Fujifilm XP120 vs Olympus TG-5: The Ultimate Waterproof Camera Showdown

When it comes to rugged, waterproof cameras, enthusiasts and pros alike often find themselves perched on the precipice of decision: which trusty sidekick should join their off-the-grid adventures? The Fujifilm FinePix XP120 and the Olympus Tough TG-5 - two stalwarts announced in 2017 - both dazzle with splashproof, shock-resistant promises. But which one holds the crown for your next aquatic expedition, mountain trek, or even an urban street sprint in the rain?

Having tested thousands of cameras over my 15-year journey in photography gear, I know the devil (and the delight) lies in the details - and the grab-and-go charm. Dive in with me as we dissect these two rugged champs, pixel by pixel, burst by burst, byte by byte. Let’s explore their personalities through the practical lens of experience, not just spec sheets.

Size, Grip, and Handling: Compact Champions or Pocket Giants?

Before pressing the shutter, your camera must feel like an extension of your hand - or at least not a clumsy hassle.

The Fujifilm XP120 is an ultracompact marvel, measuring 110x71x28 mm and tipping the scales at a mere 203 grams. The Olympus TG-5, by contrast, is chunker but still manageable at 113x66x32 mm and 250 grams. Those extra millimeters and grams hint at Olympus’s tactical ruggedness, including crushproof capabilities missing in the Fuji.

I found the XP120’s size to make it an excellent pocket companion - ideal for spontaneous snaps and travel light days. However, its smaller body means smaller buttons and less aggressive grip textures, which might not inspire confidence on truly rough terrain. The TG-5’s more substantial frame felt firmer and more secure in my hand, especially with wet or gloved paws. Its tactile controls balance well between robustness and speed, a boon for quick-response shooting.

Top View Design and Control Layout: Where Does Speed Meet Intuition?

Physical size is one thing, but how a camera organizes its controls often decides whether you’ll shoot or fumble.

Both cameras eschew electronic viewfinders, standard for waterproof compacts, relying instead on LCDs. The Fujifilm XP120’s top panel is minimalist - a shutter release, zoom toggle, and power button keep things simple but maybe a touch too spartan. There’s no dedicated exposure compensation or aperture/shutter priority modes here - something to consider if you like creative control.

In contrast, the TG-5’s top deck includes a dedicated mode dial with aperture priority (yes, it makes an appearance here) and programmable/custom modes. This immediately elevates Olympus’s appeal to those who want a bit more flexibility in exposure. The shutter button’s travel felt crisper on the TG-5, and the zoom lever’s resistance strikes a satisfying balance - you can finesse framing without overshooting.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the Beast

Both cameras house a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor (measuring 6.17x4.55 mm) with around 28 mm² area - a decent size for a waterproof compact, but far from APS-C or full-frame territory. Yet sensor size isn’t the full story here.

The Fujifilm comes with 16 megapixels max resolution (4608x3456), while the Olympus TG-5 offers 12 megapixels (4000x3000). At first glance, the Fuji seems to have the upper hand in resolution, but pixel count alone isn’t indicative of better image quality. Indeed, the TG-5 compensates with a faster lens aperture (f/2.0-4.9 vs. Fuji’s f/3.9-4.9) and Olympus’s more advanced TruePic VIII processor, which enhances noise reduction and color fidelity.

In side-by-side tests, the TG-5 delivered cleaner images at higher ISOs, especially above ISO 800 where the XP120 started to show more blotchy noise and less detail retention. Lower light and indoor conditions clearly benefit from the TG-5’s optimized sensor processing. Dynamic range on both is limited by the sensor size; however, Olympus’s rendition appears a touch more forgiving thanks to dual gain ISO circuits inside.

Color science is more subjective - Fuji’s skin tones skew a bit warmer and richer, which can flatter portraits but sometimes oversaturate outdoor greenery. Olympus plays it more neutral, which yields more editable files later.

