Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus TG-870

In this article, we will be looking at the Olympus E-P3 versus Olympus TG-870, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Ultracompact and they are both sold by Olympus. There is a sizable difference among the image resolutions of the E-P3 (12MP) and TG-870 (16MP) and the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and TG-870 (1/2.3") feature different sensor sizing.

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The E-P3 was released 5 years earlier than the TG-870 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus TG-870 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before going straight into a full comparison, below is a quick view of how the E-P3 grades against the TG-870 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-P3 & Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P3 Gallery & Olympus TG-870 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-P3 has exterior measurements of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") and a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) whilst the Olympus TG-870 has proportions of 113mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 221 grams (0.49 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-P3 versus Olympus TG-870 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are working with at the time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the E-P3 compared to the TG-870.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the E-P3 and TG-870 is 86 and 91 respectively.

Usually, it can be difficult to picture the gap in sensor sizing just by seeing specifications. The photograph below should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the E-P3 and TG-870.

To sum up, the 2 cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-P3 because of its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field simpler and the Olympus TG-870 will provide greater detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The older E-P3 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.