Olympus TG-630 iHS vs Sony NEX-3

Olympus TG-630 iHS vs. Sony NEX-3: A Tale of Two Cameras Across Two Worlds

When it comes to picking a camera, the landscape is vast - ranging from ultra-durable compacts to entry-level mirrorless marvels. Today, I'll walk you through a comparison between two intriguing cameras that couldn't be more different in purpose and design: the rugged Olympus TG-630 iHS and the pioneering Sony NEX-3 mirrorless. Both hit the market over a decade ago, yet each holds lessons in camera design and performance that remain relevant whether you're looking for a tough little companion or stepping into mirrorless photography.

I’ve put both through their paces, assessing how their specifications translate into real-life shooting scenarios across photography genres, form factors, and user needs. Let’s embark on this comparative journey with an informed eye and a touch of skepticism that every seasoned photographer picks up along the way.

The First Impression: Size, Handling & Ergonomics

At first glance, one of the most striking differences is size and feel. The Olympus TG-630 iHS is a compact, pocketable rugged shooter designed to go where few cameras dare, with waterproof, shockproof, crushproof, and freezeproof features. The Sony NEX-3, by contrast, is a rangefinder-style mirrorless camera, larger and more substantial, but still notably compact compared to DSLR counterparts.

From my hands-on experience, the TG-630 feels like the classic tool-watch of cameras: small, lightweight, and ready for the unpredictable. At 98x66x22mm and just 167g, it’s practically your hiking buddy. It slips into a jacket pocket with ease - not something I’d say about the Sony NEX-3, which measures a bulkier 117x62x33mm and weighs nearly double at 297g.

The Olympus’s build is simple but reassuring, with a fixed lens and minimal controls - a single dial or button here, designed for quick decisions rather than fiddly settings. Sony aimed this camera at new mirrorless users who value more creative control but desire portability, so you get a more pronounced grip area and a more complex control layout - more buttons, dials, and a tilting 3-inch screen that doubles functionality when composing shots at odd angles (handy for street or macro).

This size and ergonomic difference first signal the cameras' intended audiences: Olympus TG-630 for the adventurous “grab-and-shoot” enthusiast, and Sony NEX-3 for the enthusiast ready to explore manual controls and interchangeable lenses.

Design Details Up Close: Controls and Interface

Both cameras lack electronic viewfinders, relying on rear LCDs - a major factor in composition and usability.

Looking at controls, Olympus TG-630 offers a straightforward experience with fewer buttons and a non-touch fixed screen, emphasizing simplicity. The Sony NEX-3, on the other hand, sports a tilting TFT LCD with nearly double the resolution (920 vs. 460k dots). It’s a serious upgrade for checking focus and framing, particularly given the NEX-3’s support for manual focus and aperture control.

While the TG-630’s interface supports live view and face detection autofocus, it notably lacks touchscreen or manual focus. The Sony NEX-3 offers full manual control modes, exposure compensation, and shutter/aperture priority modes, inviting users to experiment creatively.

This split in interface philosophy means the Sony suits photographers wanting hands-on control and feedback, while the Olympus aligns more with ease and durability. Neither offers illuminated buttons - a minor gripe when shooting in low light - but the Sony’s richer control set arguably offers better tactile feedback.

The Heart of the Matter: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

In the world of cameras, the sensor holds the crown jewel. Olympus TG-630 sports a 1/2.3" CMOS sensor measuring 6.17x4.55mm, delivering 12 megapixels. The Sony NEX-3 embraces a much larger APS-C size CMOS sensor at 23.4x15.6mm with 14 megapixels.

The difference here is massive in sensor area (approx. 28 mm² vs. 365 mm²) - more than ten times, which has profound implications. Larger sensors generally mean better image quality, especially in low light, greater dynamic range, and more refined control over depth of field (those creamy bokeh-filled portraits).

My lab tests and field trials bear this out: the Sony NEX-3 produces cleaner images at higher ISOs, with more detail retention and smoother gradations across shadows and highlights. Olympus’s sensor shows more noise creeping in beyond ISO 400 and struggles in dynamic range - expected for a compact sensor struggling against ambient conditions. High-contrast scenes are often a challenge for the TG-630, resulting in clipped highlights or crushed shadows.

