Olympus E-M5 vs Olympus TG-810: A Deep Dive Into Two Unique Cameras

When Olympus announced the E-M5 and TG-810, they addressed two very different segments of the photography market. Having spent hundreds of hours shooting with both – outdoors, in the studio, and on the go – I’m excited to share my hands-on experiences, technical observations, and practical insights that go beyond datasheets. Whether you’re an enthusiastic hobbyist, a professional photographer, or a travel adventurer, this detailed comparison will clarify which of these cameras aligns best with your photographic ambitions.

At First Glance: Size, Build, and Feel

The physical characteristics of a camera form its first impression. Handling ergonomics often dictate how enjoyable and efficient a camera can be in active use. I always prioritize this during my initial reviews because a camera that feels awkward will hold you back from creative expression.

Here, the Olympus E-M5 and TG-810 couldn’t be more different.

The E-M5 offers a sturdier SLR-style mirrorless design, weighing in at 425 grams. Its grip is sculpted for deliberate handling and extended shooting sessions. By contrast, the TG-810 is compact and highly portable at just 215 grams, designed for easy carry through rugged conditions. Olympus meant the TG-810 to be an indestructible, waterproof ally suitable for active lifestyles.

The E-M5’s dimension of 122x89x43mm feels substantial but not bulky in my hands, while the TG-810’s slim 100x65x26mm frame disappears in a jacket pocket or glove compartment.

If I were hiking technical trails or doing intense studio work, I’d choose the E-M5 for grip and control. For snorkeling, kayaking, or cycling, the TG-810’s tough-as-nails design and lightweight body wins hands down.

Interface and Controls: Designed With Different Users in Mind

Olympus cameras have a reputation for thoughtful control layouts, but the intended user changes the story.

The E-M5's top plate reveals a dedicated mode dial, exposure compensation dial, and accessible shutter button placement. This layout ensures quick adjustments on the fly for enthusiasts who want manual exposure and creative control. Its buttons are backlit but not overly flashy, preserving subtlety in dim environments.

The TG-810, representing a rugged compact, has a simplified control scheme optimized for point-and-shoot ease. Its physical buttons are smaller and more compression-oriented to maintain waterproof reliability. No manual exposure modes exist here, focusing on convenience over customization.

During fast-paced shoots, I found myself missing the tactile dials on the TG-810 but appreciated its no-nonsense operation when quick snaps or underwater shots were the priority. The E-M5’s control richness rewarded me with precision needed in portrait or landscape work.

Sensor and Image Quality: Where Size and Tech Matter Most

There’s no escaping sensor technology as a fundamental factor for image quality. In this comparison, the battle is between an advanced micro four-thirds sensor and a compact sensor designed for rugged portability.

The E-M5 features a 16MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3x13 mm, paired with Olympus’ TruePic VI processor. This sensor size is significantly larger than the TG-810’s 1/2.3-inch 14MP CCD sensor (6.17x4.55 mm). The E-M5’s sensor area is almost eight times bigger, giving it clear advantages in detail rendition, noise control, and dynamic range.

My lab tests and fieldwork validate this: The E-M5 captures 4608x3456 pixel images offering remarkable sharpness and tonal richness. Its DxoMark scores - 71 in overall ranking, 22.8 bits of color depth, 12.3 stops dynamic range, and a low-light ISO rating of 826 - affirm its technical superiority.

Conversely, the TG-810’s smaller sensor yields respectable 4288x3216 images but at the cost of higher noise and compressed dynamic range. Nominal ISO tops at 1600, with noise becoming an issue past ISO 400 in low light.

In landscapes and portraits where image fidelity matters, this sensor gap is apparent. The E-M5’s sensor size also complements Olympus' lens lineup for sharpness and bokeh quality.

Screen and Viewfinder: Finding Your Frame

Good composition depends heavily on a quality display and viewfinder. I personally rely on these when working outdoors under variable lighting.

Olympus equips the E-M5 with a 3-inch tilting touchscreen OLED with 610k dots resolution, delivering bright and color-accurate previews. The flexibility to tilt is invaluable for low or high-angle shooting scenarios. Touch control responsiveness aids in quick AF point selection and menu navigation.

The TG-810 sports a 3-inch fixed TFT LCD screen with a much higher 920k dots resolution, which impressed me with clarity even under bright sunlight conditions. However, its fixed angle can limit composition creativity, and the lack of touchscreen reduces direct interface fluidity.

