Olympus TG-870 vs Sony RX1

Here, we will be analyzing the Olympus TG-870 versus Sony RX1, former is a Ultracompact while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Sony. There is a considerable difference between the image resolutions of the TG-870 (16MP) and RX1 (24MP) and the TG-870 (1/2.3") and RX1 (Full frame) posses totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The TG-870 was unveiled 2 years after the RX1 which is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus TG-870 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony RX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go right into a detailed comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the TG-870 scores against the RX1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1. The full galleries are provided at Olympus TG-870 Gallery & Sony RX1 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus TG-870 comes with exterior dimensions 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 Sony RX1 has dimensions of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") along with a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs).

Look at the Olympus TG-870 versus Sony RX1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are working with at the time. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the TG-870 compared to the RX1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the TG-870 and RX1 is 91 and 79 respectively.

Generally, it is difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by going over a spec sheet. The picture below might provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the TG-870 and RX1.

As you can see, both of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The TG-870 with its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field more difficult and the Sony RX1 will offer you extra detail having an extra 8MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots way more aggressively. The newer TG-870 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.