Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus TG-4

Here is a extended comparison of the Olympus E-PL5 and Olympus TG-4, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Waterproof and both of them are built by Olympus. The image resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the TG-4 (16MP) is relatively comparable but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and TG-4 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL5 was unveiled 3 years prior to the TG-4 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus TG-4 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a full comparison, below is a simple summation of how the E-PL5 grades against the TG-4 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL5 and Olympus Tough TG-4. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery and Olympus TG-4 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera often, you're going to have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL5 enjoys physical dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) while the Olympus TG-4 has measurements of 112mm x 66mm x 31mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") having a weight of 247 grams (0.54 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus E-PL5 and Olympus TG-4 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have during that time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the E-PL5 vs the TG-4.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL5 and TG-4 is 88 and 90 respectively.

Generally, its hard to see the gap in sensor sizing merely by seeing specifications. The photograph here may give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL5 and TG-4.

To sum up, both cameras enjoy the same exact MP albeit not the same sensor sizing. The E-PL5 contains the bigger sensor which will make achieving shallower DOF simpler. The older E-PL5 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.