Discover the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860: The Ultimate Rugged Camera for Adventure Seekers

The Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 is a rugged digital camera designed for individuals who love to capture breathtaking moments even in the toughest of environments. Waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof, this camera can take high-quality photos and videos while enduring extreme outdoor activities. In this blog, we'll delve into the features and benefits that make the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 a must-have for any adventure seeker.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 article cover photo

Key Features

Feb 06 2015

Announced

16 megapixels

Resolution

BrandOlympus
Sensor Type1/2.3'
SensorCMOS
Weight224g
MSRP$279USD

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Overview of the Stylus Tough TG-860

If you're an adventure seeker who loves to explore the world outside, the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 is the perfect camera for you. Equipped with cutting-edge features and the ability to withstand extreme conditions, this camera takes high-quality photos and videos even in the toughest of environments. In this article, we'll explore the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 and why it is considered the ultimate rugged camera for those who seek adventure. From its waterproof and shockproof capabilities to its advanced shooting options, we'll take a closer look at what makes this camera a top performer in its class. So whether you're an avid hiker, surfer, or camper, join us as we discover what the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 has to offer.

Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

Rugged design for outdoor use
Waterproof up to 50 feet
Wi-Fi and GPS connectivity
Artistic filter options
180-degree flip LCD screen

Cons

Small sensor size limits image quality
No manual shooting options
Limited zoom range
Mediocre low-light performance
No viewfinder for bright sunlight

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860

Weather sealed
Dimensions110 x 64 x 28mm
Weight224g
Thickness28mm
Weight
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Max
Thickness
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Weather Sealing

The Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the Stylus Tough TG-860 is an excellent choice.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderNone
Screen TypeTilting
Screen Resolution460k dots
Body typeUltracompact

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a tilting 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 460k dots. This makes the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the Stylus Tough TG-860 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 has a 16MP sized CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 16 pixels. Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 has a native ISO range of 125 - 6400 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Feb 06 2015

Announced

125 - 6400

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3'
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4608 x 3456 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the Stylus Tough TG-860 is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1/2.3'

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Battery Life300 shots
Battery ModelLi-50B
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 uses the Li-50B model of battery pack. This is rated for 300 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.

Shutter

The Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/2000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with null number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860?

The Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 features a CMOS sensor

Is the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 weather sealed?

Yes the Stylus Tough TG-860 does have weather sealing.

When was the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 announced?

The Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 was announced on Feb 06 2015

Does the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the Stylus Tough TG-860 does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860?

The Stylus Tough TG-860 has a native ISO range of 125-6400, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 article cover photo

Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870: The Ultimate Adventure Camera

Looking for a camera that can handle your extreme adventures? Look no further than the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870. With its rugged design, advanced features, and stunning image quality, this camera is the perfect companion for any outdoor enthusiast. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the TG-870 and show you why it's the ultimate adventure camera.