Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus TG-850 iHS

In this write-up, we are analyzing the Olympus E-PL3 and Olympus TG-850 iHS, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Waterproof and both are built by Olympus. There is a significant difference between the resolutions of the E-PL3 (12MP) and TG-850 iHS (16MP) and the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and TG-850 iHS (1/2.3") use different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL3 was released 3 years prior to the TG-850 iHS which is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus TG-850 iHS being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the E-PL3 grades against the TG-850 iHS with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Olympus Stylus Tough TG-850 iHS. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Olympus TG-850 iHS Gallery.

If you are looking to travel with your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-PL3 features exterior dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) and the Olympus TG-850 iHS has dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.1") having a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL3 and Olympus TG-850 iHS in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose at the time. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the E-PL3 and the TG-850 iHS.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and TG-850 iHS is 88 and 91 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to picture the contrast between sensor dimensions purely by looking at specifications. The pic below might give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL3 and TG-850 iHS.

To sum up, both of the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL3 due to its larger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Olympus TG-850 iHS will give you extra detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The more aged E-PL3 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.