Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 vs Olympus Tough TG-3

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      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 and the Olympus Tough TG-3, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 was introduced in January 2016 and Olympus Tough TG-3 was introduced in March 2014. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 Highlights

      • 16.0 MP 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
      • 125 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 921k dot Tilting Screen
      • 7.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Built-in GPS
      • Built-In Wi-Fi
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Olympus Tough TG-3 Highlights

      • 16 MP 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
      • 100 - 6,400 Native ISO
      • Image Stabilization
      • 3.0" 460k dot Fixed Screen
      • 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      • Built-in GPS
      • Built-In Wi-Fi
      • Wheather Sealed Body

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 and Olympus Tough TG-3.

      PROS

      Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870

      Olympus Tough TG-3

      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 221 g (0.49 lb / 7.80 oz)
      •   Internal Storage
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Cheap
      •   Video Capture
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 247 g (0.54 lb / 8.71 oz)
      •   Internal Storage
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870

      Olympus Tough TG-3

      •   Small Sensor
      •   125 Lowest Native ISO
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870

      Olympus Tough TG-3

      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.0 Megapixel
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps

      Advantage of Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 over Olympus Tough TG-3.

      Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 vs Olympus Tough TG-3
      Cheaper $279 vs $349
      Reaches Wider Angle 21 mm vs 25 mm
      Reachs More Telephoto 105 mm vs 100 mm
      Greater Optical Zoom 5x vs 4x
      Screen Type Tilting vs Fixed
      Higher Resolution Screen 921k dot vs 460k dot
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 7.0 fps vs 5.0 fps
      Multi-Segment Metering vs
      Center Weighted Metering vs
      Spot Metering vs
      Built-in Microphone Stereo vs Mono
      Lighter 221 g (0.49 lb / 7.80 oz) vs 247 g (0.54 lb / 8.71 oz)
      Internal Storage 37 MB vs 36 MB

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870.

      Advantage of Olympus Tough TG-3

      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Olympus Tough TG-3 over Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870.

      Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 vs Olympus Tough TG-3
      Lower Native ISO 125 vs 100
      Maximum Aperture at Wide End f/3.5 vs f/2.0
      Maximum Aperture at Tele End f/5.7 vs f/4.9
      Manual Exposure Mode vs
      Aperture Priority vs
      Longer Battery Life 300 shots vs 330 shots

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Olympus Tough TG-3.

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 Olympus Tough TG-3
        Cheap$279$349
        Video Capture
        High Native ISO6,4006,400
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        Image Stabilization
        Built-in Flash
        HDMI Output Micro Micro
        Built-in GPS
        Built-In Wi-Fi
        Environmental Sealing
        Light221 g (0.49 lb / 7.80 oz)247 g (0.54 lb / 8.71 oz)
        Internal Storage37 MB36 MB
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 Olympus Tough TG-3
        Small Sensor1/2.3-inch1/2.3-inch
        No Viewfinder
        Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain)1/2000 sec1/2000 sec
        No External Flash Connectivity
        Low Video Resolution1920 x 10801920 x 1080
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        Short Battery Life300 shots330 shots

      Screen

      Screen

      Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 and Olympus Tough TG-3 have 3.0" screens with 921k dot and 460k dot resolutions respectively. Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 has a Tilting screen which makes it very useful for photography purposes but not so useful for video shooting. Olympus Tough TG-3 has a Fixed screen

      Image cannot be displayed

      Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 with Tilting screen

      Sensor

      BSI-CMOS Sensor

      Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 features a 16.0 megapixel 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 28.1 mm2. Its native ISO range is 125 - 6,400 and expands to 125 - 12,800 in boosted mode. Olympus Tough TG-3 features a 16 megapixel 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 20.7 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 6,400 and expands to 100 - 12,800 in boosted mode.

      The cameras have BSI-CMOS sensor, short for Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor sensor. In traditional CMOS sensors, the wiring and circuitry are located on the front side of the sensor, which can block some of the incoming light. BSI technology flips this design by placing the photosensitive elements (pixels) on the backside of the sensor, allowing more light to reach the pixels. This significantly enhances light sensitivity and improves low-light performance. BSI-CMOS sensors are particularly effective in low-light conditions, as they can capture more light, resulting in brighter and less noisy images. This makes them well-suited for indoor and night photography. BSI-CMOS sensors deliver a higher SNR and reduced cross-talk.

