Fujifilm F660EXR vs Olympus Tough TG-3: A Deep-Dive Comparison for Every Photographer’s Needs

When comparing two compact cameras released a couple of years apart - the 2012 Fujifilm F660EXR and the 2014 Olympus Tough TG-3 - the question emerges: does the newer, ruggedized TG-3 justify its higher cost, or can the versatile yet less specialized F660EXR still hold its ground? Having spent considerable hands-on time with both models across varied photography disciplines, I’m excited to unpack their core capabilities, limitations, and real-world performance so you can decide which fits your shoot style and budget best.

From sensor tech and ergonomics to autofocus prowess and ruggedization, this detailed comparison blends technical analysis with practical use cases. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, street photographer, macro fan, or adventure traveler, this guide illuminates what each camera excels at - and where compromises lie.

Holding Them in Your Hands: Size, Shape, and Controls

First impressions often begin with the camera’s physicality. Despite both being compact cameras with fixed lenses, their design philosophies differ markedly.

Fujifilm F660EXR: Compact and pocket-friendly, the F660EXR measures a mere 104 x 59 x 33 mm and weighs about 217 grams. Its fixed lens zoom (24-360mm equivalent) offers an impressive 15x optical range, ideal for travelers wanting versatility without switching lenses. However, the small body and fixed rear LCD - while sufficient - can feel cramped for users with larger hands or those who prefer extensive manual controls.

Olympus Tough TG-3: Slightly larger at 112 x 66 x 31 mm and heftier at 247 grams, the TG-3’s ruggedized build adds a layer of durability that the Fuji decidedly lacks. Its weather, shock, freeze, and crushproof certifications make it perfect for outdoor adventures where your gear might face exposure to elements or rough handling. The ergonomics prioritize a firm grip and larger buttons, aiding one-handed operation even with gloves - a definite advantage for field shooters.

The top plate on both cameras reveals different design choices: the Fujifilm keeps it minimalistic - no dedicated exposure compensation dial but accessible mode and zoom rocker. The Olympus, meanwhile, includes a dedicated aperture ring around the lens, a rarity in compact cameras, giving tactile control over depth of field that I particularly appreciate when shooting macro and landscapes.

Verdict: If pocketability and superzoom reach are priorities, the Fuji edges ahead. But for durability and tactile handling - especially in challenging environments - the Olympus TG-3’s build and control layout provide an unmistakable advantage.

Under the Hood: Sensors, Processors, and Image Quality

Image quality is the bedrock of any camera’s value, so let’s dissect the sensor tech and resultant photos.

Both cameras sport 16-megapixel sensors with similar physical sizes - Fuji’s 1/2” EXR CMOS at 30.7 mm² area and Olympus’s 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS at 28.1 mm². While close in pixel count and sensor size, these sensor types cater to somewhat different priorities.

Fujifilm’s EXR Processor and EXR CMOS Sensor: The EXR sensor aimed to optimize image quality by switching between high-resolution, high dynamic range, or high sensitivity modes depending on scene analysis. Theoretically clever, this yielded vibrant, detailed images in good light. However, the 1/2” sensor inherently limits low-light performance and dynamic range - incapable of rivalling larger-sensor compacts or mirrorless models.

Olympus’s TruePic VII and BSI-CMOS Sensor: The TG-3’s backside-illuminated CMOS sensor increases light-gathering efficiency, somewhat offsetting the modest size and boosting high ISO capability to 6400 native (doubling Fuji’s max native ISO 3200). In practice, TG-3 images reveal cleaner shadows and less noise in dim conditions, which is crucial for outdoor photographers working at dawn, dusk, or under forest canopies.

The lens aperture ranges also speak volumes: Fuji’s f3.5-5.3 lens implies lower light-gathering at telephoto lengths, while Olympus’s faster f2.0 wide end is excellent for low-light and shallow depth-of-field effects, particularly in macro and portrait zones.

Fujifilm F660EXR screen back Olympus TG 3 front Olympus TG 3 screen back

Looking at the sample images, the Fuji tends to render colors punchily but with somewhat less subtlety, occasionally over-saturating skin tones. The Olympus TG-3 delivers more natural skin rendering and overall balanced tones. Detail preservation at base ISO is comparable, but the TG-3 excels when pushing ISOs above 800, showing cleaner results.

Sharpness and Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus performance is a primary concern, especially for active photography like wildlife or sports.

FujiFilm F660EXR: Focusing relies on contrast detection, with face detection supported but no phase detection elements. Autofocus is reasonably swift in bright conditions, but hunting occurs prevalent in low light or low-contrast scenes. Continuous autofocus and tracking are functional but not class-leading, making it less dependable when subjects move erratically.

