Olympus TG-4 vs Panasonic S5

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Olympus TG-4 versus Panasonic S5, former being a Waterproof while the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a large gap between the image resolutions of the TG-4 (16MP) and S5 (24MP) and the TG-4 (1/2.3") and S5 (Full frame) feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The TG-4 was released 6 years prior to the S5 and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus TG-4 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic S5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight into a in depth comparison, below is a concise overview of how the TG-4 grades versus the S5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Tough TG-4 & Panasonic Lumix DC-S5. The complete galleries are available at Olympus TG-4 Gallery & Panasonic S5 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera frequently, you need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus TG-4 provides physical dimensions of 112mm x 66mm x 31mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") having a weight of 247 grams (0.54 lbs) while the Panasonic S5 has dimensions of 133mm x 97mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 3.2") having a weight of 714 grams (1.57 lbs).

Check the Olympus TG-4 versus Panasonic S5 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the TG-4 and the S5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the TG-4 and S5 is 90 and 60 respectively.

More often than not, it is difficult to envision the gap between sensor sizing just by reviewing technical specs. The visual below may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the TG-4 and S5.

As you can tell, both the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The TG-4 because of its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field tougher and the Panasonic S5 will offer you extra detail as a result of its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older TG-4 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.