Olympus TG-870 vs Zeiss ZX1

Here is a comprehensive overview of the Olympus TG-870 versus Zeiss ZX1, former being a Ultracompact while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Zeiss. There exists a substantial gap between the sensor resolutions of the TG-870 (16MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the TG-870 (1/2.3") and ZX1 (Full frame) have different sensor dimensions.

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The TG-870 was unveiled 3 years before the ZX1 and that is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus TG-870 being a Ultracompact camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a short summary of how the TG-870 grades vs the ZX1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 & Zeiss ZX1. The full galleries are available at Olympus TG-870 Gallery & Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera, you're going to have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus TG-870 provides physical dimensions 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 Zeiss ZX1 has dimensions of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") having a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Look at the Olympus TG-870 versus Zeiss ZX1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have attached at that moment. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the TG-870 against the ZX1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the TG-870 and ZX1 is 91 and 67 respectively.

More often than not, it can be tough to imagine the gap between sensor sizing purely by reading specs. The photograph underneath might provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the TG-870 and ZX1.

All in all, each of the cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The TG-870 using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field trickier and the Zeiss ZX1 will offer extra detail having an extra 21 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older TG-870 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.