Olympus TG-6 vs Sony NEX-5R

Here, we are reviewing the Olympus TG-6 vs Sony NEX-5R, former being a Waterproof while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Sony. There exists a sizable gap among the sensor resolutions of the TG-6 (12MP) and NEX-5R (16MP) and the TG-6 (1/2.3") and NEX-5R (APS-C) have different sensor sizing.

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The TG-6 was manufactured 6 years later than the NEX-5R and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus TG-6 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting right into a full comparison, here is a quick overview of how the TG-6 matches up vs the NEX-5R in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

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

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera regularly, you will want to factor its weight and size. The Olympus TG-6 provides physical measurements 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-5R has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Check the Olympus TG-6 vs Sony NEX-5R in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the TG-6 vs the NEX-5R.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the TG-6 and NEX-5R is 90 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to picture the difference in sensor sizing just by checking out a spec sheet. The graphic underneath will give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the TG-6 and NEX-5R.

Clearly, both the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The TG-6 because of its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field trickier and the Sony NEX-5R will produce greater detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos way more aggressively. The more modern TG-6 should have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.