Olympus Tough-3000 vs Samsung NX5

Let's look a bit more closely at the Olympus Tough-3000 versus Samsung NX5, former being a Waterproof while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Samsung. The sensor resolution of the Tough-3000 (12MP) and the NX5 (15MP) is relatively similar but the Tough-3000 (1/2.3") and NX5 (APS-C) possess different sensor dimensions.

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The Tough-3000 was introduced 4 months prior to the NX5 so they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus Tough-3000 being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a simple summation of how the Tough-3000 scores against the NX5 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus Tough-3000 & Samsung NX5. The whole galleries are available at Olympus Tough-3000 Gallery & Samsung NX5 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera, you should factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus Tough-3000 comes with outside measurements of 96mm x 65mm x 23mm (3.8" x 2.6" x 0.9") with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Samsung NX5 has sizing of 123mm x 87mm x 40mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 1.6") along with a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Compare the Olympus Tough-3000 versus Samsung NX5 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have during that time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the Tough-3000 vs the NX5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the Tough-3000 and NX5 is 94 and 80 respectively.

More often than not, it is difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing merely by reading specifications. The visual below may offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the Tough-3000 and NX5.

Plainly, both cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The Tough-3000 with its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field more difficult and the Samsung NX5 will deliver more detail using its extra 3MP. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs far more aggressively.