Olympus TG-3 vs Panasonic FS42

On this page, we will be comparing the Olympus TG-3 versus Panasonic FS42, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Ultracompact by manufacturers Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a sizeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the TG-3 (16MP) and FS42 (10MP) and the TG-3 (1/2.3") and FS42 (1/2.5") posses different sensor dimensions.

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The TG-3 was introduced 5 years later than the FS42 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus TG-3 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting into a in depth comparison, here is a concise view of how the TG-3 matches up versus the FS42 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Tough TG-3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-3 Gallery and Panasonic FS42 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera regularly, you should factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus TG-3 offers exterior dimensions of 112mm x 66mm x 31mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 247 grams (0.54 lbs) and the Panasonic FS42 has measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs).

Compare the Olympus TG-3 versus Panasonic FS42 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the TG-3 and the FS42.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the TG-3 and FS42 is 90 and 95 respectively.

More often than not, it is tough to visualize the gap between sensor measurements only by looking at specifications. The graphic here will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the TG-3 and FS42.

To sum up, both cameras have different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The TG-3 using its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field simpler and the Olympus TG-3 will give more detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The younger TG-3 should have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.