Olympus TG-5 vs Sony A33

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Olympus TG-5 versus Sony A33, one is a Waterproof and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the TG-5 (12MP) and the A33 (14MP) is very well matched but the TG-5 (1/2.3") and A33 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The TG-5 was manufactured 6 years after the A33 which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus TG-5 being a Compact camera and the Sony A33 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going through a in-depth comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the TG-5 grades versus the A33 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Tough TG-5 and Sony SLT-A33. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-5 Gallery and Sony A33 Gallery.

If you are going to travel with your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus TG-5 has physical measurements of 113mm x 66mm x 32mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") having a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs) while the Sony A33 has specifications of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") with a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs).

Compare the Olympus TG-5 versus Sony A33 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is the front view measurements comparison of the TG-5 versus the A33.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the TG-5 and A33 is 90 and 67 respectively.

More often than not, it is very hard to see the gap between sensor dimensions just by reading through a spec sheet. The picture below may provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the TG-5 and A33.

As you can see, the two cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The TG-5 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving bokeh more challenging and the Sony A33 will resolve more detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images a little more aggressively. The fresher TG-5 is going to have an advantage in sensor technology.