Olympus TG-3 vs Pentax K-S2

Below is a in-depth comparison of the Olympus TG-3 vs Pentax K-S2, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the TG-3 (16MP) and the K-S2 (20MP) is pretty close but the TG-3 (1/2.3") and K-S2 (APS-C) have totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The TG-3 was manufactured 10 months prior to the K-S2 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus TG-3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-S2 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving right into a in depth comparison, here is a short summation of how the TG-3 scores against the K-S2 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Tough TG-3 and Pentax K-S2. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-3 Gallery and Pentax K-S2 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus TG-3 comes with exterior dimensions of 112mm x 66mm x 31mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") and a weight of 247 grams (0.54 lbs) whilst the Pentax K-S2 has dimensions of 123mm x 91mm x 73mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.9") and a weight of 678 grams (1.49 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus TG-3 vs Pentax K-S2 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. The following is a front view measurements comparison of the TG-3 and the K-S2.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the TG-3 and K-S2 is 90 and 64 respectively.

Often, it is hard to see the difference in sensor measurements purely by looking through specs. The photograph below may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the TG-3 and K-S2.

All in all, the 2 cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The TG-3 because of its smaller sensor will make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Pentax K-S2 will result in greater detail due to its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs way more aggressively. The older TG-3 will be behind in sensor tech.