Olympus TG-850 iHS vs Ricoh CX3

In this article, we will be comparing the Olympus TG-850 iHS and Ricoh CX3, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Olympus and Ricoh. There is a sizeable difference among the resolutions of the TG-850 iHS (16MP) and CX3 (10MP) but they use the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

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The TG-850 iHS was announced 3 years later than the CX3 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the TG-850 iHS scores versus the CX3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-850 iHS and Ricoh CX3. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus TG-850 iHS Gallery and Ricoh CX3 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to lug around your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus TG-850 iHS provides external dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.1") having a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs) whilst the Ricoh CX3 has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

Examine the Olympus TG-850 iHS and Ricoh CX3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you select during that time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the TG-850 iHS compared to the CX3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the TG-850 iHS and CX3 is 91 and 92 respectively.

In many cases, it's hard to picture the contrast in sensor measurements only by going through specifications. The visual underneath will help offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the TG-850 iHS and CX3.

To sum up, each of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit different megapixels. You should count on the Olympus TG-850 iHS to show extra detail with its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs far more aggressively. The newer TG-850 iHS should have a benefit in sensor tech.