Olympus TG-4 vs Samsung NX500

In this article, we will be reviewing the Olympus TG-4 vs Samsung NX500, former being a Waterproof while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Samsung. There exists a substantial gap among the sensor resolutions of the TG-4 (16MP) and NX500 (28MP) and the TG-4 (1/2.3") and NX500 (APS-C) possess different sensor size.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The TG-4 was manufactured 3 months later than the NX500 which means that they are both of a similar age. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus TG-4 being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX500 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting in to a full comparison, below is a concise summation of how the TG-4 scores vs the NX500 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Tough TG-4 & Samsung NX500. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus TG-4 Gallery & Samsung NX500 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera regularly, you will need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus TG-4 has got physical measurements of 112mm x 66mm x 31mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 247 grams (0.54 lbs) whilst the Samsung NX500 has proportions of 120mm x 64mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.5" x 1.7") having a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Check the Olympus TG-4 vs Samsung NX500 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are utilising during that time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the TG-4 against the NX500.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the TG-4 and NX500 is 90 and 87 respectively.

Sometimes, it's difficult to visualize the difference in sensor sizing just by researching specs. The visual below will provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the TG-4 and NX500.

As you can plainly see, both cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The TG-4 because of its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Samsung NX500 will render greater detail due to its extra 12MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures far more aggressively.