Olympus TG-810 vs Sony NEX-5R

Here, we will be analyzing the Olympus TG-810 and Sony NEX-5R, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the TG-810 (14MP) and the NEX-5R (16MP) is relatively well matched but the TG-810 (1/2.3") and NEX-5R (APS-C) posses totally different sensor sizing.

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The TG-810 was revealed 12 months before the NEX-5R so they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus TG-810 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the TG-810 matches up versus the NEX-5R in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus TG-810 and Sony Alpha NEX-5R. The full galleries are provided at Olympus TG-810 Gallery and Sony NEX-5R Gallery.

In case you're looking to lug around your camera frequently, you'll have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus TG-810 provides outside dimensions of 100mm x 65mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.6" x 1.0") and a weight of 215 grams (0.47 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5R has dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") along with a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

See the Olympus TG-810 and Sony NEX-5R in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you use at the time. Here is a front view measurement comparison of the TG-810 vs the NEX-5R.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the TG-810 and NEX-5R is 92 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it is very difficult to visualise the difference between sensor measurements merely by checking a spec sheet. The photograph below may offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the TG-810 and NEX-5R.

As you can see, the two cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The TG-810 with its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF harder and the Sony NEX-5R will give you extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older TG-810 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.