Olympus TG-3 vs Sony NEX-5

Here is a comprehensive comparison of the Olympus TG-3 and Sony NEX-5, former being a Waterproof while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the TG-3 (16MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is very comparable but the TG-3 (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) offer different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The TG-3 was released 3 years later than the NEX-5 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus TG-3 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a full comparison, here is a quick summation of how the TG-3 grades vs the NEX-5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Tough TG-3 & Sony Alpha NEX-5. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-3 Gallery & Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera, you should take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus TG-3 features external dimensions of 112mm x 66mm x 31mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") having a weight of 247 grams (0.54 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5 has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Look at the Olympus TG-3 and Sony NEX-5 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you use at the time. Below is a front view size comparison of the TG-3 vs the NEX-5.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the TG-3 and NEX-5 is 90 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it's difficult to visualize the difference in sensor sizing merely by going through specs. The photograph underneath may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the TG-3 and NEX-5.

All in all, both of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The TG-3 because of its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field trickier and the Olympus TG-3 will show extra detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop images way more aggressively. The younger TG-3 provides a benefit with regard to sensor technology.