Olympus TG-3 vs Panasonic ZS100

Here is a thorough review of the Olympus TG-3 versus Panasonic ZS100, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the TG-3 (16MP) and the ZS100 (20MP) is pretty well matched but the TG-3 (1/2.3") and ZS100 (1") provide totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The TG-3 was introduced 21 months prior to the ZS100 which makes them a generation apart from each other. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus TG-3 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go right into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple summary of how the TG-3 matches up vs the ZS100 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Tough TG-3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-3 Gallery and Panasonic ZS100 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry your camera, you will want to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus TG-3 offers physical measurements of 112mm x 66mm x 31mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") with a weight of 247 grams (0.54 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS100 has proportions of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") along with a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs).

Compare the Olympus TG-3 versus Panasonic ZS100 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Here is a front view size comparison of the TG-3 against the ZS100.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the TG-3 and ZS100 is 90 and 87 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to visualise the gap between sensor sizing purely by looking at technical specs. The photograph below may provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the TG-3 and ZS100.

As you can tell, both of the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The TG-3 having a tinier sensor will make getting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Panasonic ZS100 will resolve more detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs way more aggressively. The older TG-3 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.