Olympus Tough-3000 Review

Name: Olympus Stylus Tough-3000
Brand: Olympus

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Main Features

12MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor

ISO 64 - 1600

28-102 mm F3.5-5.1 Zoom Lens

Sensor-shift Image Stabilization

2.70" Fixed Type Screen

1.0fps continuous shooting

159g. 96 x 65 x 23 mm

Weather-sealed Body

Also known as mju Tough 3000

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Olympus Tough-3000 Overview

Launched in January 2010, Olympus Stylus Tough-3000 is a 12.0MP Waterproof camera with a 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor, built-in Image Stabilization, weather-sealed body and 3.6x zoom 28-102 mm F3.5-5.1 lens. Tough-3000 is also sold as mju Tough 3000 in some countries.

Olympus Tough-3000 Review - Click for Table of Contents

Overview
Pros and Cons
Sensor and Photography Features
Physical Specs
LCD and Viewfinder
Connectivity, Storage and Battery
Video
Other Features
Lens
Photography Type Scores
Recommended Accessories
Alternatives
Popular Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Detailed Specifications

Olympus Tough-3000 is a member of Olympus's Waterproof class cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this class and how their main specs have changed with each new model.

Olympus Waterproof Series History

Model	Release Date	Sensor	Max FPS	Dimensions	Weight
Olympus TG-6 Compare	May 2019	12.0MP - 1/2.3-inch	20.0 fps	113 x 66 x 32mm	253g
Olympus TG-5 Compare	May 2017	12.0MP - 1/2.3-inch	20.0 fps	113 x 66 x 32mm	250g
Olympus TG-4 Compare	April 2015	16.0MP - 1/2.3-inch	5.0 fps	112 x 66 x 31mm	247g
Olympus TG-860 Compare	February 2015	16.0MP - 1/2.3-inch	7.0 fps	110 x 64 x 28mm	224g
Olympus TG-3 Compare	March 2014	16.0MP - 1/2.3-inch	5.0 fps	112 x 66 x 31mm	247g

Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series side-by-side:
Olympus TG-6 vs TG-5 vs TG-4 vs TG-860 vs TG-3

**This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Olympus Tough-3000 PROs and CONs Review

Now let's get in to more details of our Olympus Tough-3000 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

PROs

Water Proof

Shock Proof

Freeze Proof

Image Stabilization

159g Light Body

Environmental Sealing

1 GB Internal Storage

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Buy Olympus Tough-3000 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO

CONs

No Wireless Connection

No Articulating Screen

No External Flash Shoe

No Full HD Video

No Touch Screen

No Built-in Viewfinder

No RAW Shooting

No Face Detection Focusing

Low Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP

Max Sensitivity only ISO 1.600

Small LCD Screen ( 2.70")

Low Screen Resolution ( 230kdots )

Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps

No Manual Focusing

No Manual Exposure

Optical Zoom only 3.6X

Slow Lens at Wide: f3.50

Slow Lens at Tele: f5.10

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Olympus Tough-3000 Physical Specs

Olympus Tough-3000 weighs 159 g (0.35 lb / 5.61 oz) and has external dimensions of 96 x 65 x 23 mm (3.78 x 2.56 x 0.92″). Considering that the average weight of Compact type cameras is 188g, Olympus Tough-3000 is a remarkably light camera for its class. Even better, with a thickness of only 23mm, it is also quite small, 5mm thinner than the average of its class.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

Olympus Tough-3000

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

Olympus Tough-3000

Min

Average

Max

In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Olympus Tough-3000, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.

Physical size of the Olympus Tough-3000 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Olympus Tough-3000 with its main competitors:

Olympus Tough-3000 Size Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Weight	vs Tough-3000	Thickness	vs Tough-3000
Olympus 6010 Compare	179g	20g heavier	22mm	1mm thinner
Olympus TG-320 Compare	155g	4g lighter	23mm	equal thickness
Olympus SZ-11 Compare	226g	67g heavier	40mm	17mm thicker
Olympus TG-310 Compare	155g	4g lighter	23mm	equal thickness
OM System TG-7 Compare	253g	94g heavier	33mm	10mm thicker
Olympus TG-6 Compare	253g	94g heavier	32mm	9mm thicker
Olympus 6020 Compare	122g	37g lighter	22mm	1mm thinner
Nikon W300 Compare	231g	72g heavier	29mm	6mm thicker

Weather Sealing

Olympus Tough-3000 has environmental sealings (waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof)

Olympus Tough-3000 Lens

Olympus Tough-3000 features a 28-102 mm F3.5-5.1 3.6× zoom lens. Lens has a good wide angle capability starting at 28mm, and 102mm on the tele end means that the medium telephoto angle is also well covered, only lacking the reach for wildlife and sports.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

Tough-3000

Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS

Average

Telezoom

Compact Cameras

Tough-3000

Longest - Canon SX520 HS

Average

With a max aperture of f3.50 at 28mm, we can not consider this lens fast on wide end and neither at tele end with its f5.10.

Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

Tough-3000

Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

Tough-3000

Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV

Average

Tough-3000 is equipped with Sensor-shift image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds.

