Olympus TG-5 vs Zeiss ZX1

Below, we will be analyzing the Olympus TG-5 and Zeiss ZX1, former being a Waterproof while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Zeiss. There is a noticeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the TG-5 (12MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the TG-5 (1/2.3") and ZX1 (Full frame) use different sensor sizing.

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The TG-5 was manufactured 16 months earlier than the ZX1 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus TG-5 being a Compact camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going through a thorough comparison, below is a short summary of how the TG-5 grades versus the ZX1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Tough TG-5 & Zeiss ZX1. The entire galleries are available at Olympus TG-5 Gallery & Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera often, you need to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus TG-5 enjoys 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 Zeiss ZX1 has sizing of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") having a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Compare the Olympus TG-5 and Zeiss ZX1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you choose at that time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the TG-5 compared to the ZX1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the TG-5 and ZX1 is 90 and 67 respectively.

Often, it can be tough to picture the difference in sensor measurements only by going through a spec sheet. The graphic underneath might offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the TG-5 and ZX1.

Clearly, both of those cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The TG-5 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Zeiss ZX1 will show more detail due to its extra 25 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The older TG-5 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.