Olympus TG-810 vs Sony NEX-5

Below, we are reviewing the Olympus TG-810 and Sony NEX-5, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the TG-810 (14MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is fairly well matched but the TG-810 (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor dimensions.

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The TG-810 was manufactured 15 months later than the NEX-5 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus TG-810 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go in to a detailed comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the TG-810 grades versus the NEX-5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus TG-810 and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus TG-810 Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry your camera often, you will need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus TG-810 has got physical measurements of 100mm x 65mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.6" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 215 grams (0.47 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5 has proportions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") having a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus TG-810 and Sony NEX-5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. Below is the front view size comparison of the TG-810 against the NEX-5.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the TG-810 and NEX-5 is 92 and 89 respectively.

Normally, its hard to see the gap between sensor sizing simply by reading through specifications. The graphic here might give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the TG-810 and NEX-5.

To sum up, each of the cameras have got the exact same megapixels but not the same sensor sizing. The TG-810 features the tinier sensor which will make getting shallow DOF harder. The more modern TG-810 will have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.