Olympus E-PL5 vs Olympus Tough-3000

On this page, we will be looking at the Olympus E-PL5 versus Olympus Tough-3000, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Waterproof and both of them are offered by Olympus. There exists a considerable gap between the image resolutions of the E-PL5 (16MP) and Tough-3000 (12MP) and the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and Tough-3000 (1/2.3") provide different sensor measurements.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The E-PL5 was revealed 2 years later than the Tough-3000 and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus Tough-3000 being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a detailed comparison, here is a quick overview of how the E-PL5 matches up vs the Tough-3000 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL5 & Olympus Stylus Tough-3000. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery & Olympus Tough-3000 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera, you will want to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL5 offers exterior measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") having a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) while the Olympus Tough-3000 has sizing of 96mm x 65mm x 23mm (3.8" x 2.6" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL5 versus Olympus Tough-3000 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the E-PL5 vs the Tough-3000.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL5 and Tough-3000 is 88 and 94 respectively.

Quite often, it's hard to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing only by reviewing a spec sheet. The visual underneath should provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL5 and Tough-3000.

As you can see, both of those cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The E-PL5 using its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF less difficult and the Olympus E-PL5 will offer you more detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will let you crop shots more aggressively. The more modern E-PL5 provides an advantage with regard to sensor tech.