Olympus TG-610 vs Panasonic G3

On this page, we are contrasting the Olympus TG-610 and Panasonic G3, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the TG-610 (14MP) and the G3 (16MP) is fairly well matched but the TG-610 (1/2.3") and G3 (Four Thirds) have totally different sensor sizes.

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The TG-610 was manufactured 6 months prior to the G3 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus TG-610 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic G3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise summary of how the TG-610 grades vs the G3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus TG-610 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-G3. The entire galleries are available at Olympus TG-610 Gallery and Panasonic G3 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera, you need to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus TG-610 enjoys outer measurements of 96mm x 65mm x 26mm (3.8" x 2.6" x 1.0") along with a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs) and the Panasonic G3 has proportions of 115mm x 84mm x 47mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 1.9") along with a weight of 336 grams (0.74 lbs).

See the Olympus TG-610 and Panasonic G3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using at the time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the TG-610 vs the G3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the TG-610 and G3 is 93 and 83 respectively.

Usually, it can be tough to visualise the difference between sensor sizing simply by checking specifications. The visual below might give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the TG-610 and G3.

Plainly, both the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The TG-610 featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field more difficult and the Panasonic G3 will give extra detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos a bit more aggressively.