Olympus TG-4 vs Sony NEX-3N

Below is a in-depth analysis of the Olympus TG-4 vs Sony NEX-3N, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Olympus and Sony. The resolution of the TG-4 (16MP) and the NEX-3N (16MP) is relatively close but the TG-4 (1/2.3") and NEX-3N (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizing.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The TG-4 was announced 2 years later than the NEX-3N and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus TG-4 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go into a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief summation of how the TG-4 scores vs the NEX-3N for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus Tough TG-4 and Sony Alpha NEX-3N. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-4 Gallery and Sony NEX-3N Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to lug around your camera often, you need to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus TG-4 has got outer measurements of 112mm x 66mm x 31mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.2") having a weight of 247 grams (0.54 lbs) while the Sony NEX-3N has proportions of 110mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.4") and a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus TG-4 vs Sony NEX-3N in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the TG-4 against the NEX-3N.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the TG-4 and NEX-3N is 90 and 89 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to visualise the gap in sensor measurements simply by looking through a spec sheet. The visual underneath will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the TG-4 and NEX-3N.

As you can see, both the cameras come with the identical resolution albeit not the same sensor measurements. The TG-4 includes the smaller sensor which will make achieving shallower DOF trickier. The younger TG-4 is going to have an advantage in sensor innovation.