Olympus TG-4 vs Panasonic SZ5

In this write-up, we will be contrasting the Olympus TG-4 vs Panasonic SZ5, former being a Waterproof while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the TG-4 (16MP) and the SZ5 (14MP) is pretty well matched and they possess the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Mastering Nature Photography with a Digital Microscope Camera

The TG-4 was unveiled 2 years later than the SZ5 and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving through a complete comparison, below is a short summation of how the TG-4 matches up against the SZ5 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Tough TG-4 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5. The full galleries are available at Olympus TG-4 Gallery & Panasonic SZ5 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera regularly, you need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus TG-4 has exterior measurements of 112mm x 66mm x 31mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") with a weight of 247 grams (0.54 lbs) and the Panasonic SZ5 has measurements of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") having a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

Compare the Olympus TG-4 vs Panasonic SZ5 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are working with at that moment. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the TG-4 and the SZ5.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the TG-4 and SZ5 is 90 and 95 respectively.

Sometimes, it's tough to visualise the gap between sensor sizing simply by looking at a spec sheet. The photograph below might give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the TG-4 and SZ5.

Clearly, the two cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same resolution. You can expect the Olympus TG-4 to give more detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots far more aggressively. The more recent TG-4 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.