Olympus TG-830 iHS vs Sony NEX-5R

Below is a in-depth review of the Olympus TG-830 iHS and Sony NEX-5R, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the TG-830 iHS (16MP) and the NEX-5R (16MP) is pretty similar but the TG-830 iHS (1/2.3") and NEX-5R (APS-C) boast totally different sensor sizing.

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The TG-830 iHS was unveiled 5 months later than the NEX-5R which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus TG-830 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going into a complete comparison, here is a brief summation of how the TG-830 iHS matches up vs the NEX-5R with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus TG-830 iHS and Sony Alpha NEX-5R. The full galleries are provided at Olympus TG-830 iHS Gallery and Sony NEX-5R Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to lug around your camera, you have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus TG-830 iHS features outside dimensions of 109mm x 67mm x 28mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.1") with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5R has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus TG-830 iHS and Sony NEX-5R in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the TG-830 iHS vs the NEX-5R.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the TG-830 iHS and NEX-5R is 91 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it can be hard to visualise the difference between sensor measurements merely by going over specifications. The graphic below may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the TG-830 iHS and NEX-5R.

Plainly, both the cameras feature the identical MP albeit not the same sensor measurements. The TG-830 iHS uses the tinier sensor which will make achieving shallower DOF trickier.