So for portraits, landscapes, and any scenario demanding image quality over sheer convenience, the Sony leads decisively. The Olympus’s sensor size makes it more of a snapshot tool than a quality-driven device.

On the Move: Autofocus and Shooting Performance

Autofocus technology directly affects your shooting success, particularly for moving subjects like wildlife or sports.

• Olympus TG-630: Contrast-detection autofocus with face detection; single AF mode only; continuous shooting up to 5 fps.
• Sony NEX-3: Contrast-detection AF with 25 focus points; supports single, continuous AF; continuous shooting up to 7 fps.

Practically, for static or slow-moving subjects, the TG-630 is fine (and it even claims tracking capabilities with face detection). But during wildlife shooting or sports with unpredictable action, its AF sluggishness becomes apparent - hunting and delays cause missed shots.

I found the NEX-3 is more responsive and accurate, with faster focus acquisition and better tracking, especially with the right E-mount lenses. Continuous AF lets you follow subjects easier, and the higher burst rate (7 fps) affords a better chance of nailing that decisive moment.

Still, keep in mind that neither camera has the sophisticated hybrid phase-detection systems common to modern cameras, so the Sony’s AF, while better, isn’t blisteringly fast by today’s standards.

Build Quality and Environmental Durability

If you’re rough on gear, this section could be a dealmaker.

• Olympus TG-630: Waterproof to 10 meters, shockproof (1.5m drops), freezeproof to -10°C, crushproof (100kgf).
• Sony NEX-3: No weather sealing or rugged features.

Olympus’s outdoorsy credentials are bulletproof - I've seen many a TG-series camera survive waterfalls, snowy day hikes, and unexpected dunks with barely a hiccup. Yes, the lens aperture range (F3.9 to 5.9) and limited zoom may not win awards, but for a camera you can take swimming or skiing, ruggedness trumps optical finesse.

The Sony NEX-3 needs a bit more TLC; no dust, moisture, or freeze protection means planning is required in challenging environments. If you shoot indoors or carefully outdoors, this is no biggie, but for adventure photographers, Olympus’s toughness is a major plus.

Composition and Interface: Screens and Viewfinders

Both cameras depend on LCDs rather than viewfinders.

The NEX-3 boasts a higher resolution 3” TFT Xtra Fine tilting screen, great for composing at difficult angles and more detailed image review. The tilt feature also adds versatility when shooting low to the ground or over crowds.

Olympus TG-630’s fixed 3” LCD delivers basic framing and menu navigation but lack of tilt or touch limits flexibility. It’s more of a point-and-shoot setup, and while familiar to most users, it can frustrate those wanting more compositional freedom or focus confirmation detail.

For photographers who like to finesse composition or shoot videos with precise framing, the Sony is undoubtedly more accommodating.

Image Samples: Real-World Performance

Let’s see how the cameras perform in typical shooting environments.

Olympus TG 630 iHS front Olympus TG 630 iHS screen back Sony NEX 3 front Sony NEX 3 screen back

• Portraits on the Sony NEX-3 show pleasing skin tones and good background separation thanks to sensor size and lens choice.
• Olympus portraits are noticeably sharper front-to-back but flatter with less creamy bokeh.
• Landscape shots from the NEX-3 shine with detail and dynamic range; the TG-630 images are softer with limited shadow detail.
• In macro, Olympus can focus as close as 1cm, delivering impressive close-ups in a pinch, aided by sensor-shift image stabilization.
• Nighttime shots reveal the NEX-3’s better high-ISO control; the TG-630 suffers from grain and colour shifts.

These examples highlight the NEX-3’s superiority in image fidelity and the TG-630’s ultimate convenience and versatility for rough conditions and casual shooting.

Stills and Motion: Video Capabilities

Video remains a key consideration.

• Olympus TG-630: Full HD 1080p at 60fps, sensor-shift stabilization active; outputs via HDMI; no mic input.
• Sony NEX-3: HD up to 720p at 30fps; no stabilization; external flash support; HDMI output; no microphone input.

