Olympus TG-820 iHS vs Sony NEX-3

Let's look a bit more closely at the Olympus TG-820 iHS versus Sony NEX-3, former is a Waterproof while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The image resolution of the TG-820 iHS (12MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is relatively similar but the TG-820 iHS (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) use different sensor size.

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The TG-820 iHS was revealed 21 months after the NEX-3 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus TG-820 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a short highlight of how the TG-820 iHS grades against the NEX-3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus TG-820 iHS & Sony Alpha NEX-3. The full galleries are provided at Olympus TG-820 iHS Gallery & Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

When you are planning to travel with your camera regularly, you will need to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus TG-820 iHS provides exterior measurements of 101mm x 65mm x 26mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.0") with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-3 has proportions of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus TG-820 iHS versus Sony NEX-3 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have at that moment. Below is the front view scale comparison of the TG-820 iHS and the NEX-3.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the TG-820 iHS and NEX-3 is 92 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very hard to picture the gap between sensor dimensions only by reviewing technical specs. The pic below will offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the TG-820 iHS and NEX-3.

As you can tell, the two cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The TG-820 iHS with its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF harder and the Sony NEX-3 will deliver greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The newer TG-820 iHS provides a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.