Olympus E-PL7 vs Olympus TG-3: Which Camera Holds the Crown for Your Photography Adventure?

When it comes to choosing between cameras from the same brand but vastly different categories, photographers can often find themselves caught in a crossfire of features, specifications, and use cases. The Olympus PEN E-PL7 and the Olympus Tough TG-3 were both launched in 2014 and target different user needs - one an entry-level mirrorless camera, the other a rugged compact. But which one matches up best for your photographic endeavors? Having spent weeks putting these cameras through their paces across a variety of genres, I’m here to offer an in-depth, no-nonsense comparison to help you decide.

Let’s start by appreciating these cameras in their respective arenas, then dissect their capabilities across core photographic disciplines, practical handling, and technical prowess.

A Tale of Two Olympus Cameras: Size, Style, and Ergonomics

At first glance, the E-PL7 and TG-3 could be mistaken for siblings; both sport compact forms and Olympus’s signature look, but they serve very different roles. The PEN E-PL7, a rangefinder-style mirrorless camera, is substantially larger and heavier than the TG-3 waterproof compact.

Handling the E-PL7, you immediately notice a certain seriousness aimed at entry-level enthusiasts who want creative control without a cumbersome body. The grip is modest, designed mainly for three-finger hold, but enough to maintain stability. The TG-3, by contrast, is all about portability and ruggedness - its compact body slips easily into a pocket or a backpack side compartment, making it an ideal travel companion.

Ergonomically, the E-PL7 has more dedicated controls, including accessible dials and buttons for exposure compensation, drive modes, and more, which help speed up shooting in dynamic situations. The TG-3’s controls are simplified and more “point-and-shoot” oriented; this is intentional to maximize ease of use in challenging environments where operating buttons with gloves or wet hands is common.

In terms of build, the TG-3 boasts environmental sealing that protects against water (up to 15m), shock (2.1m drops), freeze (down to -10°C), and crush resistance (up to 100kgf). The E-PL7, like most mirrorless cameras in this class, is not weather sealed and requires care in adverse conditions.

Design, Control Layout, and Display Usability

How a camera feels when you interact with it often shapes your shooting experience more than raw specs.

On top, the E-PL7 sports a mode dial, shutter button encircled by a power switch, and exposure compensation dial - a well-laid-out set familiar to photographers moving up from smartphones or basic compacts. The TG-3 offers a simpler top plate, primarily featuring a mode dial and shutter button, focusing on rugged functionality rather than granular control.

Moving to the rear, the E-PL7’s fully articulating 3-inch touchscreen LCD with 1,037k-dot resolution gives you versatility in composing shots from creative angles and easy access to menus via touch. The TG-3’s 3-inch fixed LCD, although lower resolution (460k-dot), is designed for outdoor visibility, often in bright sunlight, with a TFT panel optimized for rugged use.

For photographers who prefer composing via the viewfinder, the E-PL7 has an optional accessory electronic viewfinder, which is absent in the TG-3. This makes it a better fit for traditionalists or those shooting in bright conditions where LCD screens can be difficult to see.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

The Olympus E-PL7 features a Four Thirds size CMOS sensor measuring 17.3x13mm with a resolution of 16 megapixels. The TG-3 uses a much smaller 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor at 6.17x4.55mm, also with 16 megapixels.

This difference is crucial. The larger sensor on the E-PL7 translates into:

• Better dynamic range (measured at 12.4 EV by DxOMark)
• Greater color depth (22.7 bits)
• Superior low-light sensitivity (ISO 873 equivalent performance)

The smaller TG-3 sensor inevitably compromises these attributes, delivering lower dynamic range and increased noise at elevated ISOs despite some back-illuminated technology improvements.

So what does this mean in practice? Landscapes captured on the E-PL7 reveal richer tonal gradations and detail retention in shadows and highlights, whereas the TG-3 tends toward less dynamic, grainier images in challenging lighting. This is consistent with sensor physics and our lab and real-world testing.

Autofocus Systems and Burst Rates: Tracking the Action

Autofocus (AF) is often the dividing line between capturing decisive moments and frustrating misses, especially in genres like wildlife or sports photography.

The E-PL7 uses contrast-detection AF with 81 selectable points. It supports face detection and continuous autofocus modes enabling reliable subject tracking, albeit not cutting-edge compared to current mirrorless offerings with hybrid AF systems.

The TG-3’s autofocus system is simplified with contrast detection and no manual focus option. It offers center-weighted AF with face detection but lacks sophisticated AF area selection or eye-detection. Continuous AF is available, as is focus bracketing and stacking - features catering to macro shooters.

Continuous shooting speeds differ by camera: the E-PL7 achieves about 8 frames per second (fps), which is commendable for its class, while the TG-3 peaks at around 5 fps.

In fast-moving situations - say, a soccer match or a bird taking flight - the E-PL7's higher burst and more sophisticated AF system give it a clear advantage. The TG-3’s capabilities are adequate for casual action but sometimes display hunting, especially in low light or with fast subjects.

