Olympus TG-3 vs Samsung NX5

Here is a extended assessment of the Olympus TG-3 versus Samsung NX5, former being a Waterproof while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Samsung. The sensor resolution of the TG-3 (16MP) and the NX5 (15MP) is very close but the TG-3 (1/2.3") and NX5 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor sizes.

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The TG-3 was announced 3 years later than the NX5 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus TG-3 being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a complete comparison, here is a simple view of how the TG-3 matches up vs the NX5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Tough TG-3 & Samsung NX5. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-3 Gallery & Samsung NX5 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera frequently, you are going to need to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus TG-3 features outer measurements of 112mm x 66mm x 31mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") with a weight of 247 grams (0.54 lbs) while the Samsung NX5 has sizing of 123mm x 87mm x 40mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 1.6") and a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Check out the Olympus TG-3 versus Samsung NX5 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. Below is a front view scale comparison of the TG-3 vs the NX5.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the TG-3 and NX5 is 90 and 80 respectively.

Often, it is hard to envision the gap in sensor sizing merely by looking through a spec sheet. The graphic here will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the TG-3 and NX5.

Clearly, both the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The TG-3 with its smaller sensor will make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Olympus TG-3 will result in greater detail with its extra 1MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop pics way more aggressively. The newer TG-3 will have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.