Olympus TG-4 vs Ricoh GR Digital III

Here is a thorough analysis of the Olympus TG-4 versus Ricoh GR Digital III, former being a Waterproof while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Ricoh. There exists a sizable gap among the resolutions of the TG-4 (16MP) and GR Digital III (10MP) and the TG-4 (1/2.3") and GR Digital III (1/1.7") provide totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The TG-4 was revealed 5 years later than the GR Digital III and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple summary of how the TG-4 matches up vs the GR Digital III for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Tough TG-4 & Ricoh GR Digital III. The full galleries are available at Olympus TG-4 Gallery & Ricoh GR Digital III Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor its weight and size. The Olympus TG-4 provides exterior 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) and the Ricoh GR Digital III has specifications of 109mm x 59mm x 26mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.0") with a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs).

Check the Olympus TG-4 versus Ricoh GR Digital III in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are employing at that moment. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the TG-4 vs the GR Digital III.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the TG-4 and GR Digital III is 90 and 92 respectively.

Typically, it's hard to see the gap in sensor sizing simply by looking through specs. The graphic here may provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the TG-4 and GR Digital III.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The TG-4 with its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Olympus TG-4 will provide you with greater detail because of its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The younger TG-4 is going to have an advantage in sensor tech.