Olympus E-PL8 vs Olympus Tough-3000

In this write-up, we are evaluating the Olympus E-PL8 versus Olympus Tough-3000, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Waterproof and both are sold by Olympus. There exists a big gap between the resolutions of the E-PL8 (16MP) and Tough-3000 (12MP) and the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and Tough-3000 (1/2.3") use different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL8 was unveiled 6 years later than the Tough-3000 and that is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus Tough-3000 being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a detailed comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the E-PL8 scores versus the Tough-3000 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL8 and Olympus Stylus Tough-3000. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery and Olympus Tough-3000 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera often, you're going to have to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL8 has physical measurements of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") along with a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) whilst the Olympus Tough-3000 has sizing of 96mm x 65mm x 23mm (3.8" x 2.6" x 0.9") having a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL8 versus Olympus Tough-3000 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the E-PL8 and the Tough-3000.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL8 and Tough-3000 is 86 and 94 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very hard to imagine the gap between sensor sizing simply by reading through technical specs. The graphic here may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL8 and Tough-3000.

As you can tell, the two cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-PL8 using its larger sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Olympus E-PL8 will resolve greater detail having an extra 4MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images a little more aggressively. The fresher E-PL8 provides an edge in sensor innovation.