Olympus TG-6 vs Sony NEX-5

Here, we are comparing the Olympus TG-6 and Sony NEX-5, former being a Waterproof while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the TG-6 (12MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is very close but the TG-6 (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) boast different sensor size.

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The TG-6 was revealed 9 years later than the NEX-5 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus TG-6 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight to a full comparison, here is a simple summation of how the TG-6 matches up against the NEX-5 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Tough TG-6 & Sony Alpha NEX-5. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-6 Gallery & Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera often, you'll have to take into account its weight and volume. The Olympus TG-6 enjoys outside dimensions of 113mm x 66mm x 32mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 253 grams (0.56 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5 has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Compare the Olympus TG-6 and Sony NEX-5 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are using at that moment. The following is a front view scale comparison of the TG-6 and the NEX-5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the TG-6 and NEX-5 is 90 and 89 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to picture the contrast in sensor sizing purely by looking through specs. The photograph underneath should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the TG-6 and NEX-5.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The TG-6 using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field more challenging and the Sony NEX-5 will provide you with more detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics way more aggressively. The fresher TG-6 provides an edge in sensor technology.