Olympus TG-4 vs Sony NEX-5N

Its time to look much closer at the Olympus TG-4 and Sony NEX-5N, former is a Waterproof while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the TG-4 (16MP) and the NEX-5N (16MP) is relatively comparable but the TG-4 (1/2.3") and NEX-5N (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The TG-4 was launched 3 years after the NEX-5N which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus TG-4 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a short overview of how the TG-4 grades against the NEX-5N in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Tough TG-4 & Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The complete galleries are available at Olympus TG-4 Gallery & Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

For anybody who is going to travel with your camera often, you'll need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus TG-4 has got outside measurements 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-5N has measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Check out the Olympus TG-4 and Sony NEX-5N in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you choose during that time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the TG-4 against the NEX-5N.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the TG-4 and NEX-5N is 90 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by going through specs. The pic here will help give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the TG-4 and NEX-5N.

All in all, both of the cameras provide the same resolution albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The TG-4 has the smaller sensor which will make obtaining shallow depth of field harder. The fresher TG-4 will have an edge in sensor tech.