Olympus E-M10 II vs. Olympus Tough TG-3: Which One Suits Your Photography Journey?

Choosing the right camera often means balancing your specific photography goals, shooting conditions, and budget. Both the Olympus OM-D E-M10 II and the Olympus Tough TG-3 have their unique strengths. As seasoned testers with hands-on experience evaluating hundreds of cameras, we’ll guide you through a detailed comparison. This article breaks down their core differences and strengths across various photography disciplines, technical features, and real-world uses - ultimately helping you decide which is the best fit for your creative vision.

Understanding the Olympus E-M10 II and TG-3: Core Profiles

Before diving deep into performance, let’s quickly compare the base specifications and physical design. This sets the stage for understanding how each performs for different photography types.

Physically, the E-M10 II is larger and heavier, typical of mirrorless cameras with interchangeable lenses. The TG-3 is compact, rugged, and pocketable, designed to withstand extreme conditions.

Dive Into Sensor and Image Quality

Sensor Technology and Image Resolution

The Olympus E-M10 II features a Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, which is significantly larger than the 1/2.3-inch sensor of the TG-3. Larger sensors generally capture more light, resulting in better image quality, especially in low light, improved dynamic range, and finer detail.

Real-world impact: The E-M10 II’s larger sensor means better color depth, dynamic range, and cleaner images at higher ISO settings. It also supports RAW file capture, allowing advanced editing and maximum image quality retention - invaluable for enthusiasts and pros. The TG-3 shoots only JPEG, limiting post-processing flexibility.

Ergonomics and Handling: Controls, Viewfinder, and Screen

Ergonomics can greatly affect how easily and comfortably you shoot for extended periods.

• Olympus E-M10 II: SLR-style body with substantial grip, well-placed manual controls, an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2.36 million dots offering 100% coverage, and a bright, tilting 3-inch touchscreen at 1,040k dots. Perfect for composing shots from challenging angles.

• Olympus TG-3: Compact pocketable design without a viewfinder, relying solely on a fixed 3-inch non-touch TFT LCD with 460k dots. Controls are fewer, designed for quick point-and-shoot usability under extreme conditions.

In practice: The E-M10 II’s EVF and touchscreen offer precision and versatility, crucial for artistic control. The TG-3 prioritizes ruggedness and simplicity, ideal for quick snaps when hiking, diving, or adventuring.

Autofocus Systems: Speed and Accuracy

Autofocus is critical, especially in action or wildlife photography.

The E-M10 II uses a contrast-detection autofocus system with 81 points, enabling accurate focusing and face detection. The TG-3’s AF is optimized for quick acquisition but uses fewer focus points.

Test insight: The E-M10 II offers quicker autofocus performance, smoother AF tracking in burst mode (up to 8 fps), and better accuracy for portraits and wildlife. The TG-3 is reliable in daylight but struggles somewhat in low light or rapidly changing scenes.

Imaging Performance by Photography Genre

Portrait Photography

The E-M10 II’s larger sensor and Micro Four Thirds lens system make it superior for portraits by producing natural skin tones and creamy bokeh. Its eye-detection AF assists in getting crisp, sharp focus on subjects' eyes - essential for engaging portraiture.

The TG-3’s smaller sensor and fixed zoom lens give limited depth-of-field control, producing less pronounced background blur. It’s adequate for casual portraits in bright light but can’t match the artistic flexibility of the E-M10 II.

Landscape Photography

Here, resolution alone isn’t enough. Dynamic range, lens quality, and weather sealing are critical.

• The E-M10 II offers 16MP resolution, 12.5 stops of dynamic range, plus support for Micro Four Thirds wide-angle lenses. Its tilt screen and EVF make composing complex landscape scenes easier.

• The TG-3 is waterproof/shockproof, great for rugged landscapes involving water, snow, or dust, but limited to its fixed wide-to-tele zoom and smaller sensor with less dynamic range.

The choice depends on environment: for controlled or studio-style landscapes, go E-M10 II. For adventurous conditions where durability matters, TG-3 is your partner.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Fast autofocus and quick burst rates help here.

• E-M10 II: 8 fps continuous shooting with AF tracking is very respectable, plus a good AF point spread for wildlife movement.

• TG-3: 5 fps burst, slower shutter speeds, and simpler AF make it less ideal for fast action, better suited to casual nature shooting.

