Olympus TG-860 vs Sony NEX-5

Here, we will be evaluating the Olympus TG-860 vs Sony NEX-5, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the TG-860 (16MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is pretty similar but the TG-860 (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) offer different sensor measurements.

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The TG-860 was revealed 4 years later than the NEX-5 and that is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus TG-860 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going right into a full comparison, here is a brief summary of how the TG-860 scores versus the NEX-5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-860 Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera, you need to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus TG-860 comes with external measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.1") having a weight of 224 grams (0.49 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5 has proportions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") having a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

See the Olympus TG-860 vs Sony NEX-5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you use during that time. Following is a front view physical size comparison of the TG-860 compared to the NEX-5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the TG-860 and NEX-5 is 91 and 89 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to picture the difference between sensor sizing only by going over a spec sheet. The visual below should give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the TG-860 and NEX-5.

As you can see, each of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The TG-860 using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting bokeh more difficult and the Olympus TG-860 will deliver more detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs way more aggressively. The more modern TG-860 should have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.