Olympus Tough-3000 vs Zeiss ZX1

Below, we are evaluating the Olympus Tough-3000 vs Zeiss ZX1, one is a Waterproof and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Zeiss. There exists a huge gap between the sensor resolutions of the Tough-3000 (12MP) and ZX1 (37MP) and the Tough-3000 (1/2.3") and ZX1 (Full frame) use totally different sensor measurements.

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The Tough-3000 was introduced 9 years prior to the ZX1 which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus Tough-3000 being a Compact camera and the Zeiss ZX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting in to a detailed comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the Tough-3000 grades versus the ZX1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus Tough-3000 and Zeiss ZX1. The whole galleries are available at Olympus Tough-3000 Gallery and Zeiss ZX1 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera, you will need to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus Tough-3000 has got exterior dimensions of 96mm x 65mm x 23mm (3.8" x 2.6" x 0.9") having a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) while the Zeiss ZX1 has sizing of 142mm x 93mm x 46mm (5.6" x 3.7" x 1.8") along with a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus Tough-3000 vs Zeiss ZX1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using during that time. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the Tough-3000 and the ZX1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the Tough-3000 and ZX1 is 94 and 67 respectively.

Quite often, it's tough to see the gap between sensor dimensions purely by checking a spec sheet. The picture here will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the Tough-3000 and ZX1.

Clearly, both of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The Tough-3000 with its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Zeiss ZX1 will give you extra detail using its extra 25MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop images much more aggressively. The more aged Tough-3000 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.