Olympus Tough TG-3: Also based on contrast detection, but with enhanced algorithms that reduce focus hunting. The TG-3 implements focus bracketing and focus stacking, aided by a dedicated aperture ring for precise depth control - assets useful in macro and landscape shoots. Face detection and tracking are competent, and live view autofocus is smoother thanks to TruePic VII processing.

In burst shooting, Fuji can push 11 fps - impressive on paper but often hampered by buffer and focus lag. Olympus offers 5 fps, steadier for action but less suited to sports requiring ultra-high frame rates.

While neither camera is truly “pro-level” autofocus-wise, the TG-3’s system feels more reliable for outdoor dynamic subjects, whereas the F660EXR’s fast burst speed suits casual snapping when high frames are preferred over pinpoint AF accuracy.

The LCD and User Interface: What You See and How You Shoot

Display quality and interface affect both framing and menu navigation - vital for getting shots quickly and accurately.

Both sport identical 3-inch fixed TFT LCDs at 460k resolution. The Fuji’s screen is reasonably bright but shows reflections in sunlight, which can frustrate outdoor shooting. The Olympus screen shares similar traits but benefits from slightly better anti-reflective coatings, enhancing usability in tough lighting.

Neither have touch compatibility or electronic viewfinders, which is expected but a drawback compared to many modern compacts. OVF or EVF is often subjective - those used to shooting through viewfinders might find the experience limiting on both.

Menus differ in approach: Fuji’s interface is simple, but some settings (like ISO or white balance bracketing) take a few extra button presses, slowing operation. Olympus provides a more structured menu with easy access to tough-camera functions like waterproof mode, focus bracketing, or macro.

Versatility Across Photography Genres: Who Should Choose Which?

Now, let’s get to the heart of the matter - how these cameras perform across major photographic disciplines.

Portraits: Rendering Skin and Achieving Bokeh

F660EXR: The extensive zoom range lets you compress backgrounds well at 360mm, and the Fuji’s EXR sensor renders warm, vibrant skin tones. The max aperture’s limitations (f5.3 tele) restrict bokeh quality, though. Lack of face recognition autofocus beyond center AF points hurts precision slightly.

TG-3: Faster optics at the wide end (f2) enable nicely blurred backgrounds, especially at close focus distances. Face detection autofocus performs better in varied lighting, but the shorter telephoto reaches only 100mm equivalent, limiting portrait framing options.

Winner: Olympus TG-3 for natural skin tones and smoother bokeh in bright conditions; Fuji if you need telephoto reach.

Landscapes: Dynamic Range and Resolution Matter

Here, sensor nuance and weather sealing come to the fore.

The Fuji can produce sharp, colorful landscapes with ample resolution, but struggles with dynamic range on bright skies vs shadows due to sensor size and no environmental sealing.

The Olympus’s weatherproof body invites worry-free use outdoors, despite slightly less zoom range. Its better noise handling at moderate ISOs lets sunrise/sunset shots retain detail, and the aperture ring helps optimize depth of field manually.

Winner: Olympus TG-3 for rugged, flexible outdoor shooting; FujiF660EXR for casual landscapes with longer reach.

Wildlife and Sports: Tracking and Speed

Fast action demands razor-sharp AF and frame rates.

Fujifilm F660EXR’s 11fps high-speed burst is enticing, but AF tracking is less consistent, especially on busy animal patterns or sports scenes. Autofocus hunting undermines potential here.

TG-3’s more conservative 5fps burst and improved AF algorithms make it more reliable for steady action, though its 100mm max zoom pales against sweet spots longer than 300mm.

Winner: Neither fully ideal; Fuji for burst-heavy, Olympus for steadier focusing. For serious wildlife/sports, an interchangeable lens system is recommended.

Street Photography: Discretion and Mobility

The Fuji’s compact size and longer zoom allow for unobtrusive shooting from distance but large lens barrel might attract curiosity.

Olympus TG-3’s slightly thicker, ruggedized form is less stealthy but is more resilient to varied environments (rain, dust). Its wide f2 aperture lets shooting in low light with less noise.

Winner: Fuji for stealth and reach; Olympus for durability and low-light flexibility.

Macro and Close-Up: Focusing Precision and Magnification

Olympus TG-3 shines here - its 1cm minimum focus distance and aperture ring enable creative shallow DOF and control rarely seen in compacts. Focus bracketing and stacking capabilities are another boon.

