Olympus TG-3 vs Sony A55

Here is a detailed comparison of the Olympus TG-3 vs Sony A55, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Olympus and Sony. The sensor resolution of the TG-3 (16MP) and the A55 (16MP) is pretty close but the TG-3 (1/2.3") and A55 (APS-C) feature different sensor dimensions.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The TG-3 was launched 3 years later than the A55 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus TG-3 being a Compact camera and the Sony A55 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going through a full comparison, below is a simple summation of how the TG-3 grades against the A55 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Tough TG-3 and Sony SLT-A55. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-3 Gallery and Sony A55 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry your camera, you have to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus TG-3 has got external measurements of 112mm x 66mm x 31mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") with a weight of 247 grams (0.54 lbs) while the Sony A55 has proportions of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs).

Examine the Olympus TG-3 vs Sony A55 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use at that moment. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the TG-3 against the A55.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the TG-3 and A55 is 90 and 67 respectively.

Normally, its hard to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing just by looking through technical specs. The graphic here might give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the TG-3 and A55.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras have got the exact same megapixels albeit different sensor sizing. The TG-3 includes the smaller sensor which is going to make obtaining shallow DOF more challenging. The younger TG-3 provides a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.