Olympus TG-820 iHS vs Ricoh GR III

On this page, we are looking at the Olympus TG-820 iHS versus Ricoh GR III, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Ricoh. There exists a sizeable gap between the image resolutions of the TG-820 iHS (12MP) and GR III (24MP) and the TG-820 iHS (1/2.3") and GR III (APS-C) offer different sensor dimensions.

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The TG-820 iHS was introduced 7 years prior to the GR III and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus TG-820 iHS being a Compact camera and the Ricoh GR III being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a detailed comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the TG-820 iHS scores vs the GR III in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus TG-820 iHS and Ricoh GR III. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus TG-820 iHS Gallery and Ricoh GR III Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera, you need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus TG-820 iHS offers external measurements of 101mm x 65mm x 26mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.0") and a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs) while the Ricoh GR III has dimensions of 109mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 257 grams (0.57 lbs).

Check the Olympus TG-820 iHS versus Ricoh GR III in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have attached at that time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the TG-820 iHS and the GR III.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the TG-820 iHS and GR III is 92 and 90 respectively.

Normally, it is very tough to imagine the gap between sensor sizing just by reading through specifications. The visual here may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the TG-820 iHS and GR III.

To sum up, both cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The TG-820 iHS having a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Ricoh GR III will give you more detail using its extra 12 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos more aggressively. The older TG-820 iHS is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.