Olympus 9000 vs Olympus TG-3

Its time to look more closely at the Olympus 9000 and Olympus TG-3, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Waterproof and both of them are designed by Olympus. There exists a huge gap between the resolutions of the 9000 (12MP) and TG-3 (16MP) but both cameras offer the same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The 9000 was announced 5 years before the TG-3 which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going right into a in depth comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the 9000 grades against the TG-3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus 9000 and Olympus Tough TG-3. The whole galleries are available at Olympus 9000 Gallery and Olympus TG-3 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry around your camera often, you should take into account its weight and size. The Olympus 9000 provides outside measurements of 96mm x 60mm x 31mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") with a weight of 225 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Olympus TG-3 has specifications of 112mm x 66mm x 31mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") with a weight of 247 grams (0.54 lbs).

Compare the Olympus 9000 and Olympus TG-3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have attached at that moment. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the 9000 and the TG-3.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the 9000 and TG-3 is 92 and 90 respectively.

More often than not, it can be tough to imagine the contrast between sensor sizes merely by checking specs. The picture underneath may give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the 9000 and TG-3.

All in all, the two cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit different megapixels. You should count on the Olympus TG-3 to give you more detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots more aggressively. The more aged 9000 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.