Olympus Tough-3000 vs Ricoh GR II

Here, we are evaluating the Olympus Tough-3000 vs Ricoh GR II, one is a Waterproof and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Ricoh. There is a huge difference among the image resolutions of the Tough-3000 (12MP) and GR II (16MP) and the Tough-3000 (1/2.3") and GR II (APS-C) boast totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The Tough-3000 was released 6 years earlier than the GR II which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus Tough-3000 being a Compact camera and the Ricoh GR II being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick summation of how the Tough-3000 matches up against the GR II in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus Tough-3000 and Ricoh GR II. The complete galleries are available at Olympus Tough-3000 Gallery and Ricoh GR II Gallery.

If you're looking to travel with your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and proportions. 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) while the Ricoh GR II has measurements of 117mm x 63mm x 35mm (4.6" x 2.5" x 1.4") with a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs).

Look at the Olympus Tough-3000 vs Ricoh GR II in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you choose at that time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the Tough-3000 vs the GR II.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the Tough-3000 and GR II is 94 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to envision the contrast in sensor dimensions simply by going through technical specs. The picture below will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the Tough-3000 and GR II.

As you have seen, each of these cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The Tough-3000 because of its smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF harder and the Ricoh GR II will show greater detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics way more aggressively. The more aged Tough-3000 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.