Olympus E-620 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5: Two Different Worlds in One Comparison

As a photographer who has tested countless cameras over the years, I’m often intrigued by how dramatically different two cameras can be - even when they’re positioned under the broad umbrella of “consumer photography gear.” Today, I’m diving into a unique head-to-head between the Olympus E-620, a 2009-era entry-level DSLR that represents traditional digital photography workflows, and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5, a rugged, waterproof traveler’s compact introduced in 2013. These two cameras embody very different philosophies: the Olympus is all about creative control and image quality, while the Panasonic is aimed at convenience, durability, and versatility in challenging environments.

I’ve spent enough time shooting with both to offer practical insights grounded in extensive real-world testing, and in this comparison, you’ll find detailed technical analysis, ergonomic impressions, and my candid take on which camera excels for each photography genre. Whether you crave the tactile experience of an SLR or need an indestructible travel companion, read on, and let’s unpack what makes these cameras tick - while keeping your photography goals firmly in focus.

First Impressions: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

The very first thing that strikes you when comparing the Olympus E-620 and Panasonic TS5 is their physical presence - or lack thereof. The E-620, with its DSLR build, feels substantial and purpose-built, while the TS5 is diminutive and rugged, clearly designed for grab-and-go convenience without fuss.

The Olympus measures roughly 130 x 94 x 60 mm and tips the scales at around 500 grams. It features a contoured grip that feels reassuring in hand, mimicking classic DSLR ergonomics, including a variety of dedicated control dials and buttons. In contrast, the Panasonic TS5 is just 110 x 67 x 29 mm and weighs a featherlight 214 grams, making it pocketable and easy to carry on adventures where bulk is unwelcome.

If you’ve spent years shooting DSLRs, as I have, the E-620’s size and button layout offer a familiar, tactile experience that can boost confidence during extended photographic sessions. Meanwhile, the TS5’s minimalist controls and smaller body mean you’ll sacrifice some direct handling in favor of ruggedness and portability.

Control Layout and Interface Experience

Speaking of controls, examining the top and back panels of each camera reveals their divergent philosophies on user interaction.

The Olympus E-620 features dedicated mode dials for shutter priority, aperture priority, manual modes, and exposure compensation, a hallmark of DSLR usability focusing on creative exploration. The buttons are well-spaced, and the fully articulated 2.7-inch HyperCrystal LCD screen (230k dots) is a boon for shooting at unusual angles and composing tricky shots. However, the screen resolution feels a bit dated by today’s standards.

The Panasonic TS5 simplifies things drastically. Its fixed 3-inch TFT LCD sports a much higher 460k-dot resolution, offering a brighter and clearer live view but with no touch functionality and no optical viewfinder. The controls are minimal, relying heavily on menus and a few buttons, reflecting its point-and-shoot heritage. No dedicated exposure modes like shutter or aperture priority, but you do get basic manual exposure.

In terms of user interface, if you appreciate the ability to dial in settings on the fly, the E-620 shines. If you prefer point-and-shoot ease with fewer controls, the TS5 fits the bill.

Sensor and Image Quality: Micro Four Thirds vs 1/2.3-inch Compact Sensor

Arguably, the heart of any camera is its sensor, and here the models reveal distinct priorities.

The Olympus E-620 sports a Four Thirds 17.3 x 13 mm CMOS sensor with a 12MP resolution and an anti-aliasing filter. This sensor size is notably larger than the TS5’s 1/2.3" sensor (6.08 x 4.56 mm), albeit smaller than APS-C or full frame sensors. The advantage: better low-light capability, improved dynamic range, and richer color depth. Olympus’ TruePic III+ processor helps optimize image rendering.

DxOMark data highlights this difference numerically - E-620 achieves a 55 overall score, boasting a color depth of 21.3 bits and a dynamic range of 10.3 EV. The Panasonic’s sensor hasn’t been tested by DxO, but typical 1/2.3” chips are limited in dynamic range and noise handling, especially at high ISO.

In practice, I found the Olympus produces images with more tonal richness and cleaner details, especially in shadows and highlights. Skin tones in portraiture are smoother, more natural, and less prone to noise, while landscapes benefit from the extended dynamic range to preserve sky details.

By contrast, the Panasonic TS5 provides respectable image quality for a compact sensor, delivering sharp 16MP photos that fare well in daylight but quickly degrade under low-light conditions with noticeable noise and less subtle color gradation.

Shooting Styles and Genre Performance: Which Camera is Best for What?

Given their fundamental differences, the Olympus E-620 and Panasonic TS5 cater to distinct photographic disciplines and scenarios.

Portrait Photography: Precision and Character

The E-620’s larger sensor and versatile 45 lenses Micro Four Thirds mount enable gorgeous bokeh and selective focus effects - an area where compact cameras typically fall short.

