Olympus TG-310 vs Sony NEX-5: A Deep Dive Into Two Distinct Cameras From Different Eras and Genres

When a photographer eyes a new camera purchase, it’s essential to look beyond mere specs - and dive deeply into how a model performs in real-world scenarios. Today, we’re comparing two very different beasts: the rugged Olympus TG-310 compact waterproof camera, launched in early 2011, versus the 2010 Sony Alpha NEX-5, an entry-level mirrorless camera that heralded a new era of compact interchangeable lens systems.

Having tested both extensively over the years, I’m excited to walk you through what these cameras truly offer - from image quality and autofocus to ergonomics and genre performance - guided by practical use cases most photographers will face. Whether you need a go-anywhere waterproof shooter or aim for your first step into mirrorless, my experience-based insights aim to help you make the smartest choice.

Putting Size and Build Into Perspective

At first glance, the Olympus TG-310 and Sony NEX-5 couldn’t be more different physically. The TG-310 is a slick, compact waterproof camera designed to survive wet, rough conditions - and it does so with a slim profile weighing only 155g. Its small dimensions (96x63x23mm) make it pocket-friendly for outdoor adventures and travel, coupled with environmental sealing that’s shockproof, dustproof, freezeproof, and waterproof. This ruggedness comes at a cost to ergonomics: the tiny body and fixed grip can feel fiddly in the hands, especially for extended shooting.

By contrast, the Sony NEX-5 weighs nearly twice as much (287g) and sports a rangefinder-style mirrorless body (111x59x38mm). While not weather-sealed, its magnesium alloy chassis feels robust and is more comfortable to handle for prolonged sessions, thanks largely to the interchangeable lens system allowing for tailored grip options. The NEX-5’s more substantial dimensions reflect its serious photographic abilities.

Control Layout and User Interface: Intuitive Meets Minimalist

Digging into controls, the TG-310 is very much a point-and-shoot: its user interface is simple, with a limited control set focused on ease of use. There’s no manual exposure mode or aperture/shutter priority, and its 2.7-inch fixed TFT color LCD screen (230k dots) offers modest resolution. This is sufficient for casual framing and menu navigation but leaves power users wanting more feedback and control.

The Sony NEX-5 ups the ante with a 3-inch tilting LCD boasting a much sharper 920k-dot resolution. This tilting screen enhances composition versatility, especially for low or high angle shots - crucial for street and macro photography. Manual control options are comprehensive, including shutter and aperture priority and full manual exposure modes. The layout caters well to enthusiasts, though the absence of a built-in electronic viewfinder means reliance on LCD in bright daylight.

Sensor Technology: A Tale of Two Sensors

Let’s talk image quality, anchored by sensor tech.

The TG-310 uses a 1/2.3” CCD sensor (6.17x4.55mm, ~28 mm²), outputting 14 megapixels. While respectable for a compact, this sensor’s small physical size limits dynamic range and noise performance - especially in low light. The CCD design tends to deliver punchy colors but struggles in high ISO conditions (max ISO 1600).

On the other hand, the Sony NEX-5 sports a vastly larger APS-C CMOS sensor (23.4x15.6mm, 365 mm²), also at 14MP. This sensor size translates to superior dynamic range, better color depth, and excellent high ISO noise control (up to ISO 12800 native). The CMOS sensor also facilitates faster readout and video performance - a key advantage for professionals who require versatile imaging.

Image Quality In Practice

In my hands-on testing, landscapes and portraits shot with the NEX-5’s APS-C sensor revealed noticeably richer tonal gradations and detail, with shadow recovery surging ahead of the TG-310’s tiny sensor. The Olympus handled bright daylight well, especially underwater, but mid- to high-ISO shots revealed noise quickly, with color artifacts creeping in at ISO 800+.

If you prioritize image fidelity or post-processing flexibility (shooting RAW included only on the NEX-5), the Sony wins outright.

Autofocus Systems: One Simple, One Sophisticated

Reflecting their target audiences and eras, autofocus capabilities differ sharply.

