Olympus TG-3 vs Panasonic GF1

Here is a in-depth overview of the Olympus TG-3 versus Panasonic GF1, former being a Waterproof while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizable difference among the resolutions of the TG-3 (16MP) and GF1 (12MP) and the TG-3 (1/2.3") and GF1 (Four Thirds) have totally different sensor measurements.

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The TG-3 was launched 4 years later than the GF1 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus TG-3 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a short introduction of how the TG-3 matches up versus the GF1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Tough TG-3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-3 Gallery & Panasonic GF1 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry your camera, you are going to need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Olympus TG-3 offers outside 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 GF1 has dimensions of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") along with a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs).

Check the Olympus TG-3 versus Panasonic GF1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have attached at that time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the TG-3 compared to the GF1.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the TG-3 and GF1 is 90 and 85 respectively.

Usually, it can be hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing simply by checking out technical specs. The graphic underneath may give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the TG-3 and GF1.

As you can tell, both cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The TG-3 because of its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field trickier and the Olympus TG-3 will produce extra detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics more aggressively. The more recent TG-3 is going to have a benefit in sensor innovation.