Olympus E-P2 vs Olympus TG-3

Below is a thorough assessment of the Olympus E-P2 and Olympus TG-3, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Waterproof and both of them are manufactured by Olympus. There is a large difference among the sensor resolutions of the E-P2 (12MP) and TG-3 (16MP) and the E-P2 (Four Thirds) and TG-3 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The E-P2 was launched 4 years earlier than the TG-3 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-P2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus TG-3 being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise summary of how the E-P2 grades against the TG-3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P2 & Olympus Tough TG-3. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-P2 Gallery & Olympus TG-3 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera regularly, you'll need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-P2 provides physical dimensions of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") with a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) and the Olympus TG-3 has proportions of 112mm x 66mm x 31mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") and a weight of 247 grams (0.54 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-P2 and Olympus TG-3 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-P2 compared to the TG-3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E-P2 and TG-3 is 86 and 90 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to envision the gap in sensor measurements simply by checking out technical specs. The photograph below will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P2 and TG-3.

As you have seen, both of those cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-P2 because of its bigger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF easier and the Olympus TG-3 will produce greater detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older E-P2 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.