Olympus Tough-3000 vs Pentax K-50

In this article, we will be evaluating the Olympus Tough-3000 versus Pentax K-50, former is a Waterproof while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. There exists a sizable gap among the sensor resolutions of the Tough-3000 (12MP) and K-50 (16MP) and the Tough-3000 (1/2.3") and K-50 (APS-C) come with different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The Tough-3000 was revealed 4 years earlier than the K-50 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus Tough-3000 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-50 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving through a detailed comparison, below is a brief summation of how the Tough-3000 grades against the K-50 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus Tough-3000 & Pentax K-50. The full galleries are available at Olympus Tough-3000 Gallery & Pentax K-50 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry around your camera, you will want to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus Tough-3000 has 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 Pentax K-50 has proportions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") along with a weight of 650 grams (1.43 lbs).

Check the Olympus Tough-3000 versus Pentax K-50 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are using during that time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the Tough-3000 versus the K-50.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the Tough-3000 and K-50 is 94 and 63 respectively.

Typically, its tough to visualize the contrast in sensor sizes only by going through a spec sheet. The picture below should provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the Tough-3000 and K-50.

As you can see, both cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The Tough-3000 using its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field harder and the Pentax K-50 will show extra detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more aged Tough-3000 will be behind in sensor innovation.