      Photography Features

      Cameras are equipped with TruePic VII processor and can take pictures up to 4608 x 3456 resolution.


      Image Stabilization

      The cameras have a built-in [y] image stabilization.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      Built-in GPS

      Cameras have built-in GPS (Global Positioning System) technology which allows you to automatically tag the location where you took your photos. You can later categorize, organize, and search for photos based on location. This is very useful for travel and outdoor photographers for documenting the locations where images were captured.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in GPS.


      Built-in Wi-Fi

      Cameras have built-in Wi-Fi which allows to easily transfer photos and videos from the camera to other Wi-Fi-enabled devices, such as smartphones, tablets, printers, or computers. This eliminates the need for cables and allows for quick and convenient media sharing and social media integration. It gives you the ability to control your camera remotely using a smartphone or tablet. This is particularly useful for taking self-portraits, group shots, or capturing images in challenging conditions without having to touch the camera. Firmware updates can also be downloaded and installed wirelessly.
        Check out the cameras in our database that have built-in WiFi.


      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 has a Micro HDMI and Olympus Tough TG-3 has a Micro HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 comes with Li-50B battery pack with battery life of 300 shots and Olympus Tough TG-3 comes with LI-92B battery pack with battery life of 330 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot. Olympus Tough TG-3 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC Memory card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/2000 sec on Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870, and up to 1/2000 sec on Olympus Tough TG-3. Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 can shoot continuously up to 7.0 fps. Olympus Tough TG-3 can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 4.00 m at ISO 1600 on Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870..

      Physical Parameters

      Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 body has dimensions of 113 x 64 x 28 mm (4.45 x 2.52 x 1.1") and Olympus Tough TG-3 body has dimensions of 112 x 66 x 31 mm (4.41 x 2.6 x 1.22"). Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 weighs 221 g (0.49 lb / 7.80 oz) and Olympus Tough TG-3 weighs 247 g (0.54 lb / 8.71 oz).

      Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870

      Olympus Tough TG-3

      113 mm

      64 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      112 mm

      66 mm

      Image cannot be displayed


      28 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      31 mm

      Image cannot be displayed

      Size comparisons of Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 and Olympus Tough TG-3

      Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 and Olympus Tough TG-3 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870

      Olympus Tough TG-3

      GOOD
      77
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      GOOD
      76
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870

      Olympus Tough TG-3

      GOOD
      74
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      74
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870

      Olympus Tough TG-3

      GOOD
      75
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      75
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870

      Olympus Tough TG-3

      GOOD
      74
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      74
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870

      Olympus Tough TG-3

      EXCELLENT
      90
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 221 g (0.49 lb / 7.80 oz)
      EXCELLENT
      88
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 247 g (0.54 lb / 8.71 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870

      Olympus Tough TG-3

      EXCELLENT
      92
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 221 g (0.49 lb / 7.80 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots
      EXCELLENT
      91
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 247 g (0.54 lb / 8.71 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 and Olympus Tough TG-3 and give them scores of 68 and 66 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870

      Olympus Tough TG-3

      OVERALL
      68
      OVERALL
      66

      Sensor

      Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870

      Olympus Tough TG-3

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16.0 Megapixel
      •   125 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Small Sensor
      •   Sensor Resolution - 16 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   6,400 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870

      Olympus Tough TG-3

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/2000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 5.0 fps
      •   No External Flash Connectivity

      Video

      Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870

      Olympus Tough TG-3

      POOR
      46
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      POOR
      46
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080

      Focusing

      Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870

      Olympus Tough TG-3

      GOOD
      78
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      78
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870

      Olympus Tough TG-3

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Viewfinder
      POOR
      53
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 460k dot
      •   No Viewfinder

      Connectivity

      Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870

      Olympus Tough TG-3

      GOOD
      79
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      GOOD
      77
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   Built-in GPS
      •   Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870

      Olympus Tough TG-3

      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 221 g (0.49 lb / 7.80 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 300 shots
      •   Internal Storage
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 247 g (0.54 lb / 8.71 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots
      •   Internal Storage


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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