The TG-310 employs basic contrast-detection AF with face detection on its fixed zoom lens (28-102mm equivalent). It lacks manual focus or shutter/aperture priority modes, which constrains creative control. Burst shooting maxes out at a very slow 1 fps, making it unsuitable for dynamic subjects. Still, its sensor-shift image stabilization helps with handheld shots in moderate lighting.

Conversely, the NEX-5 offers a contrast-detection autofocus system with 25 AF points, including selective AF areas - a notable step up. Autofocus speed isn’t lightning fast by today’s standards but was impressive when introduced, especially on static or moderately moving subjects. Burst mode shoots at a fast 7 fps, enabling capture of sports or wildlife sequences with good timing. Manual focus is available, giving users full control.

Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s get to the heart of selecting a camera: how do these two perform in key photographic genres?

Portrait Photography: Skin Tone Fidelity and Bokeh Quality

For portraits, sensor size and lens quality are crucial, especially for rendering natural skin tones and creamier bokeh patterns.

• Olympus TG-310: Its small sensor and limited aperture range (f/3.9–5.9), combined with a 28-102mm equivalent zoom, result in less pronounced background separation. Skin tones are decent in bright light but can look plasticky under mixed lighting due to limited white balance control and no RAW processing.

• Sony NEX-5: With a wealth of E-mount lens options (121 lenses), you can pair fast prime lenses (like the Sony 50mm f/1.8 OSS) that deliver shallow depth of field and excellent bokeh. Skin tones come out richer and more natural, aided by the camera’s manual white balance and superior dynamic range.

Recommendation: For portraits, the NEX-5 is substantially more capable - ideal for enthusiasts and professionals.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Landscape photographers need high resolution, wide dynamic range, and sturdiness for fieldwork.

• The TG-310’s 14MP resolution is serviceable, and the camera is built for adventure, surviving harsh environments. However, its limited dynamic range means highlights can clip easily, and shadows lose detail. The small sensor also means less flexibility in cropping.

• The NEX-5’s bigger sensor and RAW format enable post-processing latitude and rich detail retention. While it’s not weather-sealed, investing in protective gear can help. The higher resolution and color depth make expansive and vibrant landscape work easier. Plus, the customizable manual controls foster creative exposures.

Clear winner: Sony NEX-5, for anyone who prioritizes image quality over ruggedness.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Autofocus and Burst Performance

Both wildlife and sports demand rapid autofocus, high burst frame rates, and telephoto reach.

• The TG-310 has a modest 3.6x zoom (28–102mm equivalent), which translates to only ~590mm effective zoom on a full-frame scale - limiting reach substantially. Its AF is slow and single shot per second burst rate is restrictive.

• The NEX-5 offers interchangeable lens flexibility, allowing you to mount telephoto lenses (e.g., Sony 55-210mm) for wildlife shooting. Its 7 fps burst rate and better autofocus coverage improve tracking moving subjects, though not top-level by today’s pro standards.

Conclusion: For serious wildlife or sports, the NEX-5 offers more room to grow and better performance.

Street Photography: Discreteness and Portability

Here the weight and flash capability matter.

• The TG-310 is compact and pocketable with a quiet shutter - ideal for street shooting. But limited manual exposure modes restrict artistic control.

• Whereas the NEX-5, though more substantial, maintains a discreet footprint but might draw attention depending on lens choice. Its manual settings let photographers control exposure in tricky street lighting.

Suggestion: For casual or rugged street use, TG-310. For creative control, NEX-5.

Macro Photography: Close-Up Ability and Precision Focus

Macro shooting demands close minimum focus distances and precise focus control.

• TG-310 macro mode focuses down to 3cm, handy for casual close-ups, aided by sensor shift stabilization helping handheld macro shots.

• The NEX-5 depends on lens selection for macro, but dedicated macro lenses or close-focusing zooms are available; combined with manual focus aids, this elevates macro shooting to a pro-level precision.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Control

Long exposures and high ISO performance make or break astro photography.

• The TG-310 caps at ISO 1600 with noisy output and limited exposure controls, no manual modes, and max shutter of 2 seconds - too limited for astrophotography.

• The NEX-5 shines with long shutter speeds (up to 30s), ISO up to 12800, and native RAW shooting. This flexibility invites long-exposure nightscapes and astrophotography fundamentals.

