Olympus TG-3 vs Panasonic GX8

Its time to examine more closely at the Olympus TG-3 vs Panasonic GX8, one is a Waterproof and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by brands Olympus and Panasonic. The image resolution of the TG-3 (16MP) and the GX8 (20MP) is relatively well matched but the TG-3 (1/2.3") and GX8 (Four Thirds) feature different sensor sizes.

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The TG-3 was introduced 15 months before the GX8 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus TG-3 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic GX8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple summary of how the TG-3 scores vs the GX8 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Tough TG-3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-3 Gallery and Panasonic GX8 Gallery.

If you are going to travel with your camera frequently, you will have to factor in its weight and size. The Olympus TG-3 provides outer measurements of 112mm x 66mm x 31mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") along with a weight of 247 grams (0.54 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GX8 has specifications of 133mm x 78mm x 63mm (5.2" x 3.1" x 2.5") and a weight of 487 grams (1.07 lbs).

Check the Olympus TG-3 vs Panasonic GX8 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using during that time. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the TG-3 versus the GX8.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the TG-3 and GX8 is 90 and 74 respectively.

Often, it's difficult to picture the contrast between sensor dimensions only by checking technical specs. The image underneath should give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the TG-3 and GX8.

As you have seen, both the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The TG-3 having a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF more difficult and the Panasonic GX8 will resolve more detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will help you crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The more aged TG-3 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.