Olympus TG-2 iHS vs Sony NEX-5

On this page, we are looking at the Olympus TG-2 iHS versus Sony NEX-5, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the TG-2 iHS (12MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is fairly close but the TG-2 iHS (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) offer different sensor size.

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The TG-2 iHS was introduced 3 years later than the NEX-5 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus TG-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the TG-2 iHS scores versus the NEX-5 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus TG-2 iHS Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera regularly, you will have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus TG-2 iHS provides physical dimensions of 111mm x 67mm x 29mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.1") with a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5 has dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Examine the Olympus TG-2 iHS versus Sony NEX-5 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached at the time. Following is a front view scale comparison of the TG-2 iHS compared to the NEX-5.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the TG-2 iHS and NEX-5 is 91 and 89 respectively.

Often, its hard to visualize the gap in sensor sizing simply by researching specs. The visual underneath will give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the TG-2 iHS and NEX-5.

All in all, both the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The TG-2 iHS with its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Sony NEX-5 will provide you with greater detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The fresher TG-2 iHS should have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.