Olympus TG-3 vs Panasonic Lumix G95: A Thorough Comparison for Photographers and Creators

Choosing the right camera sets the foundation for your creative journey - whether you’re a casual adventurer, a content creator, or a seasoned professional. Today, we explore two very different but compelling cameras: the Olympus Tough TG-3, a rugged, compact waterproof model, and the Panasonic Lumix G95 (aka G90), a versatile, advanced mirrorless camera. Our detailed comparison highlights their design, performance, and suitability across photography disciplines so you can confidently decide which fits your needs.

Snapshot Overview: Cameras at a Glance

Feature	Olympus Tough TG-3	Panasonic Lumix G95
Announced	March 2014	April 2019
Body Type	Compact, rugged, waterproof	SLR-style mirrorless
Sensor	1/2.3" BSI-CMOS, 16MP	Micro Four Thirds CMOS, 20.3MP
Lens Mount	Fixed 25-100mm (4x zoom)	Micro Four Thirds (Interchangeable)
Image Stabilization	Sensor-shift	5-axis in-body stabilization
Maximum ISO	6400	25600
Screen	3" Fixed TFT-LCD, 460k dots	3" Fully Articulated Touchscreen, 1240k dots
Viewfinder	None	2.36M-dot EVF, 100% coverage
Video Resolution	Full HD 1080p/30fps	4K UHD 30fps
Burst Shooting	5 fps	9 fps
Waterproofing	Up to 15m/50 ft	None
Weight	247 g	536 g
Price (approx.)	$350	$998

With this overview, you get a feel for the radically different purposes these cameras serve: the TG-3 is a rugged tool optimized for durability and simplicity, while the G95 is a sophisticated mirrorless camera engineered for high-performance imaging and creative control.

Feeling in Your Hands: Size, Weight, and Ergonomics

If you value portability and ruggedness, the TG-3 shines. Compact and tough enough for active lifestyles - water sports, hiking, and extreme outdoor use. The Panasonic G95, in contrast, offers a more substantial grip and control suite, designed around a classic DSLR-style ergonomic layout.

• Olympus TG-3: Measuring just 112 x 66 x 31 mm and weighing 247 grams, it slips easily into pockets, jackets, or small bags. The rubberized body offers excellent grip, and the buttons are straightforward but limited due to the camera’s compact frame.
• Panasonic G95: At 130 x 94 x 77 mm and 536 grams, this camera feels robust and balanced for extended shooting sessions. The enhanced ergonomics include a deep hand grip and responsive control dials, perfect for those who prioritize manual handling and quick adjustments.

User take: For travel and adventurous shooting where gear weight and resilience matter, the TG-3 is a winner. Serious photographers seeking control and comfort will prefer the G95.

Interface and Controls: Navigating Your Camera with Ease

The controls and screen usability directly impact how quickly you can capture critical moments or make creative adjustments.

• TG-3: Features a fixed 3-inch screen with moderate 460k-dot resolution. It’s not touchscreen and sits flat on the back without tilt or articulation. Controls are minimal but functional with dedicated buttons for shooting modes and basic exposure adjustments. Lack of an EVF means composing outdoors under sunlight can be challenging.
• G95: Boasts a 3-inch fully articulating touchscreen with 1240k-dot resolution. The ability to flip and tilt the screen makes vlogging and shooting at awkward angles easier. The electronic viewfinder (2.36 million dots, 100% coverage) gives precise framing in bright conditions. Panasonic’s dual control dials and customizable buttons deliver a professional command experience.

User take: If you appreciate articulating screens and EVFs to compose in varied environments, the G95 offers much greater flexibility. The TG-3 suits spontaneous shooters needing quick overhead views without fiddly menus.

Sensor and Image Quality: A World Apart in Capabilities

The image sensor is fundamental to how your photos look, especially in challenging lighting.

