Olympus Tough-3000 vs Panasonic GF7

In this article, we are comparing the Olympus Tough-3000 versus Panasonic GF7, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the Tough-3000 (12MP) and GF7 (16MP) and the Tough-3000 (1/2.3") and GF7 (Four Thirds) possess totally different sensor sizes.

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The Tough-3000 was launched 6 years earlier than the GF7 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus Tough-3000 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight into a thorough comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the Tough-3000 grades against the GF7 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus Tough-3000 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF7. The complete galleries are available at Olympus Tough-3000 Gallery and Panasonic GF7 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera often, you have to consider its weight and size. The Olympus Tough-3000 offers physical dimensions of 96mm x 65mm x 23mm (3.8" x 2.6" x 0.9") along with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GF7 has specifications of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") with a weight of 266 grams (0.59 lbs).

See the Olympus Tough-3000 versus Panasonic GF7 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have attached during that time. Following is the front view scale comparison of the Tough-3000 compared to the GF7.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the Tough-3000 and GF7 is 94 and 90 respectively.

Often, it can be hard to envision the contrast in sensor sizing simply by going through specifications. The visual here will help give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the Tough-3000 and GF7.

To sum up, each of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The Tough-3000 due to its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field tougher and the Panasonic GF7 will provide more detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop images a little more aggressively. The older Tough-3000 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.