Olympus E-PM1 vs Olympus Tough-3000

The following is a thorough assessment of the Olympus E-PM1 and Olympus Tough-3000, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Waterproof and both of them are sold by Olympus. The sensor resolution of the E-PM1 (12MP) and the Tough-3000 (12MP) is pretty well matched but the E-PM1 (Four Thirds) and Tough-3000 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PM1 was launched 23 months after the Tough-3000 which makes them a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PM1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Olympus Tough-3000 being a Compact camera.

Before diving right into a in depth comparison, here is a concise summary of how the E-PM1 matches up versus the Tough-3000 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PM1 and Olympus Stylus Tough-3000. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PM1 Gallery and Olympus Tough-3000 Gallery.

If you're aiming to travel with your camera, you'll need to factor its weight and size. The Olympus E-PM1 features physical dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) whilst the Olympus Tough-3000 has specifications of 96mm x 65mm x 23mm (3.8" x 2.6" x 0.9") having a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PM1 and Olympus Tough-3000 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have attached during that time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the E-PM1 compared to the Tough-3000.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PM1 and Tough-3000 is 89 and 94 respectively.

In many cases, it can be tough to envision the difference between sensor dimensions merely by reading through technical specs. The image here should give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PM1 and Tough-3000.

As you have seen, the two cameras provide the same resolution albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The E-PM1 offers the bigger sensor which will make getting shallower depth of field easier. The younger E-PM1 is going to have an edge in sensor innovation.