FujiFilm JV100 vs Olympus TG-5

FujiFilm JV100 vs Olympus Tough TG-5: A Head-to-Head Compact Camera Showdown for Enthusiasts and Pros

Choosing the right compact camera can feel like navigating a maze - it all boils down to what you want from your gear. Today, I’m diving deep into two very different yet interesting options: the vintage FujiFilm FinePix JV100 (also known as JV105) from 2010, and the rugged, adventure-ready Olympus Tough TG-5 introduced in 2017. While both fall under the compact category, their philosophies, technologies, and use cases differ considerably.

Having spent thousands of hours testing cameras across all genres and scenarios, I look beyond specs sheets to how each camera performs in actual shooting environments. In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll explore everything from sensor tech and autofocus to ergonomics, image quality, and versatility across photographic disciplines.

Let’s get into it.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: Compact vs. Tough Ready

First impressions matter, and size plus handling directly influence your shooting experience. The FujiFilm JV100 is a pocket-friendly compact weighing a mere 126 grams with a minuscule footprint of 93x55x21 mm. It’s lightweight and unobtrusive but also very slim, making the grip less secure especially during prolonged use.

By contrast, the Olympus TG-5 is a much chunkier device, measuring 113x66x32 mm and weighing 250 grams - about double the mass of the JV100. This added bulk is by design, accommodating the premium waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof features that carve its niche.

The TG-5’s heft translates to a more confident handling experience. Its body is rubberized with textured grips, designed for challenging conditions where a sure hand is critical - think laps in the surf or hikes through dusty trails. The JV100’s slim profile appeals more to casual shooters seeking effortless carry but sacrifices some ergonomic comfort and control finesse.

That top-down view gives us another clue about operational intuitiveness:

The TG-5 offers a more traditional button-and-dial layout, complete with manual focus ring and dedicated exposure compensation - unavailable on the JV100. Fuji opted for simplicity, which keeps controls minimal but also restricts user influence over settings. This distinction foreshadows much of the performance gulf that follows.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Old CCD vs Modern CMOS

At the heart of every camera is its sensor, the decisive factor in image quality. Here, the FujiFilm JV100 sports a 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor measuring 6.17x4.55 mm with a 12MP resolution, while the Olympus TG-5 has the same sized sensor but uses a more modern 12MP BSI-CMOS sensor technology.

The CCD sensor in the JV100 was common in its era, often praised for producing relatively clean high-resolution images at base ISO but notoriously limited in dynamic range, low-light prowess, and speed. Its max native ISO caps at 1600 and there’s no RAW support, severely restricting post-processing flexibility and noise performance.

Conversely, the TG-5’s BSI-CMOS sensor brings superior light-gathering efficiency, enabling higher ISO sensitivity up to 12800, with native support for RAW, allowing serious photographers to wring maximum detail and tonal range from images. The sensor architecture also aids autofocus speed and enables advanced features not possible in the JV100.

In practice, under daylight landscape conditions, both cameras can produce serviceable JPEGs at base ISO, but the TG-5 delivers more vivid colors, richer tonal gradation, and better shadow retention. The JV100’s images feel flatter, often requiring dialed-in sharpening and post-capture adjustments to suit modern standards.

Screen and Interface: Navigating Your Capture

Both cameras feature fixed LCDs, but the TG-5 has a 3-inch display at 460k dots, whereas the JV100’s screen is smaller - 2.7 inches with only 230k dots. The difference is palpable in both brightness and clarity, which matters when composing or reviewing shots in bright daylight.

From my testing, the TG-5’s screen affords finer zoom control feedback and more accurate focus confirmation - a must-have for macro and underwater work. Fuji’s display, while adequate for casual shooting, cannot compete in critical sharpness or brightness.

Neither camera offers touch input or an electronic viewfinder, but the TG-5’s well-laid-out menus let you navigate fairly quickly even with gloves or wet hands. The JV100’s interface is barebones, with no customizable buttons or direct access to advanced modes, making it better suited to point-and-shoot users indifferent to manual manipulations.

Lens and Focus System: Speed and Reach Matter

The JV100 houses a fixed 37-111mm equivalent zoom (3x optical), while the TG-5 has a slightly wider 25-100mm equivalent zoom at 4x. At first glance, the TG-5’s wider angle is useful for landscapes and tight interiors, while the JV100’s longer reach benefits casual portraits and some telephoto needs.

The maximum apertures - F3.2-4.3 (JV100) versus F2.0-4.9 (TG-5) - show the Olympus lens starts off significantly faster, crucial in low-light or creative depth-of-field control.

Autofocus technology defines usability - JV100 uses contrast-detection only with no face detection or continuous AF tracking, whereas the TG-5 features a 25-point contrast-detection system with face detection and continuous tracking modes.

Under real-world shooting, TG-5 autofocus locks with confident speed - even in dim conditions - where JV100 showed noticeable hunting, particularly under low contrast. The improved algorithms in the TG-5’s TruePic VIII processor also enhance autofocus precision, essential for action or wildlife photography.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Performance: Capturing the Action

If you’re photographing sports, wildlife, or any fast-moving subjects, burst speed and shutter range are non-negotiable. The TG-5 has a remarkable burst rate of 20 fps, a rarity in compact cameras, capturing fleeting moments in quick succession. In contrast, the JV100 doesn’t offer continuous shooting modes, limiting its suitability for action.

Both cameras max out shutter speeds at 1/2000s, sufficient for most daylight shots but less so if you crave ultra-fast exposures.

Image Stabilization: Sensors Don’t Like Shakes

The JV100 lacks any image stabilization feature, a serious drawback considering its telephoto reach and video ambitions. Olympus counters this with sensor-shift stabilization, a sizeable advantage especially handheld in low-light or macro scenarios where camera shake is often amplified.

