Olympus TG-870 vs Sony WX50: The Ultimate Ultracompact Camera Showdown

When you’re searching for a travel-friendly, easy-to-use compact camera, the choices can be overwhelming. Today, we put two popular ultracompact models side-by-side: the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX50. Both target casual shooters and enthusiasts looking for portability, but they come with different strengths, features, and design philosophies.

We have personally tested thousands of compact cameras over the years, so join us as we unpack these two models with a fine-tooth comb - focusing on real-world usability, image quality, durability, and value. Whether your passion lies in street, travel, macro, or casual photography, our detailed breakdown will help you find the right fit for your creative journey.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling

Starting with the basics, these cameras belong to the ultracompact segment but have distinct forms and ergonomics. Handling comfort and physical robustness often make or break a travel camera experience.

The Olympus TG-870 is chunkier and heavier, built with a shockproof, waterproof, freezeproof, and crushproof design. Its ruggedness is aimed at adventure seekers who want a camera that laughs in the face of harsh conditions. The ergonomics reflect this toughness, providing a solid grip even with gloves or wet hands.

Meanwhile, the Sony WX50 is svelte and lightweight, making it easier to slip into a pocket or small bag unnoticed. However, it lacks environmental sealing and durability features. This makes it best suited for everyday casual photography, urban outings, or as a secondary “pocket” camera for spontaneous shooting.

The hand feel also comes down to the grip design. Olympus’s larger frame allows for more substantial button placement and grip contours, which can help steady shots without additional accessories. Sony’s minimalism impresses in portability but at the cost of less tactile control.

Both cameras ditched viewfinders entirely, relying on LCD screens for composition.

Control Layout and User Interface: How They Feel in Your Hands

Camera controls influence workflow and shooting speed, especially if you like to shoot without diving into menus.

• Olympus TG-870 has a decent collection of external buttons including a mode dial, zoom toggle, and dedicated video button. Its 3-inch tilting screen aids composing at unusual angles.
• Sony WX50 offers fewer physical controls and a smaller 2.7-inch fixed LCD, which may feel cramped for some users. The absence of a tilting mechanism reduces flexibility when shooting low or overhead.

Neither camera supports manual focus or exposure modes, limiting how much you can tailor settings. However, Olympus’s rear control wheel and custom white balance add a bit more manual control than Sony.

If you prefer quick, instinctive adjustments, especially when shooting outdoors or on the move, Olympus feels more versatile. Sony aims for simplicity, keeping everything approachable but less flexible.

Sensor and Image Quality: Detail and Performance Under the Hood

Both cameras use a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with 16-megapixel resolution, a common choice for compact cameras of this era. Sensor size strongly impacts image quality, noise performance, and dynamic range, so here we have a largely level playing field in terms of hardware specs.

Yet, subtle differences arise:

Real-World Image Quality

• Both produce clean, punchy JPEGs with good color accuracy in daylight.
• Olympus’s TruePic VII processor excels in noise reduction, yielding smoother low-light images at ISO 800-1600, although resolution-detail tradeoffs become more evident.
• Sony has a broader ISO range going up to 12800 but noise rapidly degrades image quality beyond ISO 400, which limits usability for low light.
• Dynamic range is modest on both cameras, but Olympus’s processing helps retain highlight details slightly better.
• Both cameras lack RAW support, which restricts post-processing latitude - something to keep in mind if you like hands-on control in editing.

LCD Screens and Viewfinding Experience

Since neither model has an electronic or optical viewfinder, the rear LCD displays are your primary framing tools.

The TG-870’s 3-inch tilting screen with 921k dots offers sharper detail and flexibility for composing at unconventional angles - handy for macro shots, selfies, or shooting over crowds.

The WX50 sports a smaller 2.7-inch fixed screen rated at 461k dots. The Clearfoto TFT technology provides decent color, but the lack of articulation restricts creative framing options.

If you shoot in strong sunlight or at awkward perspectives, Olympus’s screen is a clear advantage that enhances usability.

Autofocus and Shooting Speeds: Catching the Action

Autofocus capabilities and burst shooting performance are essential for wildlife, sports, and candid photography.

In testing:

• Olympus offers continuous autofocus which is useful when subjects move unpredictably.
• Sony provides a faster burst rate (10 fps) but lacks continuous AF, which can limit its ability to maintain focus on moving subjects.
• Both perform well for still subjects and portraits thanks to face detection.
• Neither camera supports advanced AF features like phase detection or animal eye AF, so fast action tracking will remain challenging.

If you often photograph pets or kids, Olympus’s continuous AF and tracking make it a more dependable choice.

Lens and Zoom: Versatility for Various Scenes

Both cameras have fixed zoom lenses ideal for a range of scenarios from wide-angle landscapes to modest telephoto shots.

Olympus’s lens edges out Sony’s in two meaningful ways:

• The wider 21mm equivalent end captures broader scenes, essential for landscapes or cramped interiors.
• A very close macro focus distance of 1 cm enables detailed close-ups with impressive magnification - ideal for nature or product photography.

Sony’s lens shines at wide aperture (f/2.6) at the wide end, which helps gather more light and can create shallower depth of field. However, at telephoto, it’s slower (f/6.3), limiting low-light reach.

Both feature optical image stabilization (OIS), which noticeably reduces blur from hand shake during slower shutter speeds or video shooting.

