Compact Camera Faceoff: Olympus Tough TG-5 vs Sony Cyber-shot WX10 - Which Small Sensor Buddy Suits You?

When it comes to diving into compact cameras, the market offers a fascinating spectrum of gadgets tailored for adventures, casual snaps, or pocketable point-and-shoot ease. Today, let's pit two intriguing small-sensor compact cameras against each other: the rugged Olympus Tough TG-5 and the versatile Sony Cyber-shot WX10. They hail from different eras and philosophies - the TG-5 born to brave the wild, the WX10 to fit into everyday pockets - but both share a home in the compact category with a 1/2.3" sensor and fixed lenses.

I've put these two gems through their paces - testing ergonomics, image quality, autofocus, and much more - to deliver an indepth, user-focused, and technically rich comparison. Whether you’re a weekend warrior underwater explorer or a nostalgic snapper who values handy portability, this article will help you decide which deserves space in your camera bag (or glove compartment).

Taking Measure: Size, Handling, and Control Layout

Before we even talk pixels, lenses, or speed, the physical feel of a camera often shapes your shooting experience more than any spec sheet. Holding a camera long enough - a day of hiking, or an afternoon at a slow-moving event - lets me gauge ergonomics, button placement, and overall comfort.

Here, the Olympus TG-5 shows its rugged character in a bulkier, textured compact body measuring 113 x 66 x 32mm and weighing 250g. It’s not petite by compact standards, but those proportions come with purposeful heft and a grippy shell designed for water, dust, and drops. Its chunky buttons, though fixed and non-touch, are well spaced and confident under my fingers - even precariously wet fingers.

Contrast that with the Sony WX10, slim and sleek at 95 x 54 x 23mm and tipping the scales at just 161g, offering a more pocketable form. It feels like the quintessential urban explorer’s companion - light enough to forget you’ve got it, but not so small that fiddling with controls becomes a nail-biting challenge. The WX10’s buttons are respectfully small and compact, suited for casual flicks but less friendly when quick manual adjustments are necessary.

Zooming in, the TG-5’s TruePic VIII processor drives responsive operation and supports quicker continuous shooting (up to 20fps), while the WX10 is capped at 10fps - acceptable but hinting at its leisurely 2011 roots.

Surfacing Differences: Design and Control Philosophy

A quick glance at their top layouts solidifies the intended use cases - one for rugged adventures, the other for simple snapshots.

Olympus wears its adventure badge proudly with engraved mode dial, dedicated video button, and a hot shoe of usability - well, not quite, the TG-5 lacks a hot shoe, but its buttons feel tactile and purposeful. The WX10 keeps things minimal, leaning on combined modes without physical dials, favoring straightforward usability.

Personally, I find the TG-5’s physical controls a delight when fiddling with manual settings or fast-switching modes in unpredictable environments. The WX10’s sparse buttons push users more toward auto or basic modes - a double-edged sword depending on your craving for control.

Peering Under the Hood: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Now to the heart of the matter - how do these cameras actually capture the world? Both cameras sport a 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55mm with a surface area of 28.07mm², a common compact sensor size.

The TG-5 has a 12MP resolution fixed with an anti-aliasing filter, while the WX10 bumps that to 16MP. Flexing higher resolution can unlock finer details in favorable conditions - but smaller sensor pixels can struggle in low light, which we'll unpack shortly.

In my hands-on testing, the TG-5’s 12MP sensor plus the newer TruePic VIII engine struck a good balance of detail and noise control. Its max native ISO extends to 12800 (boosted), though realistically - ISO 800 to 1600 is the practical ceiling for acceptable noise performance on a sensor this size.

The WX10’s 16MP sensor is decent in bright conditions but tends to introduce more grain and softer details at ISO 400 and above, a telltale of older processor (BIONZ) limitations and lack of advanced noise reduction.

Both units employ an anti-aliasing filter, slightly softening images but reducing moiré artifacts - a reasonable trade-off for everyday photography.

Framing Your Shots: LCD Screens and Viewfinder Options

Live view and framing are vital, especially in tough outdoors or street photography scenarios.

The TG-5 wields a 3” fixed LCD screen at 460k-dot resolution - not blazing, but sharp and clear with reasonable brightness in daylight. The lack of touchscreen feels like a missed opportunity because a touchscreen could simplify menu navigation or focus point selection. But considering the TG-5’s emphasis on rugged reliability, the decision to skip touch controls may be wise. Buttons have to excel, and here they do.

The WX10 offers a slightly smaller 2.8” LCD, also fixed at 460k dots, but with "Clear Photo LCD Plus" tech that enhances reflections, which matters for street shooting or bright indoor spots. The lack of any electronic viewfinder on either camera means you’ll be relying on the LCD, which is par for the course in compacts but worth pondering if you’re accustomed to shooting through a finder.

