Olympus SH-2 vs Olympus TG-5

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Olympus SH-2 and Olympus TG-5, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Waterproof and both of them are built by Olympus. There exists a large gap between the image resolutions of the SH-2 (16MP) and TG-5 (12MP) but they come with the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SH-2 was released 3 years prior to the TG-5 and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go through a detailed comparison, below is a short view of how the SH-2 grades versus the TG-5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus SH-2 & Olympus Tough TG-5. The complete galleries are available at Olympus SH-2 Gallery & Olympus TG-5 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera, you're going to have to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus SH-2 features physical dimensions of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") along with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) while the Olympus TG-5 has sizing of 113mm x 66mm x 32mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") along with a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SH-2 and Olympus TG-5 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the SH-2 compared to the TG-5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SH-2 and TG-5 is 88 and 90 respectively.

Typically, it is hard to see the contrast between sensor sizing just by reading technical specs. The visual underneath might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the SH-2 and TG-5.

As you can tell, both of those cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but not the same megapixels. You can expect to see the Olympus SH-2 to deliver greater detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop images far more aggressively. The older SH-2 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.