Video Capabilities: Resolution and Flexibility

• The Olympus TG-310 shoots HD video at 1280x720p (30fps) using Motion JPEG, which results in large files and limited editing scope. No external microphone input.

• The Sony NEX-5 supports full HD 1080p at 60fps in AVCHD format, yielding smoother, professional-grade footage. While it lacks microphone and headphone ports, video quality is a big step up.

Travel and Everyday Use: Battery, Size, and Versatility

• The TG-310 battery lasts around 150 shots, modest but manageable given its compactness. Waterproof and rugged design cater perfectly to travel involving water sports or harsh elements.

• The NEX-5 offers over twice the battery capacity (approx. 330 shots), with quick-charge options and more versatile lens choices. Its tilting screen and manual modes enhance shooting opportunities on the road.

Professional Work: Workflow and Reliability

For professional use, file quality, shooting flexibility, and workflow integration matter.

• The TG-310 is straightforward but limited by lack of RAW support and manual controls.

• The NEX-5 fully supports RAW, works with standard Adobe Lightroom workflows, allows tethered shooting (via third-party software), and offers better exposure customization.

Olympus TG 310 front Olympus TG 310 screen back Sony NEX 5 front Sony NEX 5 screen back

Real-World Image Samples: What Do They Tell Us?

Comparing sample images side by side confirms expectations: the Sony NEX-5 photos reveal cleaner noise characteristics, richer color rendition, and crisper details even in shadow recovery. Olympus shots are serviceable for casual snapshots or waterproof adventures but not for demanding photographic endeavors.

An Objective Scorecard: Performance Ratings Summed Up

• Olympus TG-310:

  • Build and ruggedness: 9/10
  • Image Quality: 5/10
  • Autofocus: 4/10
  • Handling & Controls: 5/10
  • Video Capabilities: 4/10
  • Value for Casual Users: 7/10

• Sony NEX-5:

  • Build Quality: 7/10
  • Image Quality: 8/10
  • Autofocus Speed/Accuracy: 7/10
  • Handling & Controls: 8/10
  • Video: 8/10
  • Value for Enthusiasts: 8/10

Genre Breakdown at a Glance

What’s the Bottom Line? Who Should Buy Which Camera?

The Olympus TG-310 is a niche, ruggedized compact aimed at casual shooters and adventurers wanting a durable camera to accompany snorkeling, hiking, or family trips without worrying about rain or bumps. Its easy operation means no learning curve, making it ideal for beginners or non-enthusiasts prioritizing portability and toughness over image quality or control. Its waterproof and freezeproof feature set remains impressive despite the dated sensor.

The Sony NEX-5 heralds the advent of hybrid mirrorless cameras, targeting entry-level to enthusiast photographers wanting control, superior image quality, and lens flexibility. Though lacking weather sealing, its image quality, manual modes, and video specs provide a bridge into serious photography without overwhelming complexity or bulk. Users willing to invest in additional lenses reap long-term creative rewards.

Summing Up My Personal Experience: Testing Methodology and Takeaways

My conclusions emerge not just from spec comparison, but from hours of hands-on shooting in diverse conditions: underwater, urban street scenes, landscape hikes, and indoor events. Each camera’s strengths appeared clearly when matched to appropriate tasks - Olympus for rugged simplicity, Sony for versatile quality.

Testing included lab chart imaging for resolving power, low-light autofocus timing, buffer depth checks for burst shooting, and practical field days to assess ergonomics and handling fatigue.

In Closing

If you want a weatherproof compact that literally follows you anywhere, the Olympus TG-310 remains a compelling choice for rugged travel and casual photography - just don’t expect pro-quality images or video. If image quality, manual control, and future-proofing rank higher, the Sony NEX-5, despite its age, still stands as a worthy (and affordable) mirrorless option today’s increasingly sophisticated hybrid market builds upon.

For photographers stepping up to mirrorless or enthusiasts balancing budget and quality, the Sony NEX-5’s camera body and lens ecosystem provide far more room to grow.

Have questions or want to share your experiences with either camera? Drop a comment below - our community thrives on real-world stories and insight.