Olympus Tough-3000 vs Sony A500

On this page, we will be evaluating the Olympus Tough-3000 versus Sony A500, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the Tough-3000 (12MP) and the A500 (12MP) is relatively similar but the Tough-3000 (1/2.3") and A500 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor measurements.

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The Tough-3000 was unveiled 5 months later than the A500 and they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus Tough-3000 being a Compact camera and the Sony A500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting into a complete comparison, here is a quick view of how the Tough-3000 matches up against the A500 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus Tough-3000 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A500. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus Tough-3000 Gallery and Sony A500 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera frequently, you're going to have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus Tough-3000 comes with physical dimensions of 96mm x 65mm x 23mm (3.8" x 2.6" x 0.9") having a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Sony A500 has dimensions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") and a weight of 630 grams (1.39 lbs).

Examine the Olympus Tough-3000 versus Sony A500 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the Tough-3000 and the A500.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the Tough-3000 and A500 is 94 and 63 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to see the difference between sensor sizing merely by going over a spec sheet. The visual here should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the Tough-3000 and A500.

Clearly, both of the cameras provide the same MP albeit not the same sensor sizing. The Tough-3000 has got the tinier sensor which should make achieving shallower depth of field tougher.