The Olympus clearly outperforms the Sony video-wise, offering smoother full HD footage with built-in stabilization - a boon for run-and-gun style or travel vids. However, the lack of external audio options limits serious video work.

Sony’s NEX-3 is limited to 720p and lags in stabilization, though better manual exposure controls can be an advantage for careful video shooters wanting more creative input.

Lens Ecosystems Matter

Lens options, especially for mirrorless, are crucial.

• Olympus TG-630: Fixed 28-140mm (35mm equiv.) with modest aperture F3.9-5.9.
• Sony NEX-3: Sony E-mount with over 120 native lenses available (zoom, prime, macro, telephoto, third-party options included).

Sony’s huge lens variety is a major selling point, allowing for growth, specialty shooting, and upgrades over time. Whether you want a sharp 50mm f1.8 for portraits or a fast zoom for events, there’s an E-mount lens for that.

Olympus’s fixed zoom lens is adequate for snapshots and casual zoom, but its aperture limits low-light and creative possibilities.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

• Olympus TG-630: 220 shots per charge, storage via SD cards, USB 2.0, HDMI, no wireless.
• Sony NEX-3: 330 shots per charge, SD and Memory Stick storage, USB 2.0, HDMI, Eye-Fi wireless support (a bit niche), no Bluetooth.

The Sony’s longer battery life suits day-long excursions and more intensive shooting. Olympus’s lack of wireless connectivity is a downside by today’s standards but understandable for a rugged compact of its time.

Photography Genre Suitability

How do these cameras stack up across common photography types?

• Portraits: Sony NEX-3 wins for bokeh, skin tone nuances, and manual focus control.
• Landscape: Again, NEX-3 leads with larger sensor and dynamic range; Olympus could serve casual needs.
• Wildlife: Sony edges out with faster burst and AF, but neither is truly wildlife-specialist.
• Sports: Sony’s 7 fps and continuous AF better, but neither excels for fast action.
• Street: Olympus’s compactness is a plus, but limited control reduces creative potential.
• Macro: Olympus’s close-focus and stabilization help; Sony can do better with dedicated macro lenses but needs investment.
• Night/Astro: NEX-3 superior ISO performance, Olympus limited.
• Video: Olympus better stabilized 1080p video.
• Travel: Olympus offers portability and ruggedness; Sony offers image quality and versatility.
• Professional Work: Sony with RAW support, manual controls, and lens flexibility is favored.

Final Scores and Verdict

Balancing all factors, the Sony NEX-3 is the clear winner in image quality, creative flexibility, and overall photographic capability. However, Olympus TG-630 still holds a niche as a rugged, “go anywhere” compact that can survive your wildest adventures and produce decent images without fuss.

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

• Choose Olympus TG-630 iHS if you:

  • Need a tough, weatherproof camera that can withstand rough treatment.
  • Want an easy-to-use point-and-shoot without manual fiddling.
  • Will shoot mostly outdoors in varied conditions with minimal setup.
  • Prefer lightweight and pocketable design.

• Choose Sony NEX-3 if you:

  • Desire higher image quality and raw shooting capabilities.
  • Want manual exposure control and interchangeable lenses.
  • Shoot portraits, landscapes, or events demanding creative flexibility.
  • Are prepared to handle a slightly larger camera for better performance.
  • Value better video control, even if limited in stabilization.

Wrapping Up With Some Perspective

It’s easy to get dazzled by specs and discount practical realities. The Olympus TG-630 iHS is an honest rugged compact - great for snapshots, travel in harsh conditions, and carefree shooting. The Sony NEX-3, a pioneer in affordable mirrorless, offers a solid foundation for those seeking to learn manual controls and step beyond compact cameras.

In my experience, nothing replaces shooting your preferred subjects under your typical conditions. Consider what matters most: do you prioritize hardy portability or image quality and creative control? Both cameras tell stories of their time and technology mindset, and each still serves distinct photographers today.

If budget permits and creative flexibility is your goal, the NEX-3 remains a capable gateway to mirrorless photography. But if you want simple, no-hassle ruggedness, the TG-630 is an all-weather pal ready to roll.

Here’s hoping this comparison helps you navigate your next camera purchase with not just specs but a feel for what's really behind the models. Happy shooting!