Olympus 550WP vs Olympus TG-3

In this article, we will be contrasting the Olympus 550WP and Olympus TG-3, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Waterproof and they are both manufactured by Olympus. There is a sizable difference among the sensor resolutions of the 550WP (10MP) and TG-3 (16MP) but they feature the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The 550WP was manufactured 6 years before the TG-3 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick view of how the 550WP matches up versus the TG-3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus 550WP & Olympus Tough TG-3. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus 550WP Gallery & Olympus TG-3 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera often, you will want to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus 550WP has external measurements of 94mm x 62mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") having a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) while the Olympus TG-3 has proportions of 112mm x 66mm x 31mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") and a weight of 247 grams (0.54 lbs).

Check out the Olympus 550WP and Olympus TG-3 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have during that time. Following is the front view scale comparison of the 550WP against the TG-3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the 550WP and TG-3 is 94 and 90 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing only by viewing technical specs. The graphic here will help give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the 550WP and TG-3.

As you can tell, the two cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same megapixels. You can count on the Olympus TG-3 to provide you with greater detail due to its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The older 550WP will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.