Olympus SP-800 UZ vs Olympus TG-3

Below, we will be comparing the Olympus SP-800 UZ and Olympus TG-3, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Waterproof and they are both designed by Olympus. The image resolution of the SP-800 UZ (14MP) and the TG-3 (16MP) is pretty similar and they come with the exact same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SP-800 UZ was unveiled 5 years prior to the TG-3 and that is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting in to a thorough comparison, below is a simple view of how the SP-800 UZ matches up versus the TG-3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SP-800 UZ & Olympus Tough TG-3. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-800 UZ Gallery & Olympus TG-3 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera, you will want to consider its weight and size. The Olympus SP-800 UZ has got external dimensions of 110mm x 90mm x 91mm (4.3" x 3.5" x 3.6") with a weight of 455 grams (1.00 lbs) and the Olympus TG-3 has specifications of 112mm x 66mm x 31mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") along with a weight of 247 grams (0.54 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus SP-800 UZ and Olympus TG-3 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you select at that time. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the SP-800 UZ compared to the TG-3.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the SP-800 UZ and TG-3 is 69 and 90 respectively.

Generally, it can be hard to imagine the contrast between sensor measurements purely by reading a spec sheet. The visual underneath might give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-800 UZ and TG-3.

Clearly, the two cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit different MP. You can expect the Olympus TG-3 to deliver more detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The older SP-800 UZ is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.