Olympus Tough-3000 vs Ricoh GXR Mount A12

Below, we will be reviewing the Olympus Tough-3000 vs Ricoh GXR Mount A12, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Ricoh. The resolution of the Tough-3000 (12MP) and the GXR Mount A12 (12MP) is relatively similar but the Tough-3000 (1/2.3") and GXR Mount A12 (APS-C) use totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The Tough-3000 was brought out 19 months earlier than the GXR Mount A12 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus Tough-3000 being a Compact camera and the Ricoh GXR Mount A12 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going through a in depth comparison, below is a short highlight of how the Tough-3000 grades against the GXR Mount A12 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus Tough-3000 and Ricoh GXR Mount A12. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus Tough-3000 Gallery and Ricoh GXR Mount A12 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera frequently, you'll have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus Tough-3000 comes with external measurements of 96mm x 65mm x 23mm (3.8" x 2.6" x 0.9") with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Ricoh GXR Mount A12 has specifications of 120mm x 70mm x 45mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.8") having a weight of 370 grams (0.82 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus Tough-3000 vs Ricoh GXR Mount A12 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have chosen at the time. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the Tough-3000 compared to the GXR Mount A12.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the Tough-3000 and GXR Mount A12 is 94 and 84 respectively.

In many cases, it can be difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing just by reviewing technical specs. The graphic here should give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the Tough-3000 and GXR Mount A12.

As you can tell, both of the cameras have got the exact same resolution albeit not the same sensor sizing. The Tough-3000 provides the tinier sensor which should make obtaining shallow depth of field more difficult. The older Tough-3000 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.