Key Features
May 17 2017
Announced
12 megapixels
Resolution
Brand | Olympus |
Sensor Type | |
Sensor | BSI-CMOS |
Weight | 250g |
MSRP | $449USD |
Other similar cameras

Olympus Tough TG-3
Released Mar 31 2014 | 16MP resolution

Olympus Tough TG-4
Released Apr 13 2015 | 16MP resolution

Olympus Tough TG-6
Released May 22 2019 | 12MP resolution
Overview of the Tough TG-5
Are you an adventure seeker looking for a camera that can keep up with your extreme lifestyle? Look no further than the Olympus Tough TG-5. This durable camera is designed to withstand even the toughest outdoor conditions, making it the perfect travel companion for any outdoor enthusiast. Whether you're rock climbing, hiking, swimming, or skiing, you can trust the Tough TG-5 to capture your unforgettable moments. So, what makes this camera stand out from the rest? Let's dive in and explore its features.
Olympus Tough TG-5 Pros and Cons
Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Olympus Tough TG-5 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!
Pros
Cons
Build and Construction
Body and dimensions
Olympus Tough TG-5
Weather sealed | |
Dimensions | 113 x 66 x 32mm |
Weight | 250g |
Thickness | 32mm |
Weather Sealing
The Olympus Tough TG-5 camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the Tough TG-5 is an excellent choice.
Design and Handling
Main design features
View Finder | None |
Screen Type | Fixed Type |
Screen Resolution | 460k dots |
Body type | Compact |
Suitable for:
Photography | Above Avg. |
Videography | Above Avg. |
Travel | Above Avg. |
LCD Screen
This camera has a fixed type 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 460k dots. This makes the Olympus Tough TG-5 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.
Viewfinder
Olympus Tough TG-5 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the Tough TG-5 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.
Image Quality
Olympus Tough TG-5 has a 12MP sized BSI-CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 12 pixels. Olympus Tough TG-5 has a native ISO range of 100 - 12800 which can be boosted to 100 - 12800. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.
Key Features
May 17 2017
Announced
100 - 12800
ISO Range
Sensor | |
Extended ISO | 100 - 12800 |
Max resolution | 4000 x 3000 pixels |
DXO Sensor Scores
Overall
not tested
Color Depth
not tested
Dynamic Range
not tested
Low Light ISO
not tested
DXO mark sensor scores
The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Olympus Tough TG-5 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the Tough TG-5 is excellent
Crop Factor
Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.
Size comparison
Crop factor calculator
Crop factor
1x
Full frame equivalent
24mm
This camera:
24mm
Connectivity, storage, battery
Storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-I compatible) |
Battery Life | 340 shots |
Battery Model | LI-92B |
HDMI | |
USD | |
Wireless Connectivity |
Storage
The Olympus Tough TG-5 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-I compatible) with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.
Battery
The Olympus Tough TG-5 uses the LI-92B model of battery pack. This is rated for 340 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.
Photography Features
Flash
The Olympus Tough TG-5 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.
Shutter
The Olympus Tough TG-5 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/2000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.
With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.
Autofocus
The Olympus Tough TG-5 includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with 25 number of focus points.
While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.
Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.
On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.
FAQ
The Olympus Tough TG-5 features a BSI-CMOS sensor
Yes the Tough TG-5 does have weather sealing.
The Olympus Tough TG-5 was announced on May 17 2017
Yes the Tough TG-5 does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.
The Tough TG-5 has a native ISO range of 100-12800, which can be expanded to ISO 100-12800 for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.
Similar Camera Reviews

Olympus Tough TG-3: The Ultimate Adventure Camera
The Olympus Tough TG-3 is a camera built for the outdoors. With its rugged design, waterproof capabilities, and impressive image quality, it's the perfect choice for adventure seekers who want to capture their experiences in stunning detail.

Olympus Tough TG-4: The Ultimate Waterproof Camera for Adventure Photography
In this blog, we'll cover everything you need to know about the Olympus Tough TG-4 and why it's a top pick for adventure photography. From its rugged and waterproof design to its advanced features and top-notch image quality, we'll break down what makes this camera one of the best options on the market. Plus, we'll share tips and tricks for getting the most out of this versatile camera, whether you're exploring remote landscapes or capturing underwater wildlife.

Discover the Power of Action Photography with the Olympus Tough TG-6 Camera
The Olympus Tough TG-6 is a powerful camera that's built to handle any adventure, from mountaintops to ocean depths. Its rugged design and advanced features make it the perfect choice for action photography enthusiasts. In this blog, we'll dive into the key features of the Olympus Tough TG-6 and show you how it can help you capture stunning shots in any environment.