If you're a daylight shooter, the TG-5’s bigger screen helps compose landscapes or macro shots with precision; the WX10 trades some real estate for portability.

Optics Showdown: Lens Ranges and Aperture Performance

Any compact camera’s personality pivots heavily on its lens. Here, the TG-5 offers a 25-100mm equivalent (4x zoom) with a bright aperture of f/2.0–4.9, while the WX10 takes advantage of a broader 24-168mm zoom (7x) but with a slower f/2.4–5.9 aperture.

Personally, the TG-5’s wider aperture at the wide end is a blessing for low-light macro and underwater scenes - f/2.0 doesn’t come easy in a waterproof compact! This lets the TG-5 shine in close focus and shallow depth-of-field effects, crucial for portraiture or detailed wildlife macro shots.

The WX10’s longer reach zoom (extending to 168mm) offers more framing flexibility for casual telephoto shots - think candid street portraits or distant landscapes - but suffers under darker conditions due to its narrower aperture and older sensor.

Speaking of macro, the TG-5 claims an aggressive 1cm close-focusing ability, which I tested with some surprise sharpness and background separation. The WX10’s 5cm closest focus is respectable but less specialized.

Taking Aim: Autofocus Systems and Shooting Speed

Focus speed and accuracy can make or break capturing fleeting moments.

The TG-5 boasts a hybrid autofocus employing 25 contrast-detection points with face detection and continuous autofocus during burst shooting at an impressive 20fps (albeit at smaller JPEG sizes). The autofocus was quick and reliable in most light conditions - a crucial asset when snapping unpredictable wildlife or sports.

Contrast that with the WX10’s simpler 9-point contrast-detection AF system, no face detection, and no continuous AF during burst. Single-shot AF speed was adequate for everyday subjects but noticeably slower and less certain when tracking movement or in low light.

Here, Olympus’s focus bracketing and focus stacking features of the TG-5 (great for macros with sharper depth) leave the WX10 in the dust.

Withstanding the Wild: Build Quality and Environmental Sealing

If there’s one area the Olympus TG-5 takes a commanding lead, it’s durability.

Olympus TG 5 front Olympus TG 5 screen back Sony WX10 front Sony WX10 screen back

The TG-5 is waterproof to 15m, shockproof to 2.1m drops, dustproof, crushproof up to 100kg, and freezeproof to -10°C. These specs translate to actual adventurous usability - I took it on kayaking trips and light hikes, and the camera is genuinely bombproof. When you don’t have to baby your gear around water or dirt, photographic creativity grows.

The WX10 is decidedly fragile by comparison: no environmental sealing, no water resistance, no shockproof features. It’s a purely indoor or urban compact - protect from rain and dirt, or risk trouble.

Harnessing Flexibility: Exposure Options and Manual Controls

Controls matter for photographers who like to experiment beyond point-and-shoot modes.

The TG-5 offers aperture priority and full manual focus with continuous autofocus, but no exposure modes like shutter or full manual exposure mode. Exposure compensation is strangely absent, which I found frustrating at times. Still, having manual focusing with focus peaking-ish aids (through manual focus plus focus bracketing) is appreciated.

The WX10, funnily enough, supports manual exposure mode and exposure compensation, but lacks continuous autofocus and offers a more basic approach. For beginners or travelers who want a little exposure control without complexity, the WX10 hits a modest sweet spot.

Video Capabilities: How Do They Stack Up?

Though neither camera targets videographers, video quality can be decisive for many casual shooters.

The TG-5 shoots 4K video (3840 x 2160) at 30fps with H.264 encoding inside MOV containers and captures audio via a built-in mic. It lacks a mic input or headphone jack, so don’t expect professional-grade sound. Still, for underwater video adventures or stable handheld clips, the TG-5’s sensor-shift image stabilization helps reduce shakes convincingly.

The WX10 maxes out at 1080p video at 60fps, recorded in AVCHD or MPEG-4. Stabilization is optical but limited by the lens’s narrower aperture and older processor, leading to softer motion. Audio input options - like the TG-5 - are absent.

If video is a secondary interest for you, the TG-5’s 4K capabilities, combined with robustness, offer more futureproof versatility for adventurous vloggers.

Powering Your Passion: Battery Life and Storage

Battery life often gets overlooked until you’re scrambling for a charge at the worst time.

The TG-5 uses a rechargeable LI-92B battery, rated for about 340 shots per full charge. It’s adequate but rough around the edges - expect to carry spares for extended trips, especially with GPS and Wi-Fi use.

The WX10 - being older - relies on a NP-BG1 battery, with manufacturer claims hovering around 190 shots per charge. In real use, that means you’ll definitely want a backup or a power bank handy.

Both cameras rely on a single SD card slot; the TG-5 supports UHS-I cards for faster writing speeds, helping with its high burst rates and 4K video, while WX10 supports various formats including Memory Stick - a now-archaic Sony format.

