Olympus TG-870 vs Sony NEX-C3: The Ultimate Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

If you’re navigating the camera market and eyeing the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 and the Sony Alpha NEX-C3, you’ve landed in the right place. These two cameras hail from distinct categories and eras, catering to different photography needs and user habits. Our detailed comparison draws on extensive hands-on testing to help you make an informed decision. We'll explore their technical prowess, real-world performance, and how they stand up across multiple photography disciplines and creative uses.

Getting Acquainted: Different Cameras for Different Journeys

Before diving in, a quick primer on these models:

• Olympus TG-870: Released in early 2016, it’s a rugged, ultracompact fixed-lens camera focused on durability and outdoor adventure photography.
• Sony NEX-C3: Launched in 2011, this entry-level mirrorless camera features an APS-C sensor and interchangeable lenses, catering to photographers ready to explore more control and optical flexibility.

These categories tell us a lot about how each camera is designed to perform and where you might use them. Let’s break down their key features and get started.

Design & Handling: Size, Build, and User Interface

When you pick up these cameras, the handling experience immediately sets your expectations.

The TG-870’s ultracompact yet highly rugged design allows it to thrive in extreme outdoor use such as hiking, snorkeling, or climbing where weatherproofing is essential. Its fixed lens means fewer moving parts and greater reliability.

On the other hand, the NEX-C3 offers a more classic mirrorless form factor that feels solid in the hand with intuitive buttons and exposure dials. Without weather sealing, it’s better suited for controlled environments or casual outdoor shooting where protection is less critical.

Ergonomic takeaway - If you prioritize portability and durability, the TG-870 leads. For creative control and comfortable handling during longer sessions, the NEX-C3’s design will appeal more.

Image Quality: Sensor Technology and Impact on Your Images

At the core of any camera is its sensor - the foundation of image quality.

The Sony NEX-C3’s APS-C sensor is approximately 13 times larger than the TG-870’s 1/2.3-inch sensor. This difference is monumental in terms of image quality potential across dynamic range, noise control, and color fidelity. Larger sensor area allows:

• Better low light performance (higher usable ISO)
• Greater control over depth of field
• Richer color depth due to more light collection

In practice, the NEX-C3’s sensor yields cleaner images, particularly in dim conditions and in scenes with broad tonal range like landscapes or interiors. The ability to shoot in RAW format enables deep post-processing flexibility, a significant advantage for professionals or enthusiasts keen on pixel-level control.

The TG-870’s sensor is typical of compact rugged cameras - good for well-lit situations and casual shots but limited when pushing ISO or extracting fine detail.

Lens & Zoom: Versatility vs. Interchangeability

Lenses dramatically shape your creative options.

• Olympus TG-870: Fixed 21-105mm (35mm eq.) f/3.5-5.7, 5× optical zoom, macro focus down to 1cm.
• Sony NEX-C3: Sony E-mount, compatible with 121 lenses ranging from ultra-wide to super-telephoto and fast primes.

If you want grab-and-go convenience for outdoor adventures, the TG-870’s zoom range handles landscapes, portraits, and casual macros reasonably well, complemented by a tilting screen for difficult angles.

However, for artistic expression and optical quality, the NEX-C3 wins hands down. You can swap lenses for fast aperture primes, specialty macros, or ultra-telephotos ideal for wildlife and sports. This expandability broadens your photographic horizons if you’re committed to the craft.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

How well a camera focuses impacts your success across genres like wildlife or action photos.

The Olympus camera’s face detection and multi-area AF provide decent performance, well-suited for casual portraits and snapshots, but it struggles in fast moving subjects or low contrast scenarios.

The NEX-C3 incorporates an advanced contrast-based AF with multiple selectable points and offers exposure modes such as shutter and aperture priority alongside manual shooting, enabling more precise control, though the AF tracking is less refined than later mirrorless models.

In real-world testing:

• The TG-870 excels for family outings, street photography, and travel where subjects are relatively still.
• The NEX-C3 better serves action or nature photographers who can anticipate and control focus manually or semi-automatically.

Durability and Outdoor Use: Can Your Camera Keep Up?

This is where the TG-870’s design truly shines.

The rugged TG-870 can literally handle water immersion, shocks, and freezing weather, making it ideal for adventurous photographers who prioritize capturing moments without worrying about damaging their gear.

In contrast, the NEX-C3 requires careful handling and protection.

If your shoots involve beaches, hiking in varied weather, or environments where your camera could take abuse, the TG-870 is a better companion. For studio or planned outdoor shoots, the NEX-C3’s vulnerability is less of a concern.

Video Capability: What Moves and Sounds Can They Capture?

Though the TG-870 is an older compact, its capability to shoot full HD at 60fps with optical image stabilization is impressive for smooth, handheld video - beneficial in rugged outdoor uses like action shots.

The NEX-C3 offers only 720p video at 30fps without stabilization, limiting its appeal for serious videography or fast-moving subjects.

Shooting Disciplines: Which Camera Fits Where?

