Olympus E-P1 vs Olympus TG-5

Let's take a closer look at the Olympus E-P1 and Olympus TG-5, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Waterproof and both of them are manufactured by Olympus. The resolution of the E-P1 (12MP) and the TG-5 (12MP) is fairly well matched but the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and TG-5 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor size.

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The E-P1 was unveiled 8 years before the TG-5 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus TG-5 being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a in depth comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the E-P1 grades against the TG-5 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-P1 and Olympus Tough TG-5. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-P1 Gallery and Olympus TG-5 Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera, you need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-P1 has got outer measurements of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") and a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) while the Olympus TG-5 has measurements of 113mm x 66mm x 32mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") and a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-P1 and Olympus TG-5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you use at the time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the E-P1 and the TG-5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the E-P1 and TG-5 is 86 and 90 respectively.

Generally, it can be hard to imagine the difference between sensor measurements purely by checking specs. The photograph underneath may provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-P1 and TG-5.

All in all, the two cameras enjoy the same exact resolution but different sensor measurements. The E-P1 features the larger sensor which is going to make achieving shallower DOF easier. The older E-P1 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.