Olympus TG-5 vs Sony A290

In this write-up, we are analyzing the Olympus TG-5 and Sony A290, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the TG-5 (12MP) and the A290 (14MP) is very similar but the TG-5 (1/2.3") and A290 (APS-C) come with different sensor sizes.

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The TG-5 was released 7 years later than the A290 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus TG-5 being a Compact camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go through a more detailed comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the TG-5 grades against the A290 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Tough TG-5 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-5 Gallery and Sony A290 Gallery.

If you're going to lug around your camera often, you'll have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus TG-5 offers outside dimensions of 113mm x 66mm x 32mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") along with a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs) and the Sony A290 has specifications of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

See the Olympus TG-5 and Sony A290 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have at that moment. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the TG-5 against the A290.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the TG-5 and A290 is 90 and 66 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very difficult to imagine the difference between sensor measurements just by reading specifications. The graphic underneath may provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the TG-5 and A290.

Plainly, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The TG-5 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field harder and the Sony A290 will offer you extra detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos far more aggressively. The fresher TG-5 should have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.