Olympus TG-3 vs Sony A500

Here, we will be comparing the Olympus TG-3 versus Sony A500, one is a Waterproof and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Olympus and Sony. There is a big difference between the image resolutions of the TG-3 (16MP) and A500 (12MP) and the TG-3 (1/2.3") and A500 (APS-C) offer different sensor sizing.

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The TG-3 was introduced 4 years after the A500 which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus TG-3 being a Compact camera and the Sony A500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting straight to a complete comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the TG-3 grades vs the A500 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Tough TG-3 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A500. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus TG-3 Gallery and Sony A500 Gallery.

When you are planning to travel with your camera, you will need to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus TG-3 has physical measurements of 112mm x 66mm x 31mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 247 grams (0.54 lbs) while the Sony A500 has specifications of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") with a weight of 630 grams (1.39 lbs).

Examine the Olympus TG-3 versus Sony A500 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the TG-3 against the A500.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the TG-3 and A500 is 90 and 63 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to imagine the gap between sensor dimensions only by reviewing specs. The pic below will provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the TG-3 and A500.

All in all, both of these cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The TG-3 using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field more challenging and the Olympus TG-3 will offer you extra detail using its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The younger TG-3 provides an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.