Olympus TG-860 vs Panasonic G3

Lets look more closely at the Olympus TG-860 versus Panasonic G3, former being a Waterproof while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the TG-860 (16MP) and the G3 (16MP) is very well matched but the TG-860 (1/2.3") and G3 (Four Thirds) come with different sensor sizing.

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The TG-860 was launched 3 years later than the G3 and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus TG-860 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic G3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going through a more detailed comparison, below is a short summation of how the TG-860 scores versus the G3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-860 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus TG-860 Gallery & Panasonic G3 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera frequently, you will need to think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus TG-860 features exterior dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.1") having a weight of 224 grams (0.49 lbs) whilst the Panasonic G3 has measurements of 115mm x 84mm x 47mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 1.9") and a weight of 336 grams (0.74 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus TG-860 versus Panasonic G3 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are working with during that time. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the TG-860 versus the G3.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the TG-860 and G3 is 91 and 83 respectively.

Normally, it can be difficult to visualize the difference between sensor sizing simply by checking technical specs. The graphic below will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the TG-860 and G3.

As you have seen, both cameras posses the exact same megapixel count but different sensor sizing. The TG-860 provides the tinier sensor which will make achieving shallower DOF more challenging. The fresher TG-860 should have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.