Olympus TG-850 iHS vs Panasonic S5

Following is a extended review of the Olympus TG-850 iHS and Panasonic S5, one is a Waterproof and the other is a Pro Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a crucial gap between the resolutions of the TG-850 iHS (16MP) and S5 (24MP) and the TG-850 iHS (1/2.3") and S5 (Full frame) posses totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The TG-850 iHS was manufactured 7 years earlier than the S5 which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus TG-850 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic S5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick summation of how the TG-850 iHS grades against the S5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-850 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DC-S5. The entire galleries are available at Olympus TG-850 iHS Gallery and Panasonic S5 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry around your camera frequently, you'll have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus TG-850 iHS enjoys outer dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.1") along with a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs) whilst the Panasonic S5 has sizing of 133mm x 97mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 3.2") with a weight of 714 grams (1.57 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus TG-850 iHS and Panasonic S5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have during that time. Following is a front view scale comparison of the TG-850 iHS versus the S5.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the TG-850 iHS and S5 is 91 and 60 respectively.

Quite often, it's hard to see the contrast between sensor sizes only by reading through specs. The picture underneath may offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the TG-850 iHS and S5.

All in all, the two cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The TG-850 iHS featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving bokeh harder and the Panasonic S5 will give extra detail due to its extra 8MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos way more aggressively. The more aged TG-850 iHS is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.