Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus Tough-3000

Here is a in depth assessment of the Olympus E-PL3 and Olympus Tough-3000, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Waterproof and they are both produced by Olympus. The resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the Tough-3000 (12MP) is very close but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and Tough-3000 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL3 was launched 21 months later than the Tough-3000 making them a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus Tough-3000 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a in-depth comparison, here is a short summation of how the E-PL3 grades against the Tough-3000 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Olympus Stylus Tough-3000. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Olympus Tough-3000 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL3 provides outer measurements of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) while the Olympus Tough-3000 has dimensions of 96mm x 65mm x 23mm (3.8" x 2.6" x 0.9") and a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL3 and Olympus Tough-3000 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the E-PL3 and the Tough-3000.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL3 and Tough-3000 is 88 and 94 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very hard to see the contrast in sensor sizing only by viewing specifications. The graphic here might offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL3 and Tough-3000.

To sum up, the two cameras feature the identical megapixels but not the same sensor sizing. The E-PL3 uses the larger sensor which will make achieving shallow depth of field simpler. The younger E-PL3 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.