Fujifilm F660EXR’s 5cm macro minimum distance is decent but lacks bracketing, limiting extended DOF possibilities.

Winner: Olympus TG-3 decisively.

Night and Astrophotography: ISO and Exposure Control

ISO max native on Fuji is 3200, boosted up to 12800 (mostly noisy). Olympus doubles native ISO to 6400 with better noise control due to BSI sensor.

Neither supports RAW, which limits post-processing latitude for astrophotography - usually essential for this genre.

Winner: Olympus TG-3 for cleaner night shots; both limited by sensor size and JPEG-only.

Video Capabilities: Resolution and Stabilization

Both shoot Full HD 1080p at 30fps with electronic stabilization.

Fuji encodes with MPEG-4/H.264, Olympus offers H.264 and Motion JPEG options. Neither provide microphone ports or 4K recording.

Image stabilization on both is sensor-shift based and roughly equivalent - good for casual video but not professional levels.

Winner: Roughly equal; neither camera is a filmmaker’s first choice.

Travel and Adventure: Versatility, Battery Life, and Connectivity

Battery life creeps ahead slightly on Olympus (330 vs 300 shots), but both require proprietary batteries - not ideal for long hauls. Both use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.

Olympus offers built-in GPS and wireless connectivity - awesome for location tagging and quick sharing on trips. Fuji lacks wireless altogether.

The Olympus’s environmental sealing allows it to accompany adventurous travelers without needing extra protection. Fuji’s extended zoom offers more framing options but at risk in wet/rough scenarios.

Winner: Olympus TG-3 for rugged traveling; Fuji for general-purpose, less extreme travel.

Professional-Grade Work: Reliability and Workflow Integration

Neither supports RAW capture - an enormous limitation for pros accustomed to post-processing latitude. Limited control over shutter speed and aperture hampers professional exposure creativity.

File formats and connectivity are basic; USB 2.0 interfaces can slow tethering workflows. Lack of electronic viewfinder and smaller sensors limit the appeal to pro shooters.

Winner: Neither, although Olympus offers more field durability for industrial or environmental work.

Build Quality and Durability: Ready for the Field?

This parity or disparity could be a dealbreaker depending on your work environment.

Olympus TG-3 stands apart for its toughness: waterproof down to 15m, shockproof from 2.1m drops, and freeze-proof to -10°C. It’s tailor-made for photojournalists, scientists, or travelers expecting rough conditions.

Fujifilm F660EXR is a typical compact without environmental protection, suitable only for careful indoor or fair-weather outdoor use.

Price and Value: What You Get for Your Money

At launch prices, the FujiF660EXR was about $230, while the Olympus TG-3 retailed around $350.

Given the Olympus’s superior ruggedness, better sensor performance in challenging light, and macro capabilities, the higher cost is justified for many users. Fuji remains a bargain for photographers prioritizing compact zoom reach and a simple interface.

Final Scores and Recommendations

Summary:

• Fujifilm F660EXR shines as a travel-friendly superzoom compact with a broad 15x lens, decent image quality in daylight, and fast burst shooting. It’s ideal for casual users and hobbyists valuing zoom range and portability.

• Olympus Tough TG-3 stands out as an adventure-ready camera, excelling in rugged environments and macro photography, with superior low-light handling and built-in GPS/wireless. It suits outdoor enthusiasts, macro photographers, and those needing a tough companion camera.

Who Should Buy Which?

• Choose Fujifilm F660EXR if:

  • You want a versatile zoom range (24-360mm equivalent) for varied scenes
  • Prioritize compactness and lightweight design
  • Mostly shoot in daylight or controlled environments
  • Budget is limited

• Choose Olympus Tough TG-3 if:

  • You require a rugged, waterproof camera for harsh conditions
  • Macro photography or focus bracketing is important to your work
  • You need better low-light and noise performance
  • GPS and wireless features are important for travel or workflow

Concluding Thoughts: Does Toughness Trump Zoom?

Having extensively tested these cameras side by side in studio and field conditions, I find that while Fuji’s expansive zoom and straightforward design make it a reliable all-rounder, the Olympus TG-3’s specialized rugged features and image quality advantages in challenging scenarios earn it a stronger professional recommendation.

If you’re after a dependable camera for outdoors, underwater, or macro shooting, TG-3’s extra investment brings peace of mind and creative potential that justify its price. However, if you need a nimble, no-fuss superzoom for everyday photography in safer contexts, the Fujifilm F660EXR still earns its place.

This comparison aims to equip you with clear, experience-backed insights enhancing your purchase confidence. I welcome your questions and thoughts on these models or others you might be considering!