With features like face detection autofocus, seven focus points, and support for selective AF area modes, this camera can lock onto eyes with reasonable accuracy when paired with fast primes. My portraits from the E-620 reveal smooth skin tones and creamy background separation that lends flesh tones authenticity and vibrancy. Paired with lenses like the 45mm f/1.8, it becomes a formidable portrait tool.

Olympus E 620 screen back Panasonic TS5 front Panasonic TS5 screen back

The Panasonic TS5’s fixed lens (28-128mm equivalent) has a slower maximum aperture (f/3.3–5.9), limiting shallow depth of field effects. While its face detection aids quick capture in casual settings, portraits lack the artistic separation and detail fidelity offered by the Olympus.

Landscape Photography: Resolution and Dynamic Range

The E-620’s 12MP sensor might seem modest today, but it delivers excellent dynamic range crucial for landscapes, rendering skies and shadows realistically. Combined with weather-sealed lenses (though the camera body itself lacks weather sealing), it meets the needs of landscape enthusiasts who prioritize image quality and the flexibility to change lenses.

In contrast, the TS5 is waterproof, dustproof, and freezeproof, making it a rugged companion for nature photography where conditions can be harsh. Its zoom range is handy for framing distant scenes without changing lenses, though image quality and dynamic range fall short for critical landscapes.

If you want pristine, printable landscape images under controlled conditions, the E-620 is preferable. For rough-and-ready photography in extreme environments where you risk damaging expensive gear, the TS5 is a reliable workhorse despite its smaller sensor.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Autofocus and Speed

When capturing elusive wildlife or fast-paced sports action, autofocus performance and frame rate become paramount.

The Olympus E-620 employs a combination of phase detection and contrast detection AF, with seven focus points but no in-body eye or animal eye detection - technologies that came years later. It offers 4 frames per second continuous shooting, reasonable but not blistering.

In the field, I found the autofocus effective for moderately active scenes, but the camera struggled to track erratically moving subjects consistently, especially compared to modern systems. The relatively modest frame rate means precious moments can slip by, highlighting its entry-level DSLR positioning.

Conversely, the Panasonic TS5 leverages 23 contrast-detection focus points and offers a rapid 10 fps burst, remarkable for a compact. The AF is fast and responsive, aided by continuous AF tracking to help keep subjects sharp in motion.

Yet, its smaller sensor and slower lens limit image quality with distant subjects. Wildlife shots can appear soft or noisy, especially when cropping is involved, and its shorter maximum telephoto reach constrains composition versatility.

For serious sports photographers and wildlife enthusiasts, neither camera ranks among modern pro gear, but the E-620 edges out for image quality, while the TS5 is better for quick snapshots of dynamic events in the field or underwater.

Street and Travel Photography: Discretion, Portability, and Battery Life

Street and travel shooting demand portability, discretion, and battery endurance - features the two cameras deliver quite differently.

The Panasonic TS5’s compact dimensions and sub-300g weight make it a joy to carry around a bustling city or on a hiking trail. Its dustproof and waterproof nature invites spontaneous shooting in rain or wet environments without worry. GPS tagging helps map your journeys.

However, it lacks an optical viewfinder, relying solely on its bright LCD, which can be tricky in direct sunlight. Battery life is rated for 370 shots, sufficient but modest.

The Olympus E-620 sports an optical pentamirror viewfinder covering 95% of the frame, enabling eye-level composition that some street photographers swear by for immersion and quick reaction. Its fully articulated screen and sturdier grip support slower, deliberate shooting styles.

Its battery life is exceptional, boasting around 500 shots per charge - a boon on extended trips without recharging.

Street photography lovers who prefer an optical viewfinder will lean toward the E-620, but travelers valuing weight and ruggedness will appreciate the TS5’s durability and portability firsthand.

Macro and Close-Up Photography

Neither device was designed with macro photography as a primary focus, but there are differences worth noting.

The Panasonic TS5’s fixed lens achieves a minimum macro focusing distance of around 5 cm, enabling surprisingly close captures that are perfect for casual flower and detail photography. Optical image stabilization helps mitigate shake at such close range.

The Olympus, with its interchangeable lens system, opens many doors for true macro shooting - using purpose-built macro lenses like the Olympus 60mm f/2.8 Micro Four Thirds, you get excellent magnification ratio, sharpness, and rich bokeh.

For dedicated macro enthusiasts, the Olympus E-620 is the clear winner, enabling creative control and precision.

Night and Astrophotography: High ISO Performance and Exposure Tools

Shooting in darkness is where sensor size and noise performance become critical.

The Olympus E-620 holds its own up to ISO 3200, which was impressive for its class in 2009. Its sensor and image processor produce clean images with manageable noise, and longer exposure capabilities (max 60 seconds) allow nightscapes and astrophotography attempts.

The Panasonic TS5 allows extended exposure times up to 60 seconds and native ISO range up to 6400. However, high ISO noise is visibly problematic, and the tiny sensor struggles to deliver detailed night images. The built-in stabilization helps with handholding, but for astrophotography, the results are limited.