Staying Connected: Wireless and GPS Features

For travel and sharing convenience, connectivity options are increasingly vital.

The TG-5 wins hands down here - built-in Wi-Fi and GPS enable instant image transfer to smartphones and geo-tagging your shots, a godsend for wanderers mapping their adventures.

The WX10 only offers Eye-Fi card connectivity, which relies on proprietary SD cards with embedded Wi-Fi - less convenient, more finicky, and frankly obsolete by today’s smartphone-connected world.

Pricing and Value: Which Camera Offers More Bang for Your Buck?

As of their respective prime times, the TG-5 retails higher at about $449, while the WX10 sits comfortably at around $200 or less used. For double the price, what do you get?

• Rugged, ultra-durable body sealed against the elements
• Advanced sensor processor optimized for sharp, noise-controlled images
• 4K video capture
• Built-in GPS, Wi-Fi, and expanded manual control features
• Faster continuous shooting, superior autofocus system

Versus the WX10’s:

• More modest, travel-friendly size and weight
• Generous zoom range suitable for casual snaps
• Basic manual exposure modes
• Simpler, easier-to-use interface for beginners
• Lower price accessible for budget-conscious buyers

Putting It All Together: How Do They Perform Across Photography Genres?

Let's consider their performance through the lens of popular photography types.

Portrait Photography

TG-5’s brighter aperture promises better skin tone rendition and smoother background blur (bokeh) at wide end, supported by face detection autofocus enhancing eye focus reliability. The WX10 lacks face detection and slower AF precision hurt candid portraits.

Landscape Photography

Both have similar sensor sizes, but TG-5’s newer processor gives it an edge in dynamic range and noise control, plus weather sealing means no worries shooting rain-soaked vistas. The WX10’s longer zoom helps crop distant scenes but is vulnerable outdoors.

Wildlife Photography

No interchangeable lenses here, but TG-5’s faster AF, 20fps burst rate, and ruggedness make it fit for casual outdoor wildlife hunts. WX10’s slower AF and lower frame rates limit capture of quick animal movements.

Sports Photography

TG-5’s brisk burst rates and continuous AF make it a passable sports shooter in daylight. WX10’s modest specs pigeonhole it into everyday slower action.

Street Photography

WX10’s compact size and stealthy profile earn it points for street candids, but TG-5’s larger size and chunkier design make it less discreet.

Macro Photography

TG-5 dominates with 1cm focusing and focus bracketing/stacking to enhance depth-of-field. WX10 lags behind.

Night/Astro Photography

Both face challenges with the small sensor at high ISO, but TG-5's ISO ceiling and sensor-shift stabilization help extend performance. WX10 limited by older tech and noisier images at ISO 400+.

Video

TG-5’s 4K at 30fps is head and shoulders above WX10’s 1080p max, suiting the active videographer better.

Travel Photography

WX10’s slim profile weighs in for convenience, but TG-5’s weather sealing, GPS, and versatility make it a more reliable travel partner.

Professional Work

Neither will replace a DSLR or mirrorless for professional work, but TG-5’s RAW support and ruggedness offer niche documentary or adventure backup options.

Image Samples Reveal Real-World Differences

Olympus TG 5 front Olympus TG 5 screen back Sony WX10 front Sony WX10 screen back

Comparing real shots, TG-5 images appear cleaner with better contrast and more natural colors, especially in deep shadows and tricky lighting. WX10 images, though sharper at 16MP resolution, often reveal more noise and less dynamic range.

Final Word with Scorecards: Which Should You Choose?

Olympus TG-5: The Adventurer’s Compact
Best for outdoor enthusiasts, underwater explorers, and photographers craving ruggedness without sacrificing image quality and video. Its features vindicate the higher price if durability and versatility are priorities.

Sony WX10: The Casual Snapper’s Friend
A budget-friendly, pocketable compact for general-purpose snapshots, street photography, and travel when conditions are mild. Not a powerhouse, but a capable companion for beginners and leisurely photo takers.

When to Pick Which One: My Recommendations

• Choose the Olympus TG-5 if: You want a durable camera to tackle rough environments, enjoy macro and underwater photography, need 4K video, or appreciate faster autofocus - basically, if adventure photography is your lifestyle.

• Choose the Sony WX10 if: You prefer a small, lightweight camera for quick snaps and street portraits without fuss, operate mostly in bright, controlled conditions, and have a tight budget.

In the vast compact camera landscape, the Olympus TG-5 and Sony WX10 each carve inspiring niches. The TG-5 integrates cutting-edge ruggedness and imaging tech reflective of today’s adventure seekers, while the WX10 is a reminder of the charm and simplicity of early 2010s pocket compacts - both beloved in their own right.

Whichever path you choose, armed with these insights and real-world reflections, your next pocket camera purchase should feel a little more informed - and that’s exactly the point.

Happy shooting!