Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus TG-610

Its time to look a little more closely at the Olympus E-PL5 versus Olympus TG-610, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Waterproof and both are manufactured by Olympus. The resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the TG-610 (14MP) is fairly well matched but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and TG-610 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL5 was revealed 21 months later than the TG-610 making them a generation apart from one another. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus TG-610 being a Compact camera.

Before diving right into a detailed comparison, here is a brief summary of how the E-PL5 scores versus the TG-610 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL5 & Olympus TG-610. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery & Olympus TG-610 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera regularly, you will need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL5 provides external dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) and the Olympus TG-610 has proportions of 96mm x 65mm x 26mm (3.8" x 2.6" x 1.0") with a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL5 versus Olympus TG-610 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are employing at that time. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL5 compared to the TG-610.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL5 and TG-610 is 88 and 93 respectively.

Sometimes, it's tough to see the difference between sensor sizing only by looking at specs. The visual underneath might give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL5 and TG-610.

All in all, both cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL5 with its larger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Olympus E-PL5 will give you greater detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop images a bit more aggressively. The more modern E-PL5 will have a benefit in sensor tech.