Olympus TG-3 vs Pentax K-500

Let's look closer at the Olympus TG-3 and Pentax K-500, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the TG-3 (16MP) and the K-500 (16MP) is relatively similar but the TG-3 (1/2.3") and K-500 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor sizing.

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The TG-3 was brought out 5 months later than the K-500 so they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus TG-3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting into a thorough comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the TG-3 scores versus the K-500 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Tough TG-3 and Pentax K-500. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus TG-3 Gallery and Pentax K-500 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera often, you'll have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus TG-3 has got 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) while the Pentax K-500 has dimensions of 130mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 646 grams (1.42 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus TG-3 and Pentax K-500 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have during that time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the TG-3 compared to the K-500.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the TG-3 and K-500 is 90 and 64 respectively.

In many cases, it is very difficult to see the gap between sensor sizing purely by reading technical specs. The visual underneath may offer you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the TG-3 and K-500.

As you have seen, the two cameras feature the identical MP albeit not the same sensor sizing. The TG-3 offers the tinier sensor which will make obtaining shallower depth of field trickier.