Olympus E-PL2 vs Olympus TG-5

Below, we will be matching up the Olympus E-PL2 versus Olympus TG-5, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Waterproof and both of them are designed by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-PL2 (12MP) and the TG-5 (12MP) is pretty close but the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and TG-5 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor size.

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The E-PL2 was brought out 7 years prior to the TG-5 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus TG-5 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a brief view of how the E-PL2 matches up against the TG-5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL2 & Olympus Tough TG-5. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery & Olympus TG-5 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera, you have to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL2 features exterior dimensions of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) whilst the Olympus TG-5 has measurements of 113mm x 66mm x 32mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-PL2 versus Olympus TG-5 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at the time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PL2 against the TG-5.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL2 and TG-5 is 85 and 90 respectively.

Quite often, it is difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing purely by researching specs. The photograph below may give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL2 and TG-5.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras posses the exact same megapixels albeit not the same sensor sizing. The E-PL2 offers the bigger sensor which will make achieving shallower DOF less difficult. The older E-PL2 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.