Olympus TG-820 iHS vs Panasonic LX5

In this article, we are looking at the Olympus TG-820 iHS versus Panasonic LX5, one is a Waterproof and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the TG-820 iHS (12MP) and the LX5 (10MP) is very close but the TG-820 iHS (1/2.3") and LX5 (1/1.63") enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

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The TG-820 iHS was introduced 2 months after the LX5 which means that they are of a similar generation. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the TG-820 iHS matches up versus the LX5 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus TG-820 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-820 iHS Gallery and Panasonic LX5 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus TG-820 iHS provides outside measurements of 101mm x 65mm x 26mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.0") with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs) whilst the Panasonic LX5 has proportions of 110mm x 65mm x 43mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.7") along with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus TG-820 iHS versus Panasonic LX5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you select at that time. Following is the front view size comparison of the TG-820 iHS versus the LX5.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the TG-820 iHS and LX5 is 92 and 88 respectively.

Quite often, it is difficult to see the gap in sensor sizes only by looking through a spec sheet. The picture underneath will give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the TG-820 iHS and LX5.

As you can see, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The TG-820 iHS having a smaller sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Olympus TG-820 iHS will render extra detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop pics far more aggressively.