Olympus TG-630 iHS vs Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5: The Compact Camera Showdown

As photography enthusiasts and professionals hunting for a compact, travel-ready camera, you understand the value of a device that blends portability with capable imaging performance. Today, we dive into two contenders from the early 2010s era of compacts with overlapping specs yet distinct design philosophies: the rugged Olympus TG-630 iHS and the sleek Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5.

Both pack 12-megapixel 1/2.3" sensors and fixed lenses with roughly 5x zoom but differ markedly in build, feature set, and intended use cases. Our hands-on comparison will unpack how each camera performs in real-world scenarios across photography genres, technical nuances, and value – helping you find the right fit for your creative path.

How Big Are They? Handling and Ergonomics in Your Hands

First impressions matter. Beyond pixel counts and sensor sizes, how a camera feels shapes your actual shooting experience. Ergonomics influence comfort during long shoots, stability in low light, and ease of control.

The Olympus TG-630 iHS is noticeably chunkier and comes with rugged environmental sealing. Its design is built for adventurers: waterproof down to 10 meters, shockproof from drops, and freezeproof to -10°C. This makes it a trustworthy companion when hiking, snorkeling, or exploring rough conditions.

Meanwhile, the Sony WX5 is more pocket-friendly with a slimmer profile and lighter frame but at the expense of weather resistance. Its smooth finish and compact footprint make it great for street photography, travel in urban environments, or casual use where you want to travel light.

For photographers prioritizing outdoor durability and confidence, Olympus takes the lead here. If sleek, discreet portability trumps, Sony earns your nod.

Looking Over the Controls: How Do You Interact With These Cameras?

The user interface and button layout govern your shooting agility and intuitive command of camera functions.

• Olympus TG-630 iHS features a modest set of physical buttons with no touchscreen or OLED viewfinder. The 3-inch LCD is fixed, non-touch, and displays at a modest 460k dots. Ergonomically, the buttons have tactile feedback but are fewer in number; manual exposure modes are absent - focusing primarily on fully automatic or scene modes tailored to rugged outdoor shooting.

• Sony WX5 offers a slightly smaller, fixed 2.8-inch LCD at comparable resolution. Its menu system is controlled by a four-way dial and several direct access buttons; again, no touchscreen present. Leveraging Sony's Bionz processor, the UI feels responsive, and the camera includes useful features like center-weighted metering, which some photographers may prefer for more consistent exposures.

Neither camera provides manual exposure controls or specialized dials for pros, reflecting their compact “point and shoot” positioning. However, the Sony’s UI feels a tad more refined in responsiveness, partly thanks to Bionz processing.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Digital Heart of Your Shots

Both shooters rely on a 1/2.3-inch sensor, standard fare for compacts, but subtle variations impact image quality.

Although the effective sensor area and resolution are nearly identical, the Sony WX5’s BSI (Back-Illuminated) CMOS sensor provides improved light-gathering capability compared to traditional CMOS used in the Olympus. This translates into better noise performance, especially at higher ISOs, and more dynamic range in low light, as we observed in testing.

The TG-630’s sensor maxes out ISO at 6400, but noise grains in images beyond ISO 800 become quite pronounced. The Sony’s top ISO is 3200, but noise control remains more conservative, yielding cleaner results up to ISO 1600. Both cameras employ anti-aliasing filters, which slightly soften fine details to prevent moiré patterns but can impact sharpness.

If you shoot in well-lit conditions or prioritize rugged use over image quality extremes, the Olympus sensor suffices. For better low-light performance and less noisy images, Sony's sensor technology shines.

In the Field: Autofocus and Shooting Speed

If you’re chasing fleeting moments - whether in street, sports, or wildlife photography - autofocus reliability and burst shooting speed cannot be overlooked.

The Olympus offers a modest 5 frames per second burst mode and includes face detection autofocus. This can be handy for portraits and candid snapshots with pleasant skin tone prioritization.

Sony doubles burst shooting speed at 10fps and includes live view autofocus, giving you faster subject acquisition and greater framing flexibility. However, Sony lacks face detection, which might be missed by some portrait shooters who want automated focus on faces.

Neither camera supports advanced continuous or tracking autofocus required in fast-paced sports or wildlife photography, so both are best suited to casual action shoots or static subjects.

Zoom Lens and Optical Performance: Versatility in Framing

Lens versatility often determines how far a compact camera will go in your creative toolkit. Let’s compare:

Olympus emphasizes macro shooting with an incredibly close minimum focus distance of 1 cm, ideal for detailed close-ups of flowers, insects, or textures. Combined with sensor-shift image stabilization, you get steadier shots in challenging lighting.

Sony’s lens starts at a wider f/2.4 aperture at 24mm equivalent, offering better low-light wide-angle capture and smoother subject separation (background blur) in bright settings. Its lens-based Optical SteadyShot helps reduce blur but tends to struggle slightly more than sensor-shift systems at very close distances.

For macro enthusiasts, Olympus is the clear winner. For nightlife or landscape wide angles, Sony gains an edge.

Screen and Viewfinder Experience: Composing Your Shots

A crucial but sometimes overlooked aspect is how well you can frame and review images.

The Olympus TG-630 sports a 3-inch fixed LCD at 460k dots - slightly larger than Sony’s 2.8-inch at 461k dots.

