Olympus TG-850 iHS vs Sony NEX-5N

On this page, we will be contrasting the Olympus TG-850 iHS vs Sony NEX-5N, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the TG-850 iHS (16MP) and the NEX-5N (16MP) is pretty well matched but the TG-850 iHS (1/2.3") and NEX-5N (APS-C) offer different sensor measurements.

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The TG-850 iHS was revealed 2 years later than the NEX-5N and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus TG-850 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the TG-850 iHS scores against the NEX-5N with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-850 iHS and Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The full galleries are provided at Olympus TG-850 iHS Gallery and Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera often, you will need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus TG-850 iHS has outer measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.1") along with a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5N has proportions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

See the Olympus TG-850 iHS vs Sony NEX-5N in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen at that time. The following is a front view physical size comparison of the TG-850 iHS versus the NEX-5N.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the TG-850 iHS and NEX-5N is 91 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very hard to visualize the difference between sensor sizing just by checking specs. The photograph underneath may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the TG-850 iHS and NEX-5N.

All in all, both of the cameras provide the same megapixels albeit different sensor sizing. The TG-850 iHS contains the tinier sensor which should make obtaining shallow depth of field more challenging. The fresher TG-850 iHS should have an edge in sensor innovation.