Olympus TG-310 vs Samsung NX5
94 Imaging
37 Features
33 Overall
35


80 Imaging
54 Features
50 Overall
52
Olympus TG-310 vs Samsung NX5 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 1600
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 28-102mm (F3.9-5.9) lens
- 155g - 96 x 63 x 23mm
- Released January 2011
(Full Review)
- 15MP - APS-C Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 3200
- 1280 x 720 video
- Samsung NX Mount
- 499g - 123 x 87 x 40mm
- Launched June 2010

Olympus TG-310 vs Samsung NX5 Overview
In this article, we will be comparing the Olympus TG-310 vs Samsung NX5, former being a Waterproof while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Samsung. The image resolution of the TG-310 (14MP) and the NX5 (15MP) is pretty comparable but the TG-310 (1/2.3") and NX5 (APS-C) feature different sensor sizes.

The TG-310 was revealed 8 months later than the NX5 which means that they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus TG-310 being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.
Before delving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the TG-310 scores vs the NX5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Olympus TG-310 vs Samsung NX5 Gallery
Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus TG-310 & Samsung NX5. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-310 Gallery & Samsung NX5 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Olympus TG-310 over the Samsung NX5
TG-310 | NX5 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | January 2011 | ![]() | June 2010 | Fresher by 8 months |
Reasons to pick Samsung NX5 over the Olympus TG-310
NX5 | TG-310 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | Very accurate focus | ||
Screen sizing | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Bigger screen (+0.3") |
Common features in the Olympus TG-310 and Samsung NX5
TG-310 | NX5 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Identical screen resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither includes selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Neither includes Touch screen |
Olympus TG-310 vs Samsung NX5 Physical Comparison
When you are intending to carry your camera regularly, you have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus TG-310 features physical measurements of 96mm x 63mm x 23mm (3.8" x 2.5" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs) while the Samsung NX5 has measurements of 123mm x 87mm x 40mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 1.6") along with a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).
Take a look at the Olympus TG-310 vs Samsung NX5 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you use at that time. The following is the front view dimensions comparison of the TG-310 compared to the NX5.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the TG-310 and NX5 is 94 and 80 respectively.

Olympus TG-310 vs Samsung NX5 Sensor Comparison
In many cases, its difficult to picture the difference in sensor sizing only by seeing technical specs. The visual underneath may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the TG-310 and NX5.
As you can tell, both of those cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The TG-310 using its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF more challenging and the Samsung NX5 will show extra detail because of its extra 1 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots far more aggressively. The more modern TG-310 should have an advantage in sensor innovation.

Olympus TG-310 vs Samsung NX5 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Olympus TG-310 vs Samsung NX5 Specifications
Olympus TG-310 | Samsung NX5 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Olympus | Samsung |
Model type | Olympus TG-310 | Samsung NX5 |
Type | Waterproof | Entry-Level Mirrorless |
Released | 2011-01-06 | 2010-06-01 |
Body design | Compact | SLR-style mirrorless |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | TruePic III+ | DRIM Engine |
Sensor type | CCD | CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 23.4 x 15.6mm |
Sensor area | 28.1mm² | 365.0mm² |
Sensor resolution | 14 megapixels | 15 megapixels |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | - | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest resolution | 4288 x 3216 | 4592 x 3056 |
Highest native ISO | 1600 | 3200 |
Min native ISO | 80 | 100 |
RAW files | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
AF touch | ||
AF continuous | ||
AF single | ||
AF tracking | ||
Selective AF | ||
AF center weighted | ||
Multi area AF | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detect AF | ||
Contract detect AF | ||
Phase detect AF | ||
Total focus points | - | 15 |
Cross type focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | fixed lens | Samsung NX |
Lens zoom range | 28-102mm (3.6x) | - |
Maximal aperture | f/3.9-5.9 | - |
Macro focusing distance | 3cm | - |
Amount of lenses | - | 32 |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Range of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display size | 2.7 inch | 3 inch |
Resolution of display | 230k dot | 230k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch friendly | ||
Display technology | TFT Color LCD | Active Matrix OLED screen |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | Electronic |
Viewfinder coverage | - | 100 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | - | 0.57x |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 4 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/2000 seconds | 1/4000 seconds |
Continuous shooting speed | 1.0fps | 3.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | - | Yes |
Set WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | 4.20 m | 11.00 m |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Fill-in | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Fill-in, 1st/2nd Curtain, Smart Flash, Manual |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Maximum flash sync | - | 1/180 seconds |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 180 (30fps) | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Highest video resolution | 1280x720 | 1280x720 |
Video file format | Motion JPEG | H.264 |
Mic jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Eye-Fi Connected | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | Optional |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 155g (0.34 lbs) | 499g (1.10 lbs) |
Dimensions | 96 x 63 x 23mm (3.8" x 2.5" x 0.9") | 123 x 87 x 40mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 1.6") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 150 photographs | 400 photographs |
Battery form | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | LI-42B | BP1130 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec) | Yes (2 sec to 30 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC |
Storage slots | One | One |
Retail cost | $0 | $499 |