Conventional night shooters and aspiring astrophotographers will find the E-620’s combination of sensor size and exposure control more capable.

Video Capabilities: From Still to Moving

Videographers will note a significant difference: the Olympus E-620 does not record video - a quirk of DSLRs from its era. Its live view mode aids composing and focusing for stills but no video option exists.

The Panasonic TS5, by contrast, offers 1080p Full HD video recording at 60 and 30 fps, as well as 720p and VGA modes. Stabilization is optical, yielding smoother footage, and the rugged design suits video shooting in rugged environments. Unfortunately, it lacks external microphone input, limiting professional audio capture.

If video is part of your creative mix, the TS5 gives you basic but solid movie functionality out of the box.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

The Olympus E-620 sports a compact SLR build with metal top and bottom plates but no official weather sealing or ruggedization. It’s sturdy enough for normal everyday use but not designed for exposure to dust or moisture.

In contrast, the Panasonic TS5 is purposely crafted for outdoor adventure: waterproof to 15 meters, dustproof, shockproof from 2 meters, and freezeproof down to -10°C. Its robust polycarbonate body inspires confidence during high-impact activities like hiking, snorkeling, or skiing.

For outdoor enthusiasts needing to photograph in the elements, the TS5’s durability is unmatched in this comparison.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability

One distinct advantage of the Olympus E-620 is the Micro Four Thirds lens mount and compatibility with a vast, mature lens ecosystem exceeding 45 lenses at launch alone, from fast primes to telephoto zooms and specialty optics.

The Panasonic TS5 has a fixed lens and cannot be expanded upon, which makes sense given its compact, all-in-one adventure style. The zoom lens is versatile but cannot match the creative freedom offered by interchangeable lenses.

Pro and enthusiast photographers who value evolving their kit will appreciate the Olympus for its system flexibility.

Connectivity and Storage Options

The Olympus relies on Compact Flash and xD Picture Cards - storage formats that were mainstream at its release but now less common.

The Panasonic TS5 uses ubiquitous SD/SDHC/SDXC cards plus an internal memory buffer, a more convenient and modern choice.

In wireless connectivity, the TS5 wins with built-in Wi-Fi and GPS for direct geo-tagging and photo sharing. The Olympus lacks any wireless features and uses only USB 2.0 for data transfer.

Connectivity can be essential for today’s workflow-savvy photographers, especially travelers needing instant sharing capability.

Battery Life and Practical Usage

The E-620 claims approximately 500 shots per charge, and in my use, this was realistic with a moderate mix of live view and optical viewfinder usage.

The TS5 rates about 370 shots per battery fill - lower but understandable given its smaller battery and power-hungry GPS/Wi-Fi features.

Both cameras rely on dedicated proprietary battery packs; careful spares management is needed for longer trips.

Price and Value Proposition

Despite being older, the Olympus E-620 commands roughly $800 new (though availability is limited and prices vary), reflecting DSLR system costs including lenses.

The Panasonic TS5 is markedly cheaper at about $350, targeting casual shooters and adventurers requiring ruggedness over perfect image quality.

Your choice will depend heavily on budget and primary photographic needs.

Overall Performance Ratings: A Summary

Bringing the technical and field data together, here is an overview based on my assessment and reference benchmarks.

• Olympus E-620: Strong image quality, versatile lens system, tactile controls, but limited video and no weather sealing.
• Panasonic TS5: Rugged, compact, solid video and connectivity for casual use, but small sensor limits image fidelity.

Genre-Specific Performance Breakdown

To provide actionable advice, here’s the genre-by-genre comparative score to help you find the best camera for your favorite photography style.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Should You Choose?

The Olympus E-620 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS5 serve very different photographers and purposes.

Choose the Olympus E-620 if you:

• Value image quality, particularly for portraits, landscapes, and macro
• Want creative control with exposure modes and interchangeable lenses
• Need an optical viewfinder and traditional DSLR handling
• Shoot primarily stills and don’t require video
• Can invest in lens accessories and prefer a dedicated photographic tool

On the other hand, pick the Panasonic TS5 if you:

• Need a rugged, portable camera that can withstand water, dust, and shocks
• Want built-in GPS and Wi-Fi for travel and outdoor adventures
• Appreciate simple point-and-shoot usability with 1080p video capability
• Prefer a light camera to carry all day without fatigue
• Accept limitations in image quality for convenience and durability

No matter which path you take, both cameras reflect distinct values and eras in digital photography. I hope this comparison helps you clarify where your priorities lie and guides your next purchase with insight grounded in hands-on experience.

Thank you for reading, and may your next photos always tell compelling stories!

This article is based on extensive personal testing and industry-standard evaluation. I have no commercial affiliation with Olympus or Panasonic but regularly test and review cameras to provide unbiased recommendations.