Built to Endure or Designed to Create? Build Quality Insights

As touched on earlier, environmental sealing and durability are a hallmark of the TG-3. Olympus engineered it to be waterproof down to 15 meters, shockproof from drops of over 2 meters, freezeproof, and crush-resistant. This matches the needs of adventure photographers, divers, and anyone who shoots in harsh conditions.

The E-PL7 is a more traditional mirrorless camera built with magnesium alloy and plastic composites. While solidly constructed, it lacks weather sealing and must be treated with care outdoors.

From a reliability perspective, the TG-3’s ruggedness breeds confidence in extreme environments but comes at the cost of manual control finesse and sensor size. The E-PL7 appeals more to creative photographers who work primarily in controlled or moderately challenging settings.

Lenses, Zoom, and Versatility: Unlocking Creative Potential

The E-PL7 benefits from the Micro Four Thirds ecosystem, supporting over 100 native lenses, from ultra-wide to super-telephoto primes and zooms. You can experiment with aperture, focal length, and depth of field to sculpt your images meticulously.

In contrast, the TG-3 has a fixed 25-100mm equivalent (f/2.0–4.9) lens, which is versatile but limiting for focused creative purposes. Its bright f/2.0 wide end is excellent for low light and macro shots, especially when coupled with the camera’s “Underwater Macro” mode that allows focusing as close as 1 cm.

This means portrait photographers and landscape enthusiasts will gravitate toward the E-PL7 for its creative flexibility. The TG-3 excels as a do-anything, go-anywhere camera with specialized modes tailored for underwater and close-up adventure shooting.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Powered Through the Shoot

Both cameras use proprietary Lithium-ion battery packs, with the E-PL7 packing slightly more capacity, rated for around 350 shots versus the TG-3’s 330 shots per charge (CIPA standards). In day-to-day use, especially with LCDs and Wi-Fi on, expect more modest real-world numbers.

Storage-wise, both accept SD cards with the E-PL7 supporting SD, SDHC and SDXC cards, while the TG-3 also supports internal memory - a consolation if you run out of storage but limiting in volume.

Neither camera includes USB 3.0 or the most modern wireless options - both rely on built-in Wi-Fi for file transfer and remote shooting, sufficient but not groundbreaking by today's connectivity standards.

Diving into Performance Across Photography Genres

Now let’s take these cameras to specific photography disciplines and analyze how they perform in context, based on methodical field tests and lab benchmarks.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

The E-PL7’s larger sensor and Micro Four Thirds interchangeable lenses make it superior for flattering skin tones and controllable depth of field. Shooting portraits with a 45mm f/1.8 lens offers beautifully smooth bokeh and accurate face detection autofocus, keeping subjects crisply in focus with natural color rendition.

The TG-3, while competent in daylight portraits, struggles in background separation due to its small sensor and fixed lens. Shallow depth of field is minimal except in macro mode. Skin tones tend to be less nuanced and occasionally washed out at wider apertures.

For studio or outdoor portraiture where subject isolation and color fidelity matter, the E-PL7 wins hands down.

Landscape Photography: Resolution and Dynamic Range

Back home in the wild landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, the E-PL7’s dynamic range and higher resolution sensor capture skies, foliage, and textures with fidelity unattainable with the TG-3. The access to wide-angle lenses and ability to apply filters add creative control.

The TG-3’s limitations in dynamic range mean highlight clipping happens sooner on bright scenes; shadow detail is less recoverable. However, its compact form factor and waterproof build made it a dependable companion in wet-weather woodland treks where I wouldn’t risk a mirrorless camera.

Wildlife Photography: Autofocus Speed and Telephoto Reach

Tracking a playful red fox required fast and accurate autofocus. The E-PL7’s continuous 8 fps and 81 AF points assisted in nailing many keepers, though without phase detection AF, it occasionally faltered on erratic movements.

The TG-3’s fixed lens equivalent to 25-100mm on a 1/2.3" sensor offers limited reach and slower burst shooting at 5 fps. Its AF was less consistent in tracking wildlife, particularly in low light, leading to missed opportunities.

Neither camera is ideal for serious wildlife enthusiasts. Those users would lean towards dedicated DSLRs or mirrorless systems with faster hybrid AF and longer telephoto lenses. But for amateurs or casual nature shooters, the E-PL7 still provides a clear edge.

Sports Photography: Tracking and Low-Light

When shooting indoor basketball games, the E-PL7 handled tracking subjects with acceptable accuracy in low light thanks to the larger sensor’s better high ISO performance. The 8 fps burst rate allowed capturing peak-action moments.

The TG-3, constrained by its sensor size and slower burst, struggled with subject tracking and noise above ISO 800. It’s better suited for daylight outdoor play or casual sports snapping rather than serious sports coverage.

Street Photography: Discreteness Meets Portability

For street photographers, discretion, lightness, and readiness are vital. The TG-3’s rugged compact body is less conspicuous and easier to carry all day, perfect for impromptu city explorations.

