Olympus TG-3 vs Sony NEX-5R

Here is a complete analysis of the Olympus TG-3 and Sony NEX-5R, former being a Waterproof while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the TG-3 (16MP) and the NEX-5R (16MP) is fairly similar but the TG-3 (1/2.3") and NEX-5R (APS-C) posses different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The TG-3 was manufactured 20 months later than the NEX-5R making them a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus TG-3 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight to a in depth comparison, here is a short highlight of how the TG-3 scores vs the NEX-5R in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Tough TG-3 & Sony Alpha NEX-5R. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-3 Gallery & Sony NEX-5R Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera frequently, you will have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus TG-3 has outside 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-5R has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Check the Olympus TG-3 and Sony NEX-5R in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are utilising at that time. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the TG-3 and the NEX-5R.

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

Sometimes, it is difficult to picture the contrast between sensor sizing purely by reading specs. The photograph here should provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the TG-3 and NEX-5R.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras come with the identical megapixels but different sensor sizing. The TG-3 offers the tinier sensor which is going to make obtaining bokeh tougher. The newer TG-3 should have an edge with regard to sensor technology.