Olympus TG-2 iHS vs Sony NEX-3

In this article, we will be matching up the Olympus TG-2 iHS versus Sony NEX-3, former being a Waterproof while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the TG-2 iHS (12MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is pretty close but the TG-2 iHS (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor sizing.

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The TG-2 iHS was unveiled 3 years later than the NEX-3 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus TG-2 iHS being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a short highlight of how the TG-2 iHS scores vs the NEX-3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS & Sony Alpha NEX-3. The full galleries are available at Olympus TG-2 iHS Gallery & Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

If you're intending to lug around your camera frequently, you will want to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus TG-2 iHS has got outer measurements of 111mm x 67mm x 29mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.1") and a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs) and the Sony NEX-3 has measurements of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus TG-2 iHS versus Sony NEX-3 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have chosen at the time. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the TG-2 iHS compared to the NEX-3.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the TG-2 iHS and NEX-3 is 91 and 89 respectively.

Usually, it's hard to see the difference in sensor measurements purely by looking through specs. The graphic underneath should give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the TG-2 iHS and NEX-3.

All in all, each of the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The TG-2 iHS using its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Sony NEX-3 will result in extra detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The newer TG-2 iHS is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.