$700-1000 depending on condition) due to its APS-C sensor, full manual controls, and interchangeable lenses. It demands a more substantial investment but rewards with higher image quality and versatility.

If you consider overall balance across genres, the Sony A700 offers better value for photographers focused on stills quality, manual control, and expandability. The TG-870, while limited, is an excellent choice for rugged, point-and-shoot convenience or travel with exposure to rough conditions, especially if price and portability are top concerns.

Wrapping Up: Pros, Cons, and Who Should Buy What

Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870

Pros:

• Rugged, waterproof, crushproof, shockproof, freezeproof
• Ultra-compact and lightweight, fits easily in a pocket
• Tilting LCD for creative framing
• Built-in GPS and wireless connectivity
• Relatively fast continuous shooting (7 fps) for its class
• Good stabilization and simple usability

Cons:

• Small sensor limits low light and dynamic range performance
• Fixed zoom lens with limited aperture range
• No RAW support or manual exposure controls
• No viewfinder, touchscreen, or microphone input
• Limited battery life and single memory card slot

Recommended for:

• Outdoor enthusiasts and travelers needing a tough, lightweight camera
• Casual shooters prioritizing ease and durability over image quality
• Underwater photographers or sports fans wanting an affordable splash-proof solution

Sony Alpha DSLR-A700

Pros:

• Large APS-C sensor with good image quality and dynamic range
• Full manual controls, aperture and shutter priority modes
• Extensive lens ecosystem (143 lenses) for diverse shooting styles
• Robust build with weather sealing
• Optical pentaprism viewfinder for bright, accurate composition
• Raw format support for post-processing flexibility
• Dual card slots for backup and professional workflows

Cons:

• No video capability or wireless features
• Larger and heavier; less discreet for casual use
• Autofocus lacks modern face/eye detection and advanced tracking
• Outdated LCD and no live view mode
• More expensive to buy and maintain (plus need to invest in lenses)

Recommended for:

• Enthusiast photographers wanting a solid DSLR experience on a budget
• Portrait, landscape, and macro shooters focused on image quality and lenses
• Users comfortable with manual controls and traditional camera setup
• Those who prioritize still photography over video

Final Verdict: Matching the Camera to Your Vision

If you’re a casual snapshooter, traveler, or adventure-seeker with minimal interest in manual settings, the Olympus TG-870 offers an unbeatable combo of ruggedness, size, and decent image quality. It’s your go-to camera for toss-in-your-backpack freedom and worry-free outdoor shooting.

If you lean towards serious photography, crave high image quality, and want creative flexibility with lenses and exposure modes, the Sony A700 remains a compelling choice, especially if you’re happy to shop used and build your lens kit over time. It’s a fantastic entry point into enthusiast DSLR photography, capable of delivering professional-caliber images with the right glass and skill.

In many respects, these cameras serve different masters. The TG-870 is an all-weather, grab-and-go fun camera, while the A700 is a full-featured DSLR platform ready for a versatile, hands-on photographic journey.

Hopefully, this detailed comparison gives you a well-rounded understanding to make your best choice. Remember - no camera is perfect, but the right one can inspire your photography for years. Happy shooting!

And as always, if you want to explore more images or see detailed test shots and scores, take a look below.

Olympus TG 870 front Olympus TG 870 screen back Sony A700 front Sony A700 screen back