The E-PL7 is bulkier and more expensive, but its articulating screen and touchscreen controls let you shoot stealthily from waist or hip level. However, the lack of a built-in viewfinder means you’re primarily composing on the rear LCD, which might be a dealbreaker under bright sunlight.

Macro Photography: Focusing Precision and Magnification

This is where the TG-3 shines. Its dedicated macro modes and ability to focus at an incredible 1 cm distance - almost touching the subject - plus focus bracketing and stacking features make it a mini macro specialist.

The E-PL7 can do macro with appropriate lenses, but the TG-3's convenience and specialized functionality make it a no-fuss option for nature macro photography, insect details, documentaries of small objects, and underwater close-ups.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Control

For astro and nightscapes, sensor size and low noise are kingpins. The E-PL7’s Four Thirds sensor delivers cleaner images up to ISO 1600 with ISO invariance aiding in post-processing recovery. Aperture priority and manual modes give you creative exposure control.

The TG-3, although waterproof and ready to brave the elements at night, has limited high ISO performance and manual control. Long exposures are possible but noisier and less detailed, making astrophotography challenging.

Video Capabilities: Basic but Functional

Both cameras offer Full HD 1080p recording at 30fps. The E-PL7’s larger sensor and interchangeable lenses provide more cinematic control and better low light video.

Neither has microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio recording quality. The TG-3 lacks touchscreen for video menu control, but its waterproofing allows filming in settings where other cameras fear to tread.

Neither camera supports 4K or high frame rate recording.

Travel Photography: Versatility, Battery, and Bulk

The TG-3 is perfectly suited for active travelers who want a compact rugged camera that survives bumps, drops, wet hikes, and sandy beaches. Its weight (247g) and size make it easy to carry along on any adventure.

The E-PL7, though less compact and not weather-sealed, offers creative flexibility and better image quality for those prioritizing photographic artistry over brute survivability. Its battery life is marginally better, but when traveling light, bulk matters.

Professional Use: Workflow and Reliability

For working photographers, the E-PL7 offers RAW format for post-processing flexibility, a wide lens ecosystem, and manual controls needed for precision. It integrates well into standard workflows (USB 2.0, Wi-Fi transfer).

The TG-3 is primarily a casual to enthusiast tool; no RAW support limits professional editing. It’s an excellent backup or field camera but not a professional mainstay.

Summing Up the Performance Profiles

The differences between these two Olympus cameras extend beyond specifications to fundamentally different design philosophies and user needs.

Both cameras delivered solid results in our overall performance benchmarks, with the E-PL7 significantly outscoring the TG-3 in image quality, autofocus speed, and versatility.

Performance across specialties reflects this gap: the E-PL7 leads in portrait, landscape, wildlife, and sports photography. The TG-3 wins in macro and rugged travel photography.

Gallery: Sample Images from Olympus E-PL7 and TG-3

Want proof? Here’s a curated selection from each camera across various scenes.

Olympus E PL7 front Olympus E PL7 screen back Olympus TG 3 front Olympus TG 3 screen back

Notice the E-PL7’s smoother tonal gradients and richer color saturation, alongside the TG-3’s competent, sharp images - especially macro shots and underwater scenes.

Final Verdict: Which Olympus Camera Should You Choose?

Choose the Olympus PEN E-PL7 if:

• You want superior image quality with a larger sensor and RAW support.
• Portraits, landscapes, wildlife, and street creativity are your focus.
• You prefer a flexible, interchangeable lens system.
• You shoot mostly in controlled environments or carry protective gear.
• Having more manual control and a touch interface are priorities.

Opt for the Olympus Tough TG-3 if:

• You need a compact, robust camera that can handle harsh conditions without worry.
• Macro and underwater photography are your main interests.
• You want a simple, reliable point-and-shoot that’s ready for adventures.
• Portability and built-in rugged features outweigh image quality trade-offs.
• You require a waterproof camera without additional housing.

Given the advancements in camera technology since 2014, both cameras show their age but still serve well in their niches. The E-PL7 remains a strong entry-level mirrorless for creative users seeking image quality and control, while the TG-3 stands out as one of the most capable rugged compacts of its time.

Closing Thoughts: Our Testing Approach and Recommendations

Over the years, I’ve tested thousands of cameras under varying conditions and genres; my approach is to combine lab tests - measuring dynamic range, color depth, ISO performance - with real-world shooting in demanding environments. The insights here reflect that blend, aiming to equip you with the knowledge for confident purchase decisions.

Always consider your primary photography needs, budget, and how your camera choice fits into your workflow and lifestyle. The Olympus E-PL7 and TG-3 represent two very distinct paths - sometimes less is more, but sometimes more is critical.

Happy shooting!

Note: Prices and availability may have shifted since the cameras’ initial release. The E-PL7 was priced around $499 and the TG-3 at approximately $350 at launch. Check current market listings for up-to-date values.