The bigger screen helps when reviewing shots on the go, but neither camera offers a viewfinder, electronic or optical. Outdoors in bright sunlight, relying solely on the LCD can frustrate framing. Neither has a touchscreen, so navigation depends on physical buttons, which limits quick menu interaction.

Both cameras' LCDs are fixed, which restricts creative angle shooting such as low or high perspectives without awkward handling. For some street and travel photographers who want more dynamic composing angles, this is a limitation to consider.

Sample Image Quality: Real-World Output

Here are representative shot samples covering various lighting and subject challenges.

Olympus TG 630 iHS front Olympus TG 630 iHS screen back Sony WX5 front Sony WX5 screen back

• Olympus TG-630 iHS delivers strong color fidelity and pleasing skin tones, especially under daylight. Macro shots show excellent detail due to close focusing. However, images tend to soften at telephoto range and high ISOs, with brightness clipping under harsh highlights.

• Sony WX5 shows generally sharper details with better dynamic range and richer shadow recovery. Low light noise levels are lower, maintaining finer textures. However, skin tones can appear cooler or less natural compared to Olympus.

Color preference is subjective; Olympus offers more warm, lively palettes, while Sony leans toward cooler audiencies, but both produce shareable, satisfying images.

Video Capabilities: For Your Moving Moments

Video remains essential with modern photographers also shooting short films and social shares.

Both cameras record Full HD video with smooth frame rates around 50-60fps, suitable for everyday clips and social media posts. Olympus uses sensor-shift stabilization, which works well on handheld shots.

Sony’s AVCHD codec tends to provide higher compression efficiency and quality. However, neither camera offers advanced video features like 4K, log profiles, or microphone inputs, limiting professional videography.

Casual users and travelers will enjoy either camera for quick video clips, but videographers requiring manual controls or audio want more capable options.

Battery Life and Storage Options: How Long and How Much?

Battery endurance impacts your day-long photo expeditions.

Both cameras rely on proprietary lithium-ion batteries, sufficient for typical outings but requiring spares for longer treks.

Sony’s additional Memory Stick compatibility offers vintage flexibility but SD cards remain the preferred modern choice.

Carrying extra batteries and reliable SD cards ensures uninterrupted shooting in the field, regardless of brand.

Connectivity and Extras: Sharing Your Shots

Modern sharing conveniences enable faster photo sharing.

• Olympus TG-630 lacks wireless connectivity - no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC - requiring physical USB or HDMI connection for transfers.

• Sony WX5 offers Eye-Fi card compatibility, allowing Wi-Fi transfers via specially enabled cards, a handy feature back in its era, but no direct built-in wireless.

Neither camera provides GPS, so geotagging relies on mobile apps or post-processing, limiting travel photographers wanting location metadata.

Value and Pricing: What’s Your Investment?

At launch, prices were approximately:

• Olympus TG-630: $199.99
• Sony WX5: $249.99

The Olympus’s ruggedness and waterproof features come at a lower price point, appealing to budget-conscious outdoor shooters. Sony charges a premium likely influenced by faster burst rate, better sensor tech, and refined video formats.

Considering current used prices, both represent affordable entry points, but the Olympus’s toughness adds value for lifestyle shooters needing a durable sidekick.

How Each Camera Performs Across Photography Genres

Our rigorous testing evaluated these compacts across popular photographic disciplines. Here’s a distilled view:

Taking Stock: Strengths and Weaknesses Summarized

Which One Fits Your Photography Journey?

Choose the Olympus TG-630 iHS if:

• You prioritize a rugged, waterproof camera that can endure tough outdoor adventures.
• Macro photography and close-up detail are important to you.
• You want warm, appealing colors and skin tones for portraits.
• You shoot primarily in daylight or moderate lighting and don't require advanced burst speeds.
• You prefer a lower cost for durable performance.

Opt for the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX5 if:

• You crave better image clarity and lower noise in low-light conditions.
• Faster burst rates and a more responsive interface help capture fleeting moments.
• You want richer video recording options in a slim, pocket-friendly package.
• Your use will generally be in controlled environments without exposure to harsh weather.
• You don’t mind a higher price for improved sensor tech and speed.

Final Thoughts: Experience, Expertise, and Your Next Step

Having rigorously tested both cameras in varied real-world conditions, it's clear both offer compelling options tailored to different photography enthusiasts.

The Olympus TG-630 iHS belongs to the “go anywhere, shoot anything” rugged compact class. Its robust build and macro strengths make it a trusted companion for outdoors and travel storytellers.

The Sony WX5 represents a former “leader” in sleek image quality and responsiveness for everyday street and casual photographic pursuits, albeit with dated wireless tech and the lack of environmental sealing.

We encourage you to handle both cameras in a store if possible - ergonomics and handling ultimately influence enjoyment. Consider what photography genres excite you most and prioritize accordingly.

No matter your choice, these cameras stand as approachable tools that can help you refine your vision and capture memories with confidence. Don’t hesitate to complement your camera with protective cases, quality SD cards, and spare batteries to maximize your shooting comfort and longevity.

This comprehensive review aims to empower your decision with practical insights from extensive testing and technical understanding. Choose the camera that complements your creative journey and get started on capturing your unique story today!