Olympus TG-1 iHS vs Samsung NX5

Let's look more closely at the Olympus TG-1 iHS and Samsung NX5, former being a Waterproof while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Samsung. The image resolution of the TG-1 iHS (12MP) and the NX5 (15MP) is fairly well matched but the TG-1 iHS (1/2.3") and NX5 (APS-C) have totally different sensor sizing.

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The TG-1 iHS was manufactured 24 months later than the NX5 making them a generation apart from one another. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus TG-1 iHS being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief view of how the TG-1 iHS grades against the NX5 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS & Samsung NX5. The entire galleries are available at Olympus TG-1 iHS Gallery & Samsung NX5 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera frequently, you need to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus TG-1 iHS provides outside measurements of 112mm x 67mm x 30mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") with a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs) while the Samsung NX5 has specifications of 123mm x 87mm x 40mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 1.6") along with a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus TG-1 iHS and Samsung NX5 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are using during that time. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the TG-1 iHS vs the NX5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the TG-1 iHS and NX5 is 91 and 80 respectively.

Sometimes, its difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing just by looking at specifications. The visual underneath will give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the TG-1 iHS and NX5.

To sum up, both cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The TG-1 iHS because of its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field tougher and the Samsung NX5 will give more detail due to its extra 3MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics more aggressively. The more recent TG-1 iHS is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.