Olympus TG-320 vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5: A Practical Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

When sifting through the compact camera market, it’s easy to get bogged down in specs and marketing lingo. I’ve spent years testing everything from pro-level DSLRs to point-and-shoots, and I know firsthand how crucial it is to dial in not just what looks good on paper, but what performs in real-world shooting. Today, I’m putting head-to-head two interesting compact cameras from Olympus and Sony - the rugged Olympus TG-320 and the versatile Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. Both were released in the early 2010s but cater to very different user priorities.

I’ll break down their real-world use cases, core features, and image quality, then guide you toward which might suit your photography needs best, whether that’s casual shooting, adventurous travel, or more demanding creative work.

First Impressions: Size, Design, and Ergonomics

Before talking pixels and processors, handling a camera tells you a lot about its thinking behind the design. The Olympus TG-320 is clearly built to survive rough conditions, while the Sony HX5 aims to strike balance between compactness and versatility.

The TG-320 is compact and clearly designed for the great outdoors. Waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and even freezeproof, its robust construction screams “take me hiking, beaching, poolside - wherever you might get wet or dirty.” Weighing just 155 grams and measuring 96 x 63 x 23 mm, it’s easy to slip into a pocket or clip onto gear without extra bulk.

In contrast, the Sony HX5 is a bit heavier at 200 grams and slightly taller and thicker (102 x 58 x 29 mm). That added heft comes with a longer zoom lens (more on that later) and a bigger screen, but it’s still pocketable for street shooting or travel.

Speaking of controls, the top view comparison reveals the SX5’s more traditional design with more buttons and dials, making it more accessible for photographers who want manual input.

The TG-320 opts for simplicity with fewer controls - no manual focus dial, no dedicated exposure modes, and limited manual input - which is intentional given its "grab and go" rugged setup, but might frustrate those who want more creative control.

Sensor and Image Quality: Don’t Get Fooled by Specs Alone

Image quality often trumps all else for enthusiasts, so let’s analyze the heart of these cameras, the sensor.

Both cameras house small sensors typical of compacts: Olympus with a 1/2.3" CCD sensor (14 MP), Sony with a 1/2.4" BSI-CMOS sensor (10 MP). While the difference in resolution is notable (14 MP vs 10 MP), more pixels on a small sensor can mean smaller individual pixels, usually translating to increased noise in low light.

Sony’s BSI-CMOS sensor design, on the other hand, tends to harvest light more efficiently than traditional CCDs, which gives it an edge in noise performance and dynamic range. Practically speaking, this means the Sony HX5 handles dim environments better, producing cleaner images with fewer grainy artifacts.

Regarding maximum ISO sensitivity, the Olympus tops out at ISO 1600 without boosted modes, while the Sony shoots up to ISO 3200 natively. This added ISO range means Sony offers more flexibility shooting in darker scenes, such as nighttime landscapes or indoor events.

When it comes to color depth and dynamic range, neither was sharply tested by DxOMark back then (and these cameras weren't exactly DxO darlings), but my experience with CCD vs BSI-CMOS in compact cameras of this era suggests Sony has the technical advantage for subtle tonal gradations and highlight retention.

LCD and User Interface: What You See Is What You Get

For framing your shots and reviewing images, the rear LCD is critical. The Olympus TG-320 sports a 2.7 inch fixed TFT LCD with 230k dots resolution, while the Sony HX5 features a slightly larger 3 inch display with the same resolution.

The Sony’s larger screen gives a marginally better viewing experience - slightly easier to check focus and composition. Neither has touchscreen capabilities, which is expected at this price and age, but the HX5 benefits from more configurable menus and manual exposure modes, appealing to users who want to fine-tune their shots.

Olympus’s interface is straightforward but basic, geared to quick snapshots. Sony is the more advanced of the two, with manual exposure modes and white balance tweaking that photographers typically expect by now.

Lens and Zoom: Versatility Meets Simplicity

One striking difference between the two cameras is their lens focal range and aperture.

The fixed lens on the TG-320 covers a modest wide-angle to short telephoto zoom range (28-102mm equivalent). The short minimum focusing distance (3 cm) is pretty good for macro shots on the Olympus. Plus, the sensor-shift image stabilization helps compensate for camera shake.

The Sony HX5 boasts a more ambitious 10x optical zoom (25-250mm), which is a huge advantage for those wanting telephoto reach for wildlife or sports in a compact package. However, minimum focusing distance is slightly longer at 5 cm, which somewhat limits close-up work compared to the Olympus.

Sony also uses optical image stabilization, but the effectiveness can vary. Generally, optical is preferred for longer focal lengths as it reduces blur caused by handshake.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: The Need for (Speedy) Focus

Autofocus systems often make or break a camera’s usability, especially for fast-moving subjects.

The Olympus TG-320 employs contrast detection autofocus with single AF mode, some face detection, but no continuous AF or selective AF area options. Interesting though, it has face detection which helps with portraits in casual use.

Sony’s HX5 features 9 focus points, including center-weighted AF, plus more refined contrast-detection AF. However, it lacks continuous AF tracking and animal eye AF, which are features more common in modern cameras but absent here given their vintage.

Where Sony truly shines is burst shooting: it can do up to 10 fps at lower resolution - unheard of for point-and-shoots in its class during that era. Olympus only manages a meager 1 fps continuous shoot, making it impractical for sports or wildlife action.

Video Capabilities: Casual to Semi-Pro Video Needs

Video prowess on compact cameras varies widely, and both models have their strengths and glaring limitations.