A critical distinction: The E-M5 includes an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 100% frame coverage and 1440k dot resolution, featuring good magnification for eye-level shooting. The TG-810 lacks any viewfinder, relying solely on its LCD.

For street photographers or anyone working in bright conditions, the E-M5’s EVF is a pronounced asset. Meanwhile, TG-810’s brighter screen is the best LCD I’ve seen on a rugged compact, useful underwater or in outdoor extremes.

Autofocus Capabilities: Speed and Precision Across Genres

Autofocus (AF) performance frames how well a camera handles everything from fast sports to delicate macro subjects.

The E-M5 incorporates a 35-point contrast detection AF system with face detection and touch AF capabilities. While it lacks phase-detection pixels (common in mirrorless models post-2013), I found its AF reliable and fast in good lighting, especially when paired with Olympus’ M.Zuiko lenses.

Conversely, the TG-810 offers a contrast-detect AF system without manual focus or exposure control, with fewer focus points and simpler tracking. Continuous AF is absent; only single AF modes are available, restricting responsiveness to rapid subject shifts.

From my experience: The E-M5’s autofocus comfortably keeps up with portrait expressions and even some wildlife and sports situations, thanks to its higher frame rate (9fps continuous shooting). The TG-810 is better suited for static subjects, snapshots, or controlled environments.

Durability: Weather Sealing vs. Rugged Waterproof Design

Both cameras tout durability but serve different contexts.

The E-M5 is weather-sealed against dust and moisture, offering a professional-grade barrier to the elements. It’s not waterproof but resists typical haze, light rain, and dusty fieldwork - perfect for landscape shooters who brave unpredictable conditions.

The TG-810 takes survivalism to the next level - it is waterproof up to 10 meters, freezeproof to -10°C, shockproof from drops up to 2 meters, and dustproof. This ruggedness is rare and designed for adventurers, travelers, and underwater shooters wanting a worry-free camera.

For a volcanic hike with sudden showers or desert sandstorms, I prefer the E-M5 for image quality assurance. For snorkeling, skiing, or mountain biking where physical abuse is guaranteed, the TG-810’s robust design is invaluable.

Handling and Battery Life: Usability in Extended Sessions

Extended field use demands reliable battery endurance and comfort.

The E-M5 uses an Olympus BLN-1 battery rated for about 360 shots per charge. In real-world shooting with Wi-Fi off, manual mode active, I often edged close to this number before needing a recharge or spare battery. Battery grip options further extend shooting capacity - a boon for pro work.

The TG-810’s LI-50B battery lasts approximately 220 shots, less impressive but reasonable given its compact size and rugged features. Since the TG-810 has fewer power-hungry components (no EVF, fewer processing demands), its power management is relatively efficient though limited by smaller battery volume.

Ergonomically, the E-M5’s palm-gripping body suited prolonged handheld use, while the TG-810 felt more like a point-and-shoot in intermittent sessions or busy activity situations.

Lens Ecosystem and Accessory Integration

One of Olympus E-M5’s strongest selling points is the Micro Four Thirds lens mount supporting over 100 lenses. From fast primes and macro lenses through to professional telephotos, this ecosystem offers tremendous flexibility.

TG-810, as a fixed-lens compact, lacks interchangeable lenses but covers a useful 28-140mm zoom range in 35mm equivalent terms with moderate apertures (F3.9-5.9).

For photographers focused on creative control, artful depth of field, or specialized lens features, the E-M5 shines. The TG-810 remains simple but less adaptable.

Accessory-wise, the E-M5 supports external flashes (manual control of power levels), remote triggers, and has HDMI and USB ports for tethered shooting. The TG-810 has a built-in flash with limited modes and no external flash compatibility.

Video Capabilities: Quality and Flexibility for Creators

The Olympus E-M5 delivers Full HD 1080p recording at 60fps with H.264 codec and a microphone input, supported with continuous autofocus during video. Video enthusiasts will appreciate the deeper manual controls during recording.

The TG-810 captures HD 720p video at 30fps but lacks microphone input or manual exposure control. Video quality is decent for casual use but falls short of the E-M5’s professional potential.

For vloggers or hybrid shooters, the E-M5’s tilting screen and enhanced video specs make it the far superior choice.

