Olympus E-PL9 vs Olympus TG-5

Here is a thorough assessment of the Olympus E-PL9 vs Olympus TG-5, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Waterproof and both of them are built by Olympus. There is a significant difference between the resolutions of the E-PL9 (16MP) and TG-5 (12MP) and the E-PL9 (Four Thirds) and TG-5 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL9 was introduced 9 months later than the TG-5 and they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL9 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus TG-5 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple view of how the E-PL9 matches up versus the TG-5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL9 and Olympus Tough TG-5. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL9 Gallery and Olympus TG-5 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry your camera often, you'll need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL9 offers physical dimensions of 117mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") and a weight of 380 grams (0.84 lbs) and the Olympus TG-5 has dimensions of 113mm x 66mm x 32mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL9 vs Olympus TG-5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. The following is the front view size comparison of the E-PL9 and the TG-5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL9 and TG-5 is 85 and 90 respectively.

Generally, it is very hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing just by looking at specifications. The graphic underneath will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL9 and TG-5.

To sum up, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-PL9 using its larger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field easier and the Olympus E-PL9 will give you greater detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop pics far more aggressively. The newer E-PL9 is going to have a benefit in sensor tech.