Olympus TG-2 iHS vs Panasonic S5

In this write-up, we will be contrasting the Olympus TG-2 iHS vs Panasonic S5, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the TG-2 iHS (12MP) and S5 (24MP) and the TG-2 iHS (1/2.3") and S5 (Full frame) enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The TG-2 iHS was introduced 8 years prior to the S5 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus TG-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic S5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight into a detailed comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the TG-2 iHS scores versus the S5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DC-S5. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-2 iHS Gallery and Panasonic S5 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to lug around your camera frequently, you have to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus TG-2 iHS has outside dimensions of 111mm x 67mm x 29mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.1") along with a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs) while the Panasonic S5 has sizing of 133mm x 97mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 3.2") having a weight of 714 grams (1.57 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus TG-2 iHS vs Panasonic S5 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are employing at the time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the TG-2 iHS vs the S5.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the TG-2 iHS and S5 is 91 and 60 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor measurements purely by reading technical specs. The photograph below may give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the TG-2 iHS and S5.

As you have seen, each of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The TG-2 iHS with its tinier sensor will make getting bokeh tougher and the Panasonic S5 will offer you greater detail using its extra 12 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures far more aggressively. The older TG-2 iHS is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.