Olympus TG-5 vs Sony NEX-5N

Here is a complete overview of the Olympus TG-5 and Sony NEX-5N, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Sony. There is a crucial difference between the image resolutions of the TG-5 (12MP) and NEX-5N (16MP) and the TG-5 (1/2.3") and NEX-5N (APS-C) boast different sensor sizing.

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The TG-5 was unveiled 5 years later than the NEX-5N and that is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus TG-5 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting right into a detailed comparison, here is a quick view of how the TG-5 grades against the NEX-5N with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Tough TG-5 and Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-5 Gallery and Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry your camera, you should factor its weight and size. The Olympus TG-5 enjoys external dimensions of 113mm x 66mm x 32mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") and a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5N has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Examine the Olympus TG-5 and Sony NEX-5N in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose during that time. The following is a front view size comparison of the TG-5 against the NEX-5N.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the TG-5 and NEX-5N is 90 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it's tough to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing only by checking technical specs. The photograph below will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the TG-5 and NEX-5N.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The TG-5 with its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF more challenging and the Sony NEX-5N will give extra detail having an extra 4MP. Greater resolution will help you crop photos a bit more aggressively. The younger TG-5 should have an advantage in sensor technology.