Olympus TG-2 iHS vs Panasonic GF3

Below is a thorough assessment of the Olympus TG-2 iHS versus Panasonic GF3, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the TG-2 iHS (12MP) and the GF3 (12MP) is fairly comparable but the TG-2 iHS (1/2.3") and GF3 (Four Thirds) have totally different sensor sizing.

Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

The TG-2 iHS was announced 23 months later than the GF3 making them a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus TG-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight to a in depth comparison, here is a concise view of how the TG-2 iHS grades against the GF3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-2 iHS Gallery and Panasonic GF3 Gallery.

In case you're looking to lug around your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus TG-2 iHS enjoys physical measurements of 111mm x 67mm x 29mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.1") having a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GF3 has sizing of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") and a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs).

Check the Olympus TG-2 iHS versus Panasonic GF3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are employing at the time. Below is a front view size comparison of the TG-2 iHS compared to the GF3.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the TG-2 iHS and GF3 is 91 and 90 respectively.

Often, it is tough to see the gap in sensor measurements purely by checking out specs. The visual here will help give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the TG-2 iHS and GF3.

All in all, both the cameras feature the identical resolution but not the same sensor measurements. The TG-2 iHS includes the smaller sensor which is going to make obtaining shallower depth of field tougher. The newer TG-2 iHS is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.