Olympus TG-870 vs Sony A55

The following is a in depth analysis of the Olympus TG-870 vs Sony A55, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the TG-870 (16MP) and the A55 (16MP) is relatively comparable but the TG-870 (1/2.3") and A55 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The TG-870 was released 5 years after the A55 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus TG-870 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony A55 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going in to a full comparison, below is a short introduction of how the TG-870 scores vs the A55 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 and Sony SLT-A55. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-870 Gallery and Sony A55 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to travel with your camera regularly, you should factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus TG-870 features outside measurements of 113mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.1") with a weight of 221 grams (0.49 lbs) and the Sony A55 has proportions of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs).

Check out the Olympus TG-870 vs Sony A55 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at the time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the TG-870 versus the A55.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the TG-870 and A55 is 91 and 67 respectively.

Normally, it is very tough to envision the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by going through specs. The picture underneath might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the TG-870 and A55.

All in all, both of the cameras enjoy the same exact megapixel count albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The TG-870 comes with the smaller sensor which should make getting shallower depth of field more challenging. The younger TG-870 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.