Olympus TG-2 iHS vs Samsung NX500

In this article, we are matching up the Olympus TG-2 iHS and Samsung NX500, one is a Waterproof and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Samsung. There is a huge difference among the image resolutions of the TG-2 iHS (12MP) and NX500 (28MP) and the TG-2 iHS (1/2.3") and NX500 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor size.

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The TG-2 iHS was manufactured 19 months prior to the NX500 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus TG-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX500 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the TG-2 iHS grades vs the NX500 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS and Samsung NX500. The entire galleries are available at Olympus TG-2 iHS Gallery and Samsung NX500 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to travel with your camera, you are going to need to consider its weight and size. The Olympus TG-2 iHS has outer measurements of 111mm x 67mm x 29mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.1") and a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs) while the Samsung NX500 has specifications of 120mm x 64mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.5" x 1.7") having a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Look at the Olympus TG-2 iHS and Samsung NX500 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use at that moment. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the TG-2 iHS compared to the NX500.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the TG-2 iHS and NX500 is 91 and 87 respectively.

Usually, it's hard to envision the difference in sensor dimensions just by researching a spec sheet. The pic below may provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the TG-2 iHS and NX500.

As you can see, each of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The TG-2 iHS because of its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF harder and the Samsung NX500 will result in extra detail due to its extra 16 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The more aged TG-2 iHS will be behind in sensor technology.