Olympus Tough-3000 vs Panasonic GH1

Following is a in depth assessment of the Olympus Tough-3000 versus Panasonic GH1, one is a Waterproof and the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the Tough-3000 (12MP) and the GH1 (12MP) is fairly close but the Tough-3000 (1/2.3") and GH1 (Four Thirds) posses totally different sensor sizing.

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The Tough-3000 was unveiled 7 months after the GH1 and they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus Tough-3000 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GH1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting into a detailed comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the Tough-3000 grades against the GH1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus Tough-3000 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH1. The full galleries are provided at Olympus Tough-3000 Gallery and Panasonic GH1 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry around your camera often, you have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus Tough-3000 has outer measurements of 96mm x 65mm x 23mm (3.8" x 2.6" x 0.9") along with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Panasonic GH1 has proportions of 124mm x 90mm x 45mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 1.8") along with a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs).

Check the Olympus Tough-3000 versus Panasonic GH1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is a front view physical size comparison of the Tough-3000 against the GH1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the Tough-3000 and GH1 is 94 and 81 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes purely by researching specifications. The image here will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the Tough-3000 and GH1.

To sum up, the two cameras feature the identical megapixel count but not the same sensor sizes. The Tough-3000 includes the smaller sensor which should make obtaining shallower depth of field trickier. The more recent Tough-3000 will have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.