Olympus TG-5 vs Sony a3500

Here, we will be contrasting the Olympus TG-5 and Sony a3500, one is a Waterproof and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Sony. There is a huge difference between the image resolutions of the TG-5 (12MP) and a3500 (20MP) and the TG-5 (1/2.3") and a3500 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor size.

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The TG-5 was revealed 3 years after the a3500 which is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus TG-5 being a Compact camera and the Sony a3500 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go into a in depth comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the TG-5 scores versus the a3500 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Tough TG-5 and Sony Alpha a3500. The full galleries are available at Olympus TG-5 Gallery and Sony a3500 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry around your camera frequently, you'll have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus TG-5 provides exterior measurements of 113mm x 66mm x 32mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") along with a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs) while the Sony a3500 has measurements of 128mm x 91mm x 85mm (5.0" x 3.6" x 3.3") with a weight of 411 grams (0.91 lbs).

Look at the Olympus TG-5 and Sony a3500 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the TG-5 vs the a3500.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the TG-5 and a3500 is 90 and 69 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to see the contrast between sensor sizes merely by reading specs. The picture underneath might give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the TG-5 and a3500.

All in all, the 2 cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The TG-5 having a tinier sensor will make shooting bokeh more difficult and the Sony a3500 will deliver greater detail because of its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures way more aggressively. The fresher TG-5 will have a benefit in sensor technology.