Screen and Interface: Where Glance Meets Command

Both cameras feature fixed 3-inch LCDs, but there are notable differences in resolution and usability.

The XP120 has the advantage of a sharper 920k-dot display, resulting in crisper, more detailed playback and live view. Conversely, the TG-5’s 460k-dot screen feels grainier - some might say less refined - but it excels in visibility under direct sunlight thanks to a brighter coating and anti-reflective treatment.

Neither camera features touchscreen functionality, a common omission for rugged models due to durability concerns, but Fuji’s UI is simpler, making it easier for beginners. Olympus, however, offers more menu customization and shooting modes right from the screen - a perk for users keen on quick mode switching without hunting buttons.

Autofocus and Burst Performance: Catching the Action Underwater (or on the Fly)

Here’s where the Olympus TG-5 pulls ahead, especially for wildlife, sports, and dynamic travel photography.

The XP120 employs contrast-detection AF, offering face detection and single/continuous AF modes but lacking phase-detection. Olympus also relies on contrast-detection but improves accuracy and speed through its processor and 25 AF points, allowing better tracking and focus precision - especially in continuous AF mode.

Burst shooting is another battleground: Fuji maxes out at 10 frames per second (fps), which is fairly spry for a waterproof compact. But Olympus doubles that with 20 fps - definitely “Leave No Moment Behind” territory. This was particularly noticeable during bird-in-flight test shots and kids-on-the-run scenarios. The TG-5’s buffer clears swiftly, too.

Lens and Macro Capabilities: From Wide Sweeps to Close-ups

When it comes to fixed lenses on waterproof cameras, versatility and sharpness often trade places.

The XP120 sports a 28-140mm equivalent 5x zoom with a modest max aperture range (f/3.9-4.9). Its macro focus range starts at 9 cm.

The TG-5 boasts a 25-100mm equivalent 4x zoom but opens much wider at the short end (f/2.0), promising better background separation and low-light shooting. Its macro capability is impressive, focusing as close as 1 cm - making it excellent for underwater critter close-ups or floral details. Olympus even offers focus stacking and bracketing features (which the Fujifilm lacks), which impressed me in controlled shots of flowers and insects.

Ruggedness and Environmental Sealing: Built for Adventures or Just a Splash?

Both cameras advertise rugged credentials, but Olympus ups the ante.

The XP120 is waterproof to 15 meters, dustproof, shockproof from 1.75 meters, and freezeproof. That’s pretty serious for a compact, especially at its sub-$300 price point.

The TG-5 extends these specs - 15 meters waterproofing matched but adds crushproof ratings (up to 100 kgf) and shockproof from 2.1 meters. It’s also freezeproof, dustproof, and boasts enhanced sealing protocols. In real-world use, I tested the Olympus on slippery, muddy hikes and came back impressed by its resilience.

Battery Life and Storage: Keep Shooting, Keep Going

Battery life can be the stealth nemesis of long outings.

Fujifilm claims 210 shots per charge, and in my field tests, that translated into a half-day of casual shooting without a charge. The Olympus TG-5 significantly extends endurance, rated at 340 shots per charge - and it feels it in practice. The higher capacity benefits serious travelers and field photographers who can’t always recharge easily.

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but the TG-5 supports UHS-I cards, upping transfer speeds - a plus when dealing with 4K video or high-bitrate bursts.

Wireless, GPS, and Connectivity: How Smart Are These Tough Cameras?

Both offer built-in wireless connectivity but lack Bluetooth and NFC, a bit surprising given the year they launched.

Where Olympus excels is with built-in GPS, tagging your location - a massive boon for travel and wildlife photographers tracking shot details later. Fuji lacks any geotagging facility.

Both provide HDMI out and USB 2.0 ports, but note these are mostly for media transfer, not high-speed tethering.

Video Capabilities: From Action to Cinematic

If you’re eyeing video alongside stills, TG-5 offers considerable polish.