Olympus TG-320:

• Max video resolution: 1280x720p (720p HD) at 30 fps
• Formats: MPEG-4, H.264
• No mic/ headphone ports
• No 4K or advanced video modes
• Built-in flash usable in video mode

Sony HX5:

• Max video resolution: 1920x1080p (Full HD) at 60 fps
• Formats: AVCHD for higher quality, plus lower res options
• No mic/headphone ports
• No 4K support or in-body stabilization specifically for video

Sony clearly overshadows Olympus in video recording - the full HD at 60p means smoother motion capture and more framing flexibility in post-production. The AVCHD codec is also superior to MPEG-4 in compression and image quality.

Neither camera provides advanced video stabilization or external audio inputs. As a result, these are best suited for casual home movies rather than professional video projects.

Durability and Environmental Protection: The Olympus Advantage

If you’re looking for a camera that goes beyond the typical pocket compact and can survive real-world mishaps, Olympus’s rugged credentials stand out.

Olympus TG 320 front Olympus TG 320 screen back Sony HX5 front Sony HX5 screen back

The TG-320 is waterproof down to about 10 meters, dustproof, shockproof (up to 1.5 meters), freezeproof to -10°C - all in a tiny, lightweight package. This makes it ideal for water sports, hiking, climbing, or shooting in harsh conditions without extra housing.

The Sony HX5 offers no weather sealing or shock protection - it’s a standard compact that requires careful handling, best suited for urban or light travel use.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

The Olympus TG-320 uses a small proprietary battery (LI-42B) rated for about 150 shots per charge. That’s quite limited by modern standards, especially for a travel or adventure camera where recharging options might be scarce.

Sony HX5 uses the NP-BG1 battery, though exact rated shots aren’t specified here. Anecdotal reports put it around 250 shots per charge, better but still shy of DSLR endurance.

Both cameras offer single storage slots: Olympus uses SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards, while Sony supports Memory Stick Duo formats (with optional SD/SDHC slots in some SKUs). They both have USB 2.0 and HDMI outputs for data transfer and connecting to TVs but lack Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC - which isn’t surprising given their release dates.

How These Cameras Perform Across Photography Genres

Let’s break down how each camera fares in specific photography disciplines:

Overall Performance and Scores

Looking at holistic performance metrics derived from hands-on testing and user reports:

• Image Quality: Sony edges out Olympus due to sensor tech and ISO range.
• Build & Durability: Olympus dominates with waterproofing and shock resistance.
• Speed & Autofocus: Sony’s higher burst rate and more AF points lead.
• Video: Sony with full HD and smooth frame rates is superior.
• Ease of Use: Olympus is simpler, great for beginners or rough use; Sony is better for those wanting more manual control.

The Value Equation: Which One Should You Buy?

Both cameras are older models, so prices vary on used markets. The TG-320 typically sells cheaper due to its niche waterproof market, while HX5 commands a premium for zoom and video.

If you’re:

• A casual photographer or adventurer who wants a rugged camera that works under water, out in the snow, and during hikes - the Olympus TG-320 is a great choice. Its simple operation and durability mean fewer worries and more shots captured despite elements. Just don’t expect DSLR-quality photos or video.

• An enthusiast who seeks more zoom reach, better low light, and manual controls for street, travel, or wildlife photography - the Sony HX5 wins hands-down. It offers superior image flexibility and video, with burst shooting that can handle moderately fast action. You’ll need to keep it dry, though!

• A budget-conscious cheapskate aiming for a simple camera that just works out there, Olympus edges in because of its build and price if you find a deal.

Pros & Cons Summary

Olympus TG-320

Pros

• Rugged, waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof design
• Compact and lightweight - travel-friendly
• Sensor-shift image stabilization
• Good macro focusing at 3 cm
• Simple user interface with face detection

Cons

• Slow burst shooting (1 fps)
• No manual exposure control
• Lower max ISO and noisier images in low light
• Basic video (720p max)
• Short battery life

Sony Cyber-shot HX5

Pros

• Long 10x optical zoom (25–250 mm)
• Full HD 1080p @ 60 fps video recording
• Manual exposure and white balance controls
• Faster burst shooting (10 fps)
• Better sensor tech for low light and dynamic range
• Built-in GPS

Cons

• No weather sealing – handle with care
• Heavier and larger body
• Limited macro focus distance at 5cm
• No external mic/headphone jacks
• Non-standard memory stick format primarily

Final Verdict: Who Wins?

At first glance, these two compact cameras might seem comparable, but they’re designed for differing priorities.

The Olympus TG-320 is the sturdy workhorse - ideal for adventure and durability without fuss. If you’re a hiker, beachgoer, or outdoor enthusiast on a casual budget, it’ll serve you well despite its aging sensor and feature set.

The Sony HX5 is the more versatile compact - with better zoom, video, and manual controls appealing to the creative enthusiast who values image quality and more shooting options, but doesn’t want to haul a DSLR.

For photographers dipping toes into compact photography in the current market, somewhere newer might offer better bang for buck. But understanding these camera’s strengths is key if you’re hunting for a rugged micro shooter or a solid 10x zoom compact.

Personal Notes From the Field

Personally, I’ve taken the TG-320 along on rocky river treks and found real peace of mind - no fear if it got tossed into water or mud. The image isn’t razor-sharp by today’s standards, but it captured memories that my smartphones couldn't handle.

Meanwhile, the Sony HX5 has been my go-to casual zoom for street and travel, letting me frame scenes from wide city streets to distant mountain peaks without switching lenses. The Full HD video and manual controls gave me enough flexibility without needing heavy gear.

Their legacy reminds us that camera choice is intensely situational: whether rugged simplicity or versatile zoom is your priority shapes your best buy.

If you have any questions about specific shooting situations or want lens and accessory recommendations tailored to these cameras, feel free to reach out - happy shooting!