• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 20.0 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 1008.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 21.00mm - 105.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Canon SX420 IS advantages over Olympus TG-870

  • More telephoto lens reach
    1,008 mm vs 105 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • More pixels
    20.0 vs 16.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    15 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Olympus TG-870 advantages over Canon SX420 IS

  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer video battery life
    90 vs 50 minutes
    Capture more video
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 300 vs 195 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Thinner
    27 mm vs 85 mm
    Thinner
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Lighter weight
    221g vs 325g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    920k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Wider angle lens
    21 mm vs 24 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    7.0 fps vs 0.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Manual focus
    Neither provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Canon SX420 IS

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Olympus TG-870

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon SX500

Canon SX420 IS
Canon SX500
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $498
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • HDMI out
Olympus TG-870
Canon SX500
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Waterproof
  • $498
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus

Compared to Olympus TG-850

Canon SX420 IS
Olympus TG-850
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • More pixels
  • $249
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
Olympus TG-870
Olympus TG-850
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in GPS
  • $249
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compared to Canon SX400 IS

Canon SX420 IS
Canon SX400 IS
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • More pixels
  • $149
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
Olympus TG-870
Canon SX400 IS
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $149
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus

Compared to Olympus TG-860

Canon SX420 IS
Olympus TG-860
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • More pixels
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
Olympus TG-870
Olympus TG-860
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch

Compared to Canon SX410 IS

Canon SX420 IS
Canon SX410 IS
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
Olympus TG-870
Canon SX410 IS
  • $279
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • More pixels
Compare Other Cameras?