• Olympus TG-3: Packs a small 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with 16 megapixels. The sensor size (6.17 x 4.55 mm) limits the total light-gathering ability and dynamic range. Noise becomes noticeable beyond ISO 800-1600, and the built-in lens's maximum aperture is f/2.0–4.9. This combo yields decent daylight images with decent macro capabilities, especially given its 1cm close-focus macro range.
• Panasonic G95: Uses a much larger Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm, delivering 20.3 megapixels. Without an anti-aliasing filter, images are crisp with fine detail. High ISO performance extends to 25600 (native ISO range 200-25600), with clean results up to ISO 3200-6400. The combination of sensor size and top-tier lenses results in superior image quality across a range of scenarios.

Image quality verdict: The G95’s larger sensor and advanced processing outperform the TG-3 significantly, especially in dynamic range, detail resolution, and low-light shooting. The TG-3 is optimized for ruggedness and macro close-ups rather than image finesse.

Autofocus System: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Responsive autofocus is crucial whether you’re shooting wildlife, sports, or casual street scenes.

• TG-3: Contrast-detection autofocus with face detection and continuous AF modes. Focus speed is adequate for static subjects but can struggle under low light or with fast movement. The macro focus range is a standout feature for close-up shots.
• G95: Advanced contrast-detection AF with 49 focus points, face and eye detection, continuous tracking, and selectable focus modes. It offers fast, reliable autofocus even in moderately dim conditions. Although it lacks phase detection (which some rivals have), in practice the AF is snappy and consistent, especially aided by in-body image stabilization.

User experience: If you primarily shoot active, moving subjects or want confidence in quick focus acquisition, the G95 will serve better. For underwater macro work or casual shooting, the TG-3’s system is sufficient.

Build Quality and Durability: Preparing for the Elements

• TG-3: Designed to be waterproof up to 15m (50ft), shockproof from 2.1m drops, freezeproof to -10°C, and crushproof (up to 100 kgf). Its sealed construction allows you to shoot underwater or in challenging conditions without extra housing.
• G95: Weather-sealed magnesium alloy body to resist dust and splash, but lacks full waterproofing or shockproof features. Requires protection in extreme environments but suited to general travel and outdoor use.

The TG-3’s durability enables adventurous photographers to explore riskier environments, while the G95 balances rugged build with sophisticated controls better suited for everyday professional use.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility: Fixed vs Interchangeable

• TG-3: Fixed 25-100 mm equivalent zoom lens with f/2 aperture at the wide end, useful for general purpose and macro shooting. However, you are limited to what this lens offers, with no options to customize focal lengths or aperture.
• G95: Compatible with over 100 Micro Four Thirds lenses from Panasonic, Olympus, and third parties. This vast array includes ultra-wide, telephoto, macro, primes, and professional zooms. You can tailor your setup for portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or video rigs.

This difference is paramount: the TG-3 is a ready-to-go compact solution while the G95 shines in creative versatility and system expansion as your skills grow.

Battery Life and Storage Options

• TG-3: Approx. 330 shots per charge using Olympus's LI-92B battery. Storage via SD/SDHC/SDXC cards plus limited internal memory.
• G95: Rated near 290 shots per charge - typical for mirrorless cameras with EVFs and articulated screens. Uses SD cards including faster UHS-II format, valuable for recording high-bitrate video.

While the TG-3 lasts a bit longer in stills per battery charge, the G95 handles heavier workloads with larger file sizes and video demands.

Video Capabilities: From Basic to Pro-Level Filmmaking

• TG-3: Full HD 1080p at 30fps, with H.264 or Motion JPEG compression. No 4K, no microphone input, limiting external audio control.
• G95: Offers 4K UHD (3840×2160) at 30fps with 100 Mbps bitrate. Also includes advanced video features - slow motion, 4K photo mode, external mic/headphone ports, and dual I.S. (lens + sensor stabilization).

If video is part of your creative workflow, especially for vlogging or professional clips, the G95 is significantly more capable.

