Olympus TG-1 iHS vs Sony NEX-5

Lets look closer at the Olympus TG-1 iHS vs Sony NEX-5, one is a Waterproof and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the TG-1 iHS (12MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is relatively comparable but the TG-1 iHS (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizing.

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The TG-1 iHS was introduced 24 months after the NEX-5 which makes them a generation away from each other. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus TG-1 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting right into a complete comparison, here is a concise overview of how the TG-1 iHS grades vs the NEX-5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Tough TG-1 iHS and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-1 iHS Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

In case you're looking to travel with your camera, you'll need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus TG-1 iHS has got outer measurements of 112mm x 67mm x 30mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5 has dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Look at the Olympus TG-1 iHS vs Sony NEX-5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have attached at that time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the TG-1 iHS vs the NEX-5.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the TG-1 iHS and NEX-5 is 91 and 89 respectively.

Usually, its difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor dimensions only by going through specifications. The picture here might give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the TG-1 iHS and NEX-5.

Plainly, the two cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The TG-1 iHS using its smaller sensor will make achieving bokeh more difficult and the Sony NEX-5 will produce more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures more aggressively. The more recent TG-1 iHS will have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.