Olympus TG-3 vs Panasonic GX1

Its time to look more closely at the Olympus TG-3 and Panasonic GX1, former being a Waterproof while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The resolution of the TG-3 (16MP) and the GX1 (16MP) is pretty close but the TG-3 (1/2.3") and GX1 (Four Thirds) boast different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The TG-3 was brought out 2 years later than the GX1 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus TG-3 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GX1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a concise summation of how the TG-3 grades against the GX1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Tough TG-3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1. The entire galleries are available at Olympus TG-3 Gallery & Panasonic GX1 Gallery.

If you're intending to lug around your camera regularly, you need to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus TG-3 provides outside dimensions of 112mm x 66mm x 31mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") having a weight of 247 grams (0.54 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GX1 has proportions of 116mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") having a weight of 318 grams (0.70 lbs).

Look at the Olympus TG-3 and Panasonic GX1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you use at the time. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the TG-3 vs the GX1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the TG-3 and GX1 is 90 and 87 respectively.

Often, it's tough to picture the contrast in sensor measurements just by looking through a spec sheet. The photograph underneath will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the TG-3 and GX1.

Clearly, both of these cameras come with the identical MP albeit different sensor measurements. The TG-3 has got the smaller sensor which should make getting shallower depth of field more challenging. The fresher TG-3 provides an edge with regard to sensor tech.