Let’s break down their suitability based on photography genres:

Portrait Photography

• TG-870: Face detection and macro focus down to 1cm help casual portraits, but the small sensor limits background bokeh and subtle skin tonality.
• NEX-C3: Superior APS-C sensor and interchangeable fast primes enable flattering skin tones and creamy bokeh, advantageous for professional portraits.

Landscape Photography

• TG-870: Fixed lens performs well from wide to mid-telephoto but limited by sensor size and dynamic range - good for snapshots in nature.
• NEX-C3: Larger sensor and advanced controls, combined with access to high-quality wide-angle lenses, make it ideal for serious landscape work.

Wildlife & Sports Photography

• TG-870: Decent continuous shooting rate and built-in zoom but limited AF tracking and slow zoom speed.
• NEX-C3: Better optical quality via long telephoto lenses, though AF tracking is not state-of-the-art, it allows more precise control for action sequences.

Street Photography

• TG-870: Compact, rugged, and discrete - ideal for street shooting, especially in harsh environments.
• NEX-C3: Slightly bulkier with interchangeable lenses requiring lens changes, making it less spontaneous.

Macro Photography

• TG-870: Impressive 1cm macro focusing with image stabilization, convenient for close-ups in harsh outdoor settings.
• NEX-C3: Depends on macro lens availability; offers precise manual focusing for professionals.

Night / Astro Photography

• TG-870: Limited by small sensor and max ISO; struggles with noise.
• NEX-C3: Larger sensor and higher ISO capacity enhance night shooting, especially using raw files.

Video Use

• TG-870: Smooth stabilized 1080p at 60fps meets casual outdoor video needs.
• NEX-C3: Limited to 720p video; no stabilization or external audio support.

Travel Photography

• TG-870: Ultra-portable, indestructible, and GPS-equipped - a perfect adventure companion.
• NEX-C3: Versatile, with creative lenses but bulkier and more care needed.

Professional Use

• TG-870: Limited by image quality and lack of raw support.
• NEX-C3: Entry-level but usable for pros on a budget looking to experiment with mirrorless photography.

Olympus TG 870 front Olympus TG 870 screen back Sony NEX C3 front Sony NEX C3 screen back

User Interface & Display: Viewing and Control Experience

Both cameras feature 3-inch tilting LCD screens around 920-921k dots providing flexibility for low or high-angle shots. The TG-870’s display is simple and non-touch, oriented towards rugged usability over full manual control.

The NEX-C3’s TFT Xtra Fine LCD has slightly better color reproduction and is coupled with customizable buttons suitable for expeditious manual shooting.

Battery Life and Storage: Keeping Your Camera Ready

The NEX-C3’s longer battery life supports extended shoots but slightly heavier battery packs. The TG-870 includes internal storage as a backup, useful if external cards are forgotten during rugged adventures.

Connectivity and Extras

• Olympus TG-870: Built-in GPS and wireless connectivity allow geo-tagged images and quick sharing - key for travel bloggers.
• Sony NEX-C3: Supports Eye-Fi cards for wireless transfer, but no built-in wireless or GPS.

Price and Value: Match Your Budget with Your Needs

The TG-870 generally sells for around $280, offering robust waterproofing and versatility for casual shooters and outdoors enthusiasts who need a go-anywhere camera.

The NEX-C3 costs around $340, delivering greater photographic control, image quality, and a more expansive lens system. It’s an entry-point for users ready to grow into mirrorless photography.

Performance Summary: Strengths and Weaknesses

How They Stack Up for Different User Types

• Outdoor Adventurers & Casual Photographers: The TG-870 offers rugged dependability with easy point-and-shoot capability, ideal if you need waterproof and shockproof without worrying about changing lenses.
• Aspiring Enthusiasts & Pros on a Budget: The NEX-C3 presents a gateway into mirrorless photography with tactile controls and impressive image quality for learning and creative growth.
• Travel Photographers: Both are portable, but the TG-870’s rugged build and GPS appeal to adventure travel, while the NEX-C3’s image quality wins in cultural or urban travel requiring artistic expression.
• Vloggers and Video Hobbyists: Consider the TG-870 for stabilized 1080p at 60fps for smooth handheld footage. The NEX-C3’s video capabilities are dated and lack stabilization.
• Portrait and Studio Work: NEX-C3’s APS-C sensor, manual exposure modes, and lenses make it the preferred choice for controlled lighting and creative bokeh.

Final Thoughts: Your Next Step in Photography

Choosing between the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 and the Sony NEX-C3 hinges on your shooting environment, creative goals, and budget:

• For adventure and simplicity, the TG-870’s rugged features and portability make it a winner.
• For photographic versatility and control, the NEX-C3 opens doors to advanced techniques and superior image quality.

We recommend trying each camera if possible to experience their handling firsthand. Look out for lens options that suit your style if you lean towards the Sony mirrorless system, and explore a range of accessories to enhance your chosen path.

Photography is a personal journey. Whether you value durability and convenience or creative expression and image fidelity, the Olympus TG-870 and Sony NEX-C3 each offer unique strengths to support your vision. Embrace the model that best aligns with where you want your photography adventure to go next!

Happy shooting!

Explore, experiment, and capture your world with confidence.