Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus TG-3

In this write-up, we are matching up the Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus TG-3, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Waterproof and they are both built by Olympus. There is a considerable difference between the sensor resolutions of the E-P3 (12MP) and TG-3 (16MP) and the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and TG-3 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-P3 was revealed 3 years before the TG-3 which is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus TG-3 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a detailed comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the E-P3 matches up vs the TG-3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-P3 & Olympus Tough TG-3. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-P3 Gallery & Olympus TG-3 Gallery.

For those who are looking to travel with your camera regularly, you have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-P3 has got external dimensions of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") having a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) while the Olympus TG-3 has dimensions of 112mm x 66mm x 31mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 247 grams (0.54 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-P3 vs Olympus TG-3 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are using at that moment. Following is the front view scale comparison of the E-P3 against the TG-3.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the E-P3 and TG-3 is 86 and 90 respectively.

Generally, its hard to see the difference between sensor dimensions only by reviewing a spec sheet. The pic below might offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P3 and TG-3.

Clearly, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The E-P3 using its larger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF simpler and the Olympus TG-3 will offer you greater detail because of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop images far more aggressively. The more aged E-P3 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.