Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus Tough-3000

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-P3 and Olympus Tough-3000, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Waterproof and both are sold by Olympus. The resolution of the E-P3 (12MP) and the Tough-3000 (12MP) is pretty similar but the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and Tough-3000 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The E-P3 was manufactured 20 months after the Tough-3000 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus Tough-3000 being a Compact camera.

Before going through a in-depth comparison, below is a short view of how the E-P3 matches up versus the Tough-3000 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-P3 and Olympus Stylus Tough-3000. The entire galleries are available at Olympus E-P3 Gallery and Olympus Tough-3000 Gallery.

When you are planning to travel with your camera frequently, you have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-P3 provides outer measurements of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") having a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) whilst the Olympus Tough-3000 has dimensions of 96mm x 65mm x 23mm (3.8" x 2.6" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-P3 and Olympus Tough-3000 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the E-P3 compared to the Tough-3000.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-P3 and Tough-3000 is 86 and 94 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be hard to envision the difference between sensor dimensions purely by going over technical specs. The picture here will help give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P3 and Tough-3000.

As you can tell, both of the cameras offer the same exact megapixel count albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The E-P3 contains the bigger sensor which is going to make obtaining bokeh less difficult. The newer E-P3 will have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.