Olympus Tough-3000 vs Panasonic GF3

Here, we will be evaluating the Olympus Tough-3000 versus Panasonic GF3, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the Tough-3000 (12MP) and the GF3 (12MP) is pretty comparable but the Tough-3000 (1/2.3") and GF3 (Four Thirds) posses totally different sensor size.

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The Tough-3000 was released 19 months prior to the GF3 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus Tough-3000 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting into a detailed comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the Tough-3000 grades vs the GF3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus Tough-3000 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus Tough-3000 Gallery and Panasonic GF3 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera frequently, you will have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus Tough-3000 enjoys outer dimensions of 96mm x 65mm x 23mm (3.8" x 2.6" x 0.9") and a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) while the Panasonic GF3 has specifications of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") and a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs).

See the Olympus Tough-3000 versus Panasonic GF3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the Tough-3000 compared to the GF3.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the Tough-3000 and GF3 is 94 and 90 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to visualise the gap in sensor sizing only by seeing a spec sheet. The photograph below will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the Tough-3000 and GF3.

Clearly, both of those cameras come with the identical resolution albeit not the same sensor sizing. The Tough-3000 contains the smaller sensor which will make obtaining shallow depth of field tougher. The older Tough-3000 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.