Olympus E-PL1 vs Olympus TG-3

Here is a complete analysis of the Olympus E-PL1 vs Olympus TG-3, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Waterproof and they are both built by Olympus. There exists a huge gap between the resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and TG-3 (16MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and TG-3 (1/2.3") posses different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL1 was announced 4 years earlier than the TG-3 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus TG-3 being a Compact camera.

Before getting into a detailed comparison, here is a concise summation of how the E-PL1 grades against the TG-3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Olympus Tough TG-3. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Olympus TG-3 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera regularly, you will want to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL1 has outer measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) and the Olympus TG-3 has specifications of 112mm x 66mm x 31mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") along with a weight of 247 grams (0.54 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-PL1 vs Olympus TG-3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Underneath is a front view measurement comparison of the E-PL1 compared to the TG-3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1 and TG-3 is 86 and 90 respectively.

More often than not, it is very hard to picture the gap between sensor sizing purely by reviewing technical specs. The graphic underneath may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL1 and TG-3.

As you can tell, each of these cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PL1 with its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field less difficult and the Olympus TG-3 will deliver extra detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The older E-PL1 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.