The Fujifilm XP120 captures maximum Full HD 1080p at 60 fps, compressed with H.264 codec, suitable for casual use. The TG-5 ups the ante to 4K UHD (3840x2160) at 30 fps, with a robust 102 Mbps bitrate and linear PCM audio - delivering smoother, sharper videos and better sound quality.

Neither camera supports external microphones or headphone jacks, so expect internal audio quality only.

Sample Images and Real-World Tests - It’s Over to the Pixels

Enough spec talk - how do these two perform in the field?

Fujifilm XP120 front Olympus TG 5 front Olympus TG 5 screen back

• Portraits: Fuji’s warmer skin tones offer a pleasant aesthetic, though both struggle with depth of field due to small sensors and lens aperture - bokeh is soft but not creamy.

• Landscape: Olympus’s wider aperture helps with low light and sharper edges at wider angles; both cameras exhibit limited dynamic range but fairly decent detail.

• Wildlife & Sports: TG-5’s faster AF and higher burst make it a clear winner for moving subjects.

• Macro: Olympus easily outshines with pro-level close-focusing and focus bracketing.

• Night & Astro: Neither really excels here; Fuji tones get noisy after ISO 800, Olympus fares better but still limited by sensor size.

Genre-Specific Performance: The Breakdown

Here’s a quick rundown of how these cameras excel (or don’t) in different photographic styles.

Overall Performance Ratings: Who Wears the Crown?

A holistic look at their capabilities reveals nuanced strengths.

The Olympus TG-5 edges out the Fujifilm XP120 with better image processing, video capabilities, ruggedness, and extended battery life. However, the XP120 offers respectable image quality and an ultra-affordable entry point.

Wrapping Up: Which Waterproof Wonder Suits Your Style?

Choosing between the Fujifilm XP120 and the Olympus TG-5 boils down to your specific priorities, budget, and appetite for control.

• Go with the Fujifilm XP120 if:

  • You want a highly affordable, compact waterproof camera for casual travel and outdoor fun.
  • You value pocketability and lighter weight.
  • Video 1080p is enough, and you prefer warmer color rendition.
  • RAW support and advanced controls aren’t deal breakers.

• Opt for the Olympus TG-5 if:

  • Your adventures demand ruggedness, crushproof durability, and weather resilience.
  • You crave advanced features like 4K video, RAW shooting, aperture priority, and macro focus stacking.
  • Battery life and GPS tagging are essential.
  • You need faster autofocus and burst shooting for action-packed subjects.

The TG-5 plays the role of the tactical specialist, a trusted companion for serious outdoor shooters. The XP120 whispers “grab me and go,” perfect for spontaneous moments without fuss.

Practical Advice From The Field - Beyond The Specs

I’ve learned that with waterproof cameras, the lens and body robustness matter more than megapixels. No sensor in this class can fully compete with larger mirrorless models, so aim for a camera that won’t hold you back underwater or in the mud. That means comfortable grip, reliable AF, and intuitive controls win in the long run.

Also, consider the lens speed especially if you shoot indoors or dusk situations - Olympus’s f/2.0 lens is a tangible boon. Meanwhile, if you’re predominantly shooting sunny beach days or pool parties, the Fuji’s sharp screen and lightweight body might win your heart.

Final Thoughts - Should You Upgrade?

If you already own a Fujifilm XP120 and wonder if the TG-5 justifies the price bump, think about the pulse of your photography. Want more control, faster operation, and 4K video? The TG-5 is comfortably worth the premium.

If your shoots are occasional, and simplicity rules your world, the XP120 still punches way above its weight.

Both honor their waterproof, rugged heritage with aplomb. They’re not just cameras; they’re memories makers built to survive your wildest stories.

Ready to pick your aquatic adventure camera? Whatever your choice, these two remain among the best companions for diving, trekking, and capturing life splash-first. Remember, it's not just the gear but how you wield it - and every shot holds the promise of surprise.

Happy shooting, come rain or shine - or waterfall!