Olympus E-PL3 vs Olympus TG-5

Here, we are matching up the Olympus E-PL3 and Olympus TG-5, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Waterproof and both of them are created by Olympus. The resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the TG-5 (12MP) is very well matched but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and TG-5 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-PL3 was introduced 6 years before the TG-5 which is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus TG-5 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise view of how the E-PL3 matches up versus the TG-5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Olympus Tough TG-5. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Olympus TG-5 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry around your camera, you will need to consider its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL3 offers external dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) whilst the Olympus TG-5 has specifications of 113mm x 66mm x 32mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") having a weight of 250 grams (0.55 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL3 and Olympus TG-5 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the E-PL3 vs the TG-5.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL3 and TG-5 is 88 and 90 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be tough to envision the gap between sensor sizes only by reading through specifications. The image here will help give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL3 and TG-5.

To sum up, both of those cameras come with the identical megapixels but not the same sensor sizes. The E-PL3 provides the larger sensor which is going to make achieving shallower depth of field easier. The more aged E-PL3 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.