Video Capabilities: From Casual Clips to 4K Adventure

Video recording is another arena where these cameras diverge sharply. The JV100 tops out at 1280x720p (HD) at 30 fps in Motion JPEG format - quite basic and outdated by today’s standards. No external mic support or HDMI output.

The TG-5 offers Full HD and 4K UHD video at 30p with efficient H.264 encoding, coupled with stereo audio recording. While it lacks headphone or microphone ports, its superior video quality, onboard stabilization, and waterproof durability expand creative opportunities for travel and action videographers.

Weather Sealing and Durability: The TG-5’s Tough Edge

Here is where the TG-5 emphatically outclasses the JV100. Olympus’ rugged model boasts impressive environmental certifications: waterproof to depths of 15m, dustproof, shockproof (to 2.1m drops), crushproof (100kgf), and freezeproof to -10°C. These features make it an indispensable companion for adventure and underwater photographers.

The JV100 offers no such protection - strictly a delicate compact designed for benign conditions.

Battery Life and Storage: Shooting Time and Flexibility

The TG-5 uses a lithium-ion battery rated for about 340 shots - respectable for a compact, though heavy users may need a spare on hand. JV100’s battery info is sparse, but given its age and limited functions, expect more modest endurance.

Both cameras utilize SD/SDHC cards, with the TG-5 supporting the newer UHS-I standard for faster writing speeds - important for buffering 4K video and rapid shooting.

Comparative Performance Scores: Putting Numbers to Experience

While DxOMark hasn’t fully tested either model, I synthesized multi-source performance ratings into the following overall scores:

Olympus TG-5 overwhelmingly leads in image quality, autofocus, burst speed, video, and ruggedness, making it a more capable and versatile machine. The JV100's score reflects its dated technology and limited feature set, though it can still satisfy very basic photographic needs on a tight budget.

Photography Use Cases: Who Should Choose What?

To give practical orientation, here is how these cameras stack up by photographic genre:

Portrait Photography:

• TG-5 pulls ahead with faster lens, face detection autofocus, customizable white balance, and RAW support for better skin tone rendition. JV100’s limited focusing and image control restrict portrait quality.
• Verdict: TG-5 preferred for portraits.

Landscape Photography:

• TG-5’s broader zoom, higher ISO capability, RAW format, and environmental sealing make it ideal for varied outdoor conditions. JV100 may suffice for casual snaps in calm environments.
• Verdict: TG-5 for professionals and enthusiasts; JV100 only for casual shooters.

Wildlife Photography:

• TG-5’s burst shooting and tracking autofocus give it a clear edge; JV100 simply cannot keep up.
• Verdict: TG-5 recommended.

Sports Photography:

• JV100 lacks continuous shooting; TG-5’s 20fps burst counts as a considerable advantage.
• Verdict: TG-5 only.

Street Photography:

• JV100’s light weight and subtle profile aid discretion, but the TG-5’s bulk and rugged exterior can deter candid shots. Low light autofocus on TG-5 wins for less frustrating shooting in dim urban environments.
• Verdict: JV100 for ultra-discreet carry; TG-5 where durability or low light is more critical.

Macro Photography:

• TG-5 excels with 1cm macro focus, focus stacking, and image stabilization, surpassing JV100’s static 10cm macro ability.
• Verdict: TG-5 clearly.

Night and Astro Photography:

• TG-5’s ISO 12800, RAW capture, and longer shutter speeds (down to 4 secs) help astrophotography. JV100’s ISO limits and no manual exposure modes hinder this use.
• Verdict: TG-5 recommended.

Video:

• The TG-5’s 4K and better codec outperform JV100’s basic HD MJPEG.
• Verdict: TG-5.

Travel Photography:

• JV100’s pocketability is tempting, but TG-5 balances durability, image quality, and weather resistance better for active travelers.
• Verdict: TG-5 more versatile; JV100 for light city itineraries.

Professional Workflows:

• JV100 lacks RAW support; the TG-5’s RAW and WiFi connectivity provide more professional integration.
• Verdict: TG-5.

Final Thoughts: Which Compact Should You Pick?

So where does this leave us? If you find yourself nostalgic about small, simple, affordable compacts and only need basic images for snapshots or social sharing, the FujiFilm JV100 remains a functional albeit tired choice. It is lightweight and easy on the wallet at around $100, but expect to compromise heavily on image quality, speed, and functionality.

In contrast, the Olympus Tough TG-5 is not just a camera - it’s an outdoor tool. At around $450, it demands a premium but returns it with an excellent sensor, versatile features, robust manual control, and an absolute tank of a body. If you shoot outdoors often, crave durability, video quality, or macro capabilities, or want a reliable camera that won’t fret dirt or moisture, the TG-5 is a compelling option.

FujiFilm JV100 front FujiFilm JV100 screen back Olympus TG 5 front Olympus TG 5 screen back

Whether you go ease and small or rugged and feature rich, both cameras mark interesting points on the compact camera timeline. I encourage you to consider how each aligns with your shooting priorities and shooting style.

Technical Summary Table

To Wrap Up

From the perspective of an enthusiast or semi-professional photographer exploring compact cameras for diverse uses, the Olympus TG-5 emerges as the superior all-rounder - built for life outdoors and offering sensor and software chops that remain relevant years after its debut. The Fuji JV100, while a charming relic, is best suited for novices or budget buyers with minimal expectations.

Thanks for joining me on this deep dive. If you have questions about other cameras or want shooting tips for these two models, reach out - I love geeking out on gear and helping photographers find their perfect match.

Happy shooting!