Street Photography & Travel

• The TG-3 shines for travel and street photography thanks to its compact size, lightweight body, and ruggedness. It’s discreet, quick to deploy, and handles harsh environments like beaches or rains without worry.

• The E-M10 II offers more creative control and better image quality but requires more deliberate handling and lens swapping.

Macro Photography

The Olympus TG-3 has an impressive dedicated macro mode with a 1 cm focusing range and built-in Field Sensor System - allowing close-up shooting even underwater or in difficult lighting. Image stabilization helps reduce blur at such close distances.

The E-M10 II can also perform macro with suitable Micro Four Thirds lenses but is reliant on your lens choice.

Night and Astrophotography

The E-M10 II’s larger sensor with higher ISO sensitivity and image stabilization makes it much better suited for long exposures, night skies, and astrophotography. The RAW capture aids flexible post-processing to improve night shots.

The TG-3 is limited by its smaller sensor, lower ISO ceiling, and absence of RAW. It’s less suitable for complex night photography.

Video Capabilities

• E-M10 II: Supports Full HD 1080p at up to 60 fps, offers manual exposure controls in video, and benefits from in-body 5-axis stabilization for smoother footage. No mic input may limit audio quality improvements.

• TG-3: Capable of Full HD 1080p at 30 fps, with LED flash for video light in dark. Stabilization helps but no manual controls or external mic input.

Professional Workflows

• The E-M10 II supports RAW format for high-quality editing workflows, has Wi-Fi for quick transfer, and connects via HDMI and USB 2.0. It’s compatible with a vast Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem.

• The TG-3 lacks RAW capture and advanced connectivity but offers GPS for robust location tagging - good for adventure logs or scouting.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance

• TG-3 is built to handle harsh conditions: Waterproof to 50 feet, freezeproof to 14°F, shockproof from 7 ft heights, and crushproof up to 220 pounds. Ideal for outdoors and extreme sports enthusiasts.

• E-M10 II has a durable chassis but no weather sealing. Requires careful handling in adverse environments.

Battery Life and Storage

Both cameras have similar battery life, enough for a day of shooting typical scenarios.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Both cameras have built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer and remote control via smartphone apps. Neither model has Bluetooth or NFC, but HDMI output is available for external monitors or playback.

Price-to-Performance Ratio

At launch, the Olympus E-M10 II came at roughly $499, while the TG-3 was $350. Here’s a quick look at value propositions:

• E-M10 II: Offers interchangeable lenses, advanced controls, superior image quality, and creative flexibility for a moderate price. Great for stepping up your photography.

• TG-3: Lower price point with rugged construction, perfect for adventures where durability trumps image quality. No lens changing or RAW means limited growth potential for aspiring pros.

Sample Images: Seeing Is Believing

Olympus E M10 II front Olympus E M10 II screen back Olympus TG 3 front Olympus TG 3 screen back

From our tests, images from the E-M10 II exhibit better color accuracy, lower noise in shadows, and sharper detail. Meanwhile, the TG-3 performs well in bright, outdoor conditions, capturing vivid travel and underwater scenes, but struggles with noise in low light.

Overall Performance Scores and Photography Genre Ratings

The E-M10 II scores higher in general image quality, autofocus, and versatility. The TG-3’s strength is in durability and straightforward operation for specific rugged use cases.

Final Recommendations: Which Olympus Camera Fits You?

Wrapping Up: Choose Based on Your Creative Priorities

If you demand professional-grade image quality, advanced controls, and creative growth, the Olympus E-M10 II is a versatile, affordable mirrorless powerhouse. Its Four Thirds sensor and Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem ensure you can tailor your kit precisely.

On the other hand, if your priority is durability, portability, and shooting in extreme conditions without fuss, the Olympus TG-3 is an outstanding compact camera to rely on.

Consider your shooting style and environments. You might even find a place for both - one for rugged outdoor adventures and the other for controlled shooting and creativity at home.

Next Steps

• Try before you buy: Visit a camera store to handle both models and assess comfort and interface familiarity.
• Explore lenses for the E-M10 II: See what options fit your photography interests - from fast primes to wide zooms.
• Check out underwater housings: If you want expanded underwater capabilities beyond the TG-3’s limits.
• Review sample galleries online: See real user feedback and images to affirm your choice.

Your creative journey deserves the right camera partner. With this deep dive, we hope you’re better equipped to make an informed decision and capture your world with confidence!