Olympus TG-5 vs Sony A290

Olympus TG-5 vs. Sony A290: An Unlikely Duo Goes Head to Head

When I first saw the specs for the Olympus TG-5 and the Sony A290, I felt like I was comparing a Swiss Army knife to a classic chef’s knife. Both fundamentally cameras, sure - but designed with wildly different philosophies, target users, and ultimately, shooting experiences in mind. And yet, as someone who’s lugged kit through scorching deserts, soaked seams in rainstorms, and waited for the perfect light in window-lit studios, I find these comparisons fascinating precisely because they underscore the art of picking the right tool, not necessarily the flashiest or newest.

Over the next few thousand words, I’ll share what I’ve learned testing these two cameras side by side across a variety of photography disciplines - from landscapes to street scenes, macro to wildlife, and video to travel - all while digging into the tech specs, ergonomics, real-world performance, and value. Let’s unpack what makes the Olympus Tough TG-5 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 sing, stumble, or simply shrug.

The Body and Ergonomics: Compact Combatant vs. Classic SLR Presence

First impressions count, and the TG-5 and A290 stake their claims with very different body types. The Olympus TG-5 is a compact, rugged champ designed to survive the elements - waterproof, freezeproof, dustproof, shockproof, and crushproof. Its dimensions of 113x66x32 mm and light weight of 250g make it pocketable and easy to carry on adventurous outings that might involve water or mud. In contrast, the Sony A290 is a more traditional entry-level DSLR, coming in at 128x97x86 mm and a hefty 549g - which is no lightweight but does offer the substantial grip and handling characteristics photographers expect from an SLR.

Handling the TG-5 reminded me of the time I tracked a waterfall in Iceland during a rainy spell - it fit comfortably in one hand, no strap needed. The A290, on the other hand, requires two hands and a neck strap for those days where you’re out shooting for hours. The top control layout of the Olympus is simple and minimalist, while the Sony boasts more physical dials and buttons for manual adjustments.

If you prefer a tactile, traditional camera feel with dedicated manual controls, the Sony wins hands down. For rugged versatility and absolute portability, Olympus strikes the winning chord.

Design and Control Layout: Simplicity vs. Traditional DSLR Intuition

Speaking of controls, the TG-5’s top layout is straightforward and intentionally pared down for quick use under tough conditions, sans any fancy illuminated buttons or top LCD, which, frankly, are less critical on a point-and-shoot style device. The Sony A290, though dated, sticks to classic DSLR design with a mode dial, control wheel, and more sizeable buttons - perfect for those used to adjusting exposure compensation, aperture priority, shutter priority, or full manual modes.

I appreciate the Sony’s dedicated dials for photographers who crave control, though the lack of live view and touchscreen can feel limiting today. The Olympus TG-5’s touchscreen is absent too but compensates with a sharp, fixed 3-inch LCD that’s decent for framing and reviewing images in bright daylight.

For photographers who desire speed and precision in manual adjustments, the Sony’s traditional layout feels more at home. But for quick snaps in unpredictable environments, the TG-5’s simplicity is an asset.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: Micro Four-Thirds vs. APS-C - Not Quite

Wait, that’s not quite right. While many Olympus cameras sport Micro Four Thirds sensors, here the TG-5 sticks to a much smaller 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 6.17x4.55mm, versus the Sony A290’s APS-C CCD sensor at a substantial 23.5x15.7 mm. This fundamental size difference of approximately 13x the sensor area reveals much about their intended use cases.

Naturally, the A290 wins out on raw resolution (14MP with 4592x3056 pixels) and dynamic range (about 11.5 EV according to DXO benchmarks), which translates into better image detail and flexibility for post-processing. The TG-5’s 12MP sensor offers 4000x3000 pixels, but with smaller photosites, noise levels rise rapidly at higher ISOs and dynamic range is more limited.

Having shot handheld landscapes outdoors with both, I noticed the Sony produced richer shadows and better highlight retention, a critical factor when chasing dramatic skies and detailed foreground textures. However, outdoors in very bright light, the TG-5 held its own, especially with its f/2.0 lens wide open at 25mm equivalent, which helped compensate for sensor limitations.

If image quality and editing latitude are paramount - say for portraits, landscape, and professional use - the Sony APS-C sensor trumps the TG-5’s tiny sensor hands down. Yet the TG-5’s sensor and lens combo often suffice for casual or adventurous shooting where durability and portability dominate.

The Display and Interface: Viewing and Reviewing in Field Conditions

Neither camera features a touchscreen, which is no surprise given their age and market positions, but the Olympus TG-5’s 3-inch fixed LCD with 460k dots offers a slightly crisper and larger viewing window than the Sony A290’s somewhat dated 2.7-inch 230k dot screen.

The lack of an electronic viewfinder on the TG-5 might initially seem limiting but the absence is made up by its rugged field-use benefits - no wasted energy powering EVFs or complex optics. The Sony, with its optical pentamirror viewfinder covering 95% of the scene at 0.55x magnification, provides a classic DSLR experience that helps when shooting outdoors in bright sunlight.

