Olympus TG-320 vs Sony HX5

In this write-up, we are analyzing the Olympus TG-320 and Sony HX5, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Sony. There exists a crucial gap between the resolutions of the TG-320 (14MP) and HX5 (10MP) and the TG-320 (1/2.3") and HX5 (1/2.4") use totally different sensor size.

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The TG-320 was brought out 20 months later than the HX5 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise overview of how the TG-320 scores against the HX5 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus TG-320 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The entire galleries are available at Olympus TG-320 Gallery and Sony HX5 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera, you're going to have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus TG-320 has exterior measurements of 96mm x 63mm x 23mm (3.8" x 2.5" x 0.9") along with a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs) while the Sony HX5 has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus TG-320 and Sony HX5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have at the time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the TG-320 against the HX5.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the TG-320 and HX5 is 94 and 92 respectively.

Normally, it is hard to visualise the gap between sensor sizing purely by reading a spec sheet. The graphic underneath should give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the TG-320 and HX5.

As you can see, each of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The TG-320 due to its larger sensor will make achieving bokeh simpler and the Olympus TG-320 will offer greater detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics far more aggressively. The younger TG-320 is going to have a benefit in sensor innovation.