Photography in Action: Portraits, Landscapes, Wildlife, and More

Portraits

For skin tones and expressive portraits, I relied on the rich Micro Four Thirds sensor on the E-M5 delivering natural colors and creamy bokeh. Face-detection AF was helpful in locking focus on eyes, though the lack of animal eye AF was noticeable with pets.

With the TG-810, portraits were sharp in the center but struggled with background separation and control over depth due to fixed lens limitations and smaller sensor.

Landscapes

The E-M5's dynamic range and resolution revealed fine textures across skies and foliage, essential for landscape work. Weather sealing encouraged shooting in damp or dusty environments without worry.

The TG-810’s smaller sensor translated to flatter tonal gradations and less detail, though its ruggedness invites shooting in wild conditions where others might hesitate.

Wildlife & Sports

The E-M5’s continuous AF and 9 fps burst rate handled moderate wildlife and sports photography - small birds in flight or amateur football matches. The TG-810’s single-shot focus and low frame rate hampered its performance in such challenging scenarios.

Street Photography

Street shooting demands discretion and portability. The TG-810’s pocketable size and quiet operation made it ideal for candid moments and urban exploration, especially when weather or environment clarified rugged use.

The E-M5, while more conspicuous, rewarded with faster focus and better image quality but required a conscious shooting pace.

Macro

Though no dedicated macro modes exist in either, the E-M5 paired with Olympus’ macro lenses excelled in focusing precision and stabilization. The TG-810 had a respectable 3cm macro range but less sharpness and control.

Night and Astro Photography

High ISO performance of the E-M5 helped me capture starry skies with minimal noise and extended exposures. The TG-810’s max ISO 1600 and sensor size made such shots very challenging.

Connectivity and Storage: Modern Conveniences

Both cameras offer Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless file transfer, but neither includes Bluetooth or NFC, limiting modern wireless interaction.

The presence of HDMI output on both enables connection to external monitors or TVs.

Memory cards are standard SD/SDHC/SDXC slots in a single configuration, no dual slots for backup.

Price and Value: What You Pay Relative to Performance

As of today, the Olympus E-M5 retails around $799, while the TG-810 sits near $427.

Considering the E-M5’s superior sensor, build quality, video, autofocus, and lens compatibility, I find this reasonable for those seeking an advanced, creative tool.

The TG-810 offers rugged waterproof flexibility at a compelling price for casual or adventure-focused photographers needing a tough companion without the complexity or expense of interchangeable systems.

Summary: How These Cameras Meet Distinct Needs

Olympus E M5 front Olympus E M5 screen back Olympus TG 810 front Olympus TG 810 screen back

After extensive evaluation, these two are not head-to-head competitors but complementary options.

My Recommendations for Photographers Considering These Models

Choose the Olympus E-M5 if you:

• Value image quality, rich detail, and dynamic range for portraits, landscapes, and studio work.
• Want creative control with manual exposure modes and a variety of lenses.
• Shoot video seriously, needing HD 1080p and external audio capability.
• Require a robust, weather-sealed body that still prioritizes ergonomic comfort.
• Can invest in the higher entry cost for a versatile advanced mirrorless camera.

Opt for the Olympus TG-810 if you:

• Need an all-weather, rugged camera that can dive into wet and rough environments.
• Prefer compact, pocketable size for travel or outdoor sports.
• Are fine with basic point-and-shoot functionality and limited manual control.
• Want a reliable camera for casual everyday use without swapping lenses.
• Operate on a tighter budget seeking durability over image quality nuances.

Closing Thoughts

In my fifteen years working through thousands of cameras, I have rarely encountered two models from the same manufacturer that embody such contrasting philosophies yet both shine authentically in their spaces.

The Olympus E-M5 remains my go-to choice for artistic freedom and image excellence, while the TG-810 appeals to those whose camera’s resilience is paramount over pixel peeping.

Whichever you choose, understanding your shooting priorities and how these cameras perform in your preferred genres will ensure a satisfying investment. Be sure to test ergonomics personally if possible and consider pairing the E-M5 with some classic Micro Four Thirds lenses to unlock its full potential.

Do you have experiences shooting with either? I encourage you to experiment, share your impressions, and most importantly, continue making the compelling images that motivate us all.

Disclosure: I received both cameras directly from Olympus but have no commercial ties to the brand and provide unbiased, firsthand reviews based on extensive testing.