In practice, for street, travel, and adventure photography, I often found the Olympus’s rear screen sufficient and more intuitive - particularly aided by the simple interface. Conversely, the Sony’s optical viewfinder with through-the-lens clarity outshone the back screen for framing fast-moving subjects or precise manual focusing.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Now here’s where the two cameras diverge sharply. The Olympus TG-5 utilizes a 25-point contrast-detection autofocus system with face detection and continuous AF, while the Sony A290 employs a more traditional DSLR phase detection AF in 9 focus points, with center weighted metering and support for manual, aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual modes.

From my hands-on testing, the TG-5’s autofocus is surprisingly adept for a compact. Tracking objects is decent, burst shooting at 20fps is impressive for its category, especially underwater or in fast-moving adventure environments. However, in low light or complex scenes, hunting occurs more frequently.

The Sony’s autofocus is slower overall with a modest 3fps continuous shooting rate, reflecting its more dated tech, but phase detection gives better subject acquisition in decent light. Manual focus feel is more satisfying on the Sony due to the dedicated focus ring on compatible lenses rather than digital or fly-by-wire focus found on compacts.

For wildlife or sports enthusiasts who need rapid, reliable AF with high burst rates, neither camera is truly optimized, though the TG-5’s 20fps continuous shooting speed and ruggedness might give it an edge for snapping fast moments in rugged environments. The Sony’s slower 3fps and limited AF points restrict its suitability for action photography beyond casual use.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Fixed Lens vs. System Flexibility

One of the monumental differences between these two cameras is that the Olympus TG-5 comes with a fixed 25-100mm f/2.0-4.9 lens - no swapping, no upgrades - while the Sony A290 is compatible with the entire Sony/Minolta Alpha mount lens lineup: over 140 lenses ranging from budget primes to pro-grade zooms.

This difference alone steers their users in vastly different directions. The TG-5’s lens is sharp and versatile for everyday shooting, macro, and wide-angle landscapes with a minimum focus distance of 1 cm enabling impressive macro photography - something I truly enjoyed on flower shoots and insect close-ups.

Sony’s interchangeable lens system, meanwhile, allows photographers to match their optics precisely to their genre and style, from 50mm f/1.8 portraits to super-telephoto wildlife zooms. This great flexibility makes the A290 a more expandable system for enthusiasts with evolving needs.

If your photography leans toward fixed, rugged simplicity or underwater/macro adventures, TG-5’s fixed lens suffices. For those who love swapping glass and tailoring optics to the task, Sony’s lens ecosystem steals the show.

Battery Life and Storage: Powering the Day

Both cameras use proprietary rechargeable batteries, with the Olympus TG-5 rated for roughly 340 shots per charge and the Sony A290 closer to 290 shots - respectable but not exceptional by today’s standards.

Storage-wise, the TG-5 and A290 both support SD/SDHC cards, with Sony also accommodating Memory Stick Pro Duo formats. Both have single card slots, so no luxury of dual backups. The TG-5 supports UHS-I cards for faster buffering during burst shots.

During extended outdoor trips I noticed the TG-5’s smaller power draw extended usefulness, partly because its fixed lens and compact sensor demand less energy than the Sony’s larger sensor and occasional live view power draw (despite the A290 lacking live view itself). Still, neither camera is a marathon champ by modern mirrorless standards.

Connectivity, Mounting, and Extras: The Little Things That Add Up

Built-in GPS on the TG-5 is a handy feature I lean on when tagging exploration photos - no need to fuss with phones or external devices. Bluetooth, NFC, and Wi-Fi are absent on both models, which feels a bit archaic now but reflects their eras.

The Sony A290 has an HDMI output and built-in flash with versatile modes; the Olympus also has an integrated flash designed for outdoor use, but no accessory hot shoe or external flash support - understandable given its rugged design priorities.

Environmental sealing on the TG-5 is a massive plus for field users - fully waterproof down to 15m, shockproof from 2.1m drops, and crushproof. The Sony, being a standard DSLR, lacks any sealing at all, making it unsuitable for harsh weather without protective gear.

Mastering the Genres: How Each Camera Excels (and Falters)

To bring this all into sharper focus, let’s zoom in on specific photography types and how these cameras stack up.

Portraits: Skin Tones and Bokeh

Thanks to the A290’s larger APS-C sensor and flexible lens choices, portraits are more pleasing with smoother bokeh, better subject isolation, and truer skin tone reproduction. The Olympus TG-5’s smaller sensor limits background blur, and the built-in lens maxes out at f/2.0 wide, narrowing creative control.

Still, the TG-5’s face detection and reliable exposure make snapping spontaneous candid portraits on adventures possible. For dedicated portrait work, the Sony’s image quality and manual control take the prize.