Specialized Photography Applications

Let's explore how these two ultracompacts perform across key photography types you might use them for.

Portrait Photography

• Facial detection with continuous AF on Olympus makes it easier to nail sharp portraits.
• Olympus’s improved control over white balance and slightly better background blur help produce pleasing skin tones and gentle bokeh.
• Sony’s wider f/2.6 aperture at the wide end lends better subject isolation indoors, but the lack of continuous AF hampers portraiture with moving subjects.
• Neither camera offers advanced features like eye AF, so manual selection of AF point is limited.

Landscape Photography

• Olympus’s wider zoom range starting at 21mm is a clear advantage for expansive landscapes.
• Both cameras struggle with dynamic range in high-contrast scenes, but Olympus’s sensor and processing hold highlights better.
• Olympus includes environmental sealing - waterproof and freezeproof - ideal for outdoor adventures where weather is unpredictable.
• Sony's WX50 offers limited weather resistance and a fixed screen, which reduces comfort during prolonged landscape shoots.

Wildlife Photography

• Neither camera is optimized for professional wildlife use due to sensor size and AF limitations.
• Olympus offers continuous AF and decent tracking at 7 fps for casual wildlife or birds.
• Sony’s faster 10 fps burst rate is handicapped by no continuous AF - resulting in missed focus on moving targets.

Sports Photography

• Olympus continues to lead in autofocus tracking and continuous autofocusing.
• The faster burst rate on Sony is a plus but can be negated by its inability to maintain focus.
• In low light, Olympus’s sensor produces less noise, maintaining image quality in indoor or dusk sports.

Street Photography

• Sony’s smaller size (117g vs 221g) and subdued design make it more discreet.
• Olympus’s rugged body may draw more attention but provides peace of mind in urban and rough conditions.
• Both cameras are quiet, with Olympus lacking silent shutter - an increasingly valued feature for street scenarios.

Macro Photography

• Olympus truly shines here with a 1 cm close-focusing distance, letting you capture fine textures and tiny details.
• Sony’s 5 cm minimum distance limits how close you can get.
• Both have optical stabilization, helping with slower shutter speeds hand-held macro shots.

Night and Astrophotography

• Despite being compacts, neither camera is ideal for astrophotography due to small sensor size.
• Olympus’s better low-light noise control and higher ISO sensitivity (though limited to ISO 6400 native) give it a slight edge.
• Both cameras support timelapse (Olympus has timelapse recording, Sony does not), helpful for night scenes.

Video Capabilities

Video performance is quite similar, but Olympus’s timelapse recording is a valuable creative tool.

Neither camera offers 4K or advanced video features like log profiles or external audio, so video enthusiasts may look elsewhere for higher-grade capabilities.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery endurance can dictate how long your shooting sessions last without interruption.

Olympus’s higher shot count supports longer days in the field or travel without recharge. Its internal memory slot offers a fail-safe if you forget a card.

Sony’s use of both SD cards and proprietary Memory Sticks provides flexibility but is more complicated.

Connectivity and Extras

Olympus’s inclusion of GPS tagging and Wi-Fi provides advantages for travelers who want geotagging and easier image transfer.

Sony lacks wireless connectivity, requiring physical connections for file transfer.

Price and Value Consideration

Both cameras offer affordable entry points. Olympus commands a small premium for its ruggedness, features, and enhanced zoom range.

For your money, Olympus’s extra durability, GPS, and screen articulation present better value for active and adventurous users.

Summary: How Do These Cameras Stack Up?

Olympus TG 870 front Olympus TG 870 screen back Sony WX50 front Sony WX50 screen back

Who Should Choose the Olympus TG-870?

• Adventure and outdoors enthusiasts who want a tough, waterproof, shock-proof camera.
• Photographers who prioritize versatile focal range (including ultra-wide) and macro shooting.
• Users who want wireless connectivity and GPS for travel ease.
• Those valuing a tilting screen and continuous autofocus for dynamic shooting.
• Entry-level shooters who want a rugged, all-weather companion.

Who Should Opt for the Sony WX50?

• Buyers seeking the smallest, lightest point-and-shoot for daily carry.
• Casual urban and street photographers valuing discreetness and simplicity.
• Those who prioritize a faster burst speed for quick shots of static subjects.
• Budget-conscious users who can trade ruggedness for portability.
• Users familiar with Sony ecosystems who want Memory Stick compatibility.

Final Thoughts: Hands-On Recommendations

Both the Olympus TG-870 and Sony WX50 represent capable ultracompact cameras within their respective design philosophies. The TG-870’s rugged build and feature set deliver versatility for serious outdoor and travel photographers. The WX50 excels as an unobtrusive, pocketable shooter for everyday moments.

When deciding, reflect on your photography style: Do you explore the wild, often facing harsh conditions and requiring macro precision? Go for Olympus. Do you prefer minimalism, quick snapshots, and lighter gear? Sony’s WX50 fits that niche well.

Ultimately, we encourage anyone interested to get hands-on time with these cameras. Shoot various scenes, test autofocus behavior and ergonomics - and find which camera feels like an extension of your creative vision.

Check out the latest prices and bundles, and find the right accessories like extra batteries and memory cards to maximize your shooting experience.

Happy shooting!

Reviewed by a team with over 15 years experience in hands-on camera testing and photographic evaluation.