Performance in Different Photography Genres

To help you envision these cameras in the field, here’s how they stack up in various photography styles:

Photography Type	Olympus TG-3	Panasonic G95
Portrait	Decent skin tones, nice bokeh at f/2, but limited lens control	Excellent skin tones, eye detection AF, creative aperture control
Landscape	Good for casual landscapes, limited dynamic range	Superior resolution, dynamic range, weather sealing for tough conditions
Wildlife	Struggles with fast autofocus and zoom range	Better autofocus, telephoto lens compatibility, higher burst speed
Sports	Limited 5 fps burst, slower AF	9 fps burst and better tracking for action shots
Street	Compact and discreet; quick shooting	Larger and heavier, but silent shutter mode aids discretion
Macro	Close 1cm focus range is a highlight	Excellent focusing precision with macro lenses and focus stacking
Night/Astro	Limited by sensor and ISO performance	Performs significantly better with high ISO and manual exposure
Video	Basic 1080p, no audio ports	4K video, mic & headphone ports, advanced stabilization
Travel	Rugged, waterproof, compact	Versatile with broad lens options, weather-sealed body
Professional	Limited pro features; no RAW support	RAW support, customizable controls, excellent workflow integration

Observe the samples: the G95 images deliver richer detail and dynamic range, while the TG-3 excels in vibrant macro captures and underwater scenes.

Our Testing Approach: How We Evaluate These Cameras

Our assessments stem from hands-on field tests and industry-standard protocols including:

• Shooting in varied light setups (daylight, low light, indoors)
• Comparing ISO noise levels and dynamic range charts
• Autofocus latency tests on static and moving subjects
• Battery endurance in photo and video modes
• Ergonomics tested over multiple shooting sessions
• Video quality and stabilization checks
• Usability in harsh outdoor/weather conditions

This comprehensive evaluation informs you of real-world performance rather than isolated specs.

Summary Ratings: Strengths and Weaknesses at a Glance

Aspect	Olympus TG-3	Panasonic G95
Image Quality	★★★	★★★★★
Autofocus	★★	★★★★
Build and Durability	★★★★★	★★★★
Ease of Use	★★★★	★★★★
Video Performance	★	★★★★
Portability	★★★★★	★★
Versatility	★	★★★★★
Value for Price	★★★★	★★★

Who Should Choose Which?

Photographer Profile	Recommended Camera	Why
Outdoor Adventurers & Travelers	Olympus TG-3	Rugged design, waterproof, compact, easy to carry
Casual/Macro Enthusiasts	Olympus TG-3	Close-focusing, simple controls, splashproof
Hybrid Photo & Video Creators	Panasonic G95	4K video, versatile lenses, advanced AF & controls
Landscape & Portrait Professionals	Panasonic G95	Larger sensor, dynamic range, high resolution
Sports & Wildlife Shooters	Panasonic G95	Faster burst, reliable AF tracking, telephoto lenses

In Closing: Picking a Camera That Fits Your Vision

Neither camera is strictly “better” - they serve different creative purposes. The Olympus TG-3 stands out as a niche, rugged compact perfect for adventurous photographers who prioritize durability and portability over image finesse. It delivers respectable image quality with excellent macro capabilities and allows you to explore environments others won’t dare to.

The Panasonic Lumix G95, however, is a robust all-rounder mirrorless camera that meets the needs of serious photographers and videographers. It offers larger sensor quality, lens flexibility, fast autofocus, and professional video features. Though pricier and bulkier, it rewards hands-on users looking for creative control and future system growth.

Next Steps:

• If possible, handle both cameras in-store to feel ergonomics and try menus.
• Consider your typical shooting scenarios and which features matter most.
• For the TG-3, explore accessories like waterproof cases or filters.
• For the G95, try pairing it with versatile Micro Four Thirds lenses to unlock its potential.

We encourage you to get started with whichever camera aligns best with your passion and style. Both models make great companions on your photographic journey - whether diving into rugged terrains or capturing rich detail in creative projects.

Happy shooting!