Olympus E-PL6 vs Olympus TG-5

The following is a extended comparison of the Olympus E-PL6 and Olympus TG-5, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Waterproof and both are created by Olympus. There exists a sizable gap between the resolutions of the E-PL6 (16MP) and TG-5 (12MP) and the E-PL6 (Four Thirds) and TG-5 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL6 was announced 3 years prior to the TG-5 which is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL6 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus TG-5 being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a detailed comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the E-PL6 scores vs the TG-5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL6 & Olympus Tough TG-5. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL6 Gallery & Olympus TG-5 Gallery.

For those who are intending to travel with your camera regularly, you'll need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL6 features exterior dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) and the Olympus TG-5 has proportions of 113mm x 66mm x 32mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") with a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-PL6 and Olympus TG-5 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are working with at the time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the E-PL6 compared to the TG-5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL6 and TG-5 is 88 and 90 respectively.

Normally, it can be difficult to visualise the difference between sensor dimensions purely by looking at specifications. The pic below should give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL6 and TG-5.

Plainly, the two cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL6 having a bigger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Olympus E-PL6 will give you greater detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures way more aggressively. The more aged E-PL6 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.