Landscapes: Dynamic Range and Resolution

Sony’s APS-C sensor and higher resolution shine here - with 14MP capable of capturing details in foliage, rocks, and expansive skies. High dynamic range offers better highlight recovery, which I confirmed during sunset shots in national parks.

The TG-5’s ruggedness and macro prowess make it a “go anywhere” landscape camera, but image quality lags. Tough it may be, but it’s no medium-format killer.

Wildlife: Autofocus Speed and Telephoto Reach

Neither camera is a full-on wildlife slayer. The Sony’s 3fps and 9-point AF limits fast subject capture, while the Olympus’s fixed zoom tops out at 100mm equivalent - insufficient for distant birds or skittish critters.

In the field, I favored the TG-5 for quick bursts in close environments (birds at feeders, insects, reptiles) where its rapid shooting came in handy. For true telephoto reach, you'd need to look elsewhere.

Sports: Tracking and Low Light

Again, the TG-5’s 20fps burst feels impressive, but autofocus tracking in complex scenes slows it down. Sony’s slower frame rate and dated AF system make it less than ideal.

Both struggle in low light due to limited maximum ISO (Sony max 3200, Olympus max 12800 but noisy). Sports shooters would want to consider faster modern cameras.

Street Photography: Discreet and Portable

The TG-5 is a street photographer’s friendly muse - pocketable, rugged, and quick to grab. Its silent electronic shutter modes work great for candid shots without drawing attention. The Sony DSLR, bulky and conspicuous, doesn’t blend in as easily.

For urban wanderers, the Olympus wins for mobility and subtlety.

Macro: Precision Up Close

The TG-5’s 1cm macro focus range, combined with focus bracketing and stacking features, delivers standout close-up shoots. I’ve captured intricate flower details and insect textures that rival some dedicated macro setups.

Sony lacks integrated focus stacking or bracketing and depends on lens capability. Macro enthusiasts on a budget may find the TG-5 uniquely suited.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Control

Sony’s APS-C CCD sensor delivers modest noise levels up to ISO 800-1600 but struggles beyond; Olympus’s small sensor generates grain quickly above ISO 400. Neither camera offers long exposure or bulb modes, limiting astrophotography.

Sony’s manual exposure modes offer more creative control for night shots, while TG-5's easiest usage lies in daylight or well-lit conditions.

Videos: 4K Where It Counts

The TG-5 can record 4K video at 30p with decent bitrate (102 Mbps), albeit without microphone input or headphone jack for pro audio monitoring. The Sony A290 offers no video recording at all.

If you want to shoot video, TG-5 is the clear winner here.

Travel Photography: Versatility on the Go

The TG-5’s lightweight, rugged design and GPS tagging make it a versatile travel companion, perfect for rainforests, beaches, or dusty streets. Battery life is decent, and the fixed lens handles many scenarios.

The Sony A290, bulkier but offering interchangable lenses and better overall IQ, suits travel photographers who prioritize image quality over convenience.

How They Score: Overall and by Genre

Here’s a snapshot from my comprehensive field tests and lab analysis comparing scores.

And breaking down by photography type:

Both cameras have strong niches: The TG-5’s ruggedness and video make it unbeatable in adventure and travel use, while the A290’s sensor and versatility shine in traditional photographic disciplines like portraits and landscapes.

Sample Images: A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Rather than just talking theory, here are side-by-side sample images across different conditions demonstrating their distinct characters.

Olympus TG 5 front Olympus TG 5 screen back Sony A290 screen back

Notice the richer tonal gradations and dynamic range in Sony shots, versus the sometimes punchier, higher contrast but smaller sensor-limited renditions from Olympus.

Final Thoughts and Who Should Buy What

After pushing these two very different cameras through their paces, here’s my take tailored to user priorities:

• Choose the Olympus Tough TG-5 if:

  • You want a compact, truly rugged camera for adventure, water, and macro.
  • Portability, waterproofing, and durability outweigh absolute image quality.
  • You value 4K video recording capability in a tough package.
  • You shoot casual portraits, landscapes, and close-ups on the go.
  • You prefer simple controls and ease of use in outdoor environments.

• Choose the Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 if:

  • You want better image quality, dynamic range, and low-light performance.
  • You appreciate full manual exposure modes and traditional DSLR ergonomics.
  • You value a broad selection of lenses and expandability.
  • Your focus is on portraits, landscapes, and general photography requiring more creative control.
  • Video is not a priority.

Wrapping Up: The Right Tool for Your Story

In my experience, the Olympus TG-5 and Sony A290 are like two specialist tools in the photography toolbox - neither a one-size-fits-all winner, but both cherished for what they uniquely bring. The TG-5 embraces the wild, damp, and unpredictable parts of shooting, while the Sony A290 caters to those who want to craft images with more control and fidelity in controlled environments.

So my parting advice? Reflect on what you shoot most, the conditions you’ll face, and if you need rugged portability or versatile creative control. Whichever you pick, both offer rewarding photographic journeys grounded in solid engineering and thoughtful design - just on very different paths.

Happy shooting!