Olympus TG-3 vs Sony RX1R

Following is a comprehensive assessment of the Olympus TG-3 and Sony RX1R, one is a Waterproof and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Sony. There exists a crucial gap among the resolutions of the TG-3 (16MP) and RX1R (24MP) and the TG-3 (1/2.3") and RX1R (Full frame) enjoy different sensor dimensions.

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The TG-3 was introduced 10 months after the RX1R so they are of a similar generation. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Olympus TG-3 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX1R being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going in to a more detailed comparison, below is a brief overview of how the TG-3 grades against the RX1R for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Tough TG-3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-3 Gallery and Sony RX1R Gallery.

If you're looking to carry around your camera often, you will have to factor in its weight and volume. The Olympus TG-3 provides physical measurements of 112mm x 66mm x 31mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") having a weight of 247 grams (0.54 lbs) whilst the Sony RX1R has sizing of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs).

Look at the Olympus TG-3 and Sony RX1R in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you use at that moment. Below is the front view overall size comparison of the TG-3 compared to the RX1R.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the TG-3 and RX1R is 90 and 79 respectively.

Typically, it is difficult to imagine the difference in sensor sizes only by looking through technical specs. The pic below should give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the TG-3 and RX1R.

As you can tell, both of these cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The TG-3 with its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF harder and the Sony RX1R will result in greater detail using its extra 8MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics much more aggressively. The more recent TG-3 provides a benefit in sensor technology.