Olympus TG-870 vs Sony WX500

Here, we are evaluating the Olympus TG-870 and Sony WX500, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the TG-870 (16MP) and the WX500 (18MP) is very close and both cameras boast the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The TG-870 was manufactured 9 months after the WX500 so they are of a similar generation. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus TG-870 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony WX500 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a thorough comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the TG-870 matches up vs the WX500 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-870 Gallery and Sony WX500 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus TG-870 comes with physical dimensions of 113mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 221 grams (0.49 lbs) whilst the Sony WX500 has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 236 grams (0.52 lbs).

Look at the Olympus TG-870 and Sony WX500 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the TG-870 versus the WX500.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the TG-870 and WX500 is 91 and 91 respectively.

Normally, it can be hard to see the difference in sensor sizes simply by looking through a spec sheet. The pic here should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the TG-870 and WX500.

As you can see, the 2 cameras feature the identical sensor size but not the same resolution. You should expect to see the Sony WX500 to provide you with more detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos way more aggressively. The fresher TG-870 will have a benefit in sensor tech.