Olympus Tough-3000 Sensor and Photography Features

Olympus Tough-3000 has a 12.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features TruePic III processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 3968 x 2976 pixels with aspect ratios of 4:3 and 16:9. Tough-3000 has a native ISO range of 64 - 1600 but unfortunately, Olympus Tough-3000 doesn't have RAW file support. If you need a Compact camera with a RAW support, consider or in the same price range.

Olympus Tough-3000 is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. Canon SX740 HS with its 21.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Olympus Tough-3000 vs Canon SX740 HS or take a look at Highest resolution Waterproof cameras list.

Let's look at how the size of the Olympus Tough-3000's 1/2.3-inch sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

Comparison image of Olympus Tough-3000 Sensor Size with other standard sensors

Olympus Tough-3000 LCD

Olympus Tough-3000 has a Fixed Type 2.70-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 230k dots. At only 2.70", the screen is on the smaller side and 230kdot resolution is lower than most of the recent models in this class.

Unfortunately Olympus Stylus Tough-3000 doesn't have a Selfie friendly screen. If this feature is important for your shooting style, check here the list of Best Waterproof Cameras with Selfie Friendly LCD screen.

Tough-3000 doesn't have a viewfinder and no option for external viewfinder.

Olympus Tough-3000 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

You can connect Tough-3000 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

Olympus Tough-3000 Features Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Max Video	Battery Life	Wi-fi	Bluetooth	NFC
Olympus 6010 Compare	640 x 480	shots	No	No	No
Olympus TG-320 Compare	1280 x 720	150shots	No	No	No
Olympus SZ-11 Compare	1280 x 720	200shots	No	No	No
Olympus TG-310 Compare	1280 x 720	150shots	No	No	No
OM System TG-7 Compare	3840 x 2160	330shots	Yes	No	No
Olympus TG-6 Compare	3840 x 2160	340shots	Yes	No	No
Olympus 6020 Compare	1280 x 720	shots	No	No	No
Nikon W300 Compare	3840 x 2160	280shots	Yes	Yes	No

Olympus Tough-3000 Video Features

With Olympus Tough-3000, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1280 x 720 at 30 fps and save in and MPEG-4 formats. 1280 x 720 is a low video resolution by todays standards. If video quality is important for you, we recommend you to look at cameras with Full HD, even better 4K / Ultra-HD resolution .

Microphones, Speaker and Headphone Connections

Olympus Stylus Tough-3000 has a built-in Mono microphone and a None speaker. On the other hand, Olympus Tough-3000 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Compact camera with external microphone connectivity, consider or in a similar price range.

Olympus Tough-3000 Other Features

Max Shutter speed

Olympus Tough-3000 can shoot continuously at max speed of 1 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/2000 sec.

Flash

Unfortunately Tough-3000 doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.

Focusing

Olympus Tough-3000 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system.

What type of Photography is Olympus Tough-3000 Good for?

In this section, we review and score Olympus Tough-3000 in 5 different photography areas.

Olympus Tough-3000 for Portrait Photography

Olympus Tough-3000 has a score of 21 for Portrait Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait We strongly recommend you to check our Top Waterproof Cameras for Portrait Photography list and consider these alternatives over theTough-3000.

Image Stabilization
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe

No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling

Read the details of how we scored Olympus Tough-3000 for Portrait Photography

Olympus Tough-3000 for Street Photography

Olympus Tough-3000 has a score of 53 for Street Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Street is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Waterproof Cameras for Street Photography list.

Live-view
Image Stabilization
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small Body

No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No RAW shooting capability
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor

Read the details of how we scored Olympus Tough-3000 for Street Photography

Olympus Tough-3000 for Sports Photography

Olympus Tough-3000 has a score of 20 for Sports Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Sports We strongly recommend you to check our Top Waterproof Cameras for Sports Photography list and consider these alternatives over theTough-3000.

Environmental Sealings
Image Stabilization
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
Focus Points
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling

No Manual Exposure Mode
No Manual Focus Mode
No Built-in Viewfinder
No External Flash Shoe
102 mm Tele Lens
No RAW shooting capability

Read the details of how we scored Olympus Tough-3000 for Sports Photography

Olympus Tough-3000 for Daily Photography

Olympus Tough-3000 has a score of 53 for Daily Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Daily is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Waterproof Cameras for Daily Photography list.

Compact Body
159g
Environmental Sealings

3.6X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability

Read the details of how we scored Olympus Tough-3000 for Daily Photography

Olympus Tough-3000 for Landscape Photography

Olympus Tough-3000 has a score of 19 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Waterproof Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theTough-3000.

28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Environmental Sealings
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
No Manual Exposure Mode

No Manual Focus Mode
No RAW shooting capability
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor

Read the details of how we scored Olympus Tough-3000 for Landscape Photography

Olympus Tough-3000 Alternatives

In this section, we analyse how Olympus Tough-3000 compares with other Compact cameras within a similar price range.

Read a more detailed analysis of Olympus Tough-3000 alternatives.

Popular Comparisons of Olympus Tough-3000

Here are the eight most popular comparisons of the Olympus Tough-3000 amongst Camera Decision readers.

Olympus Tough-3000 Alternatives in Cameras

It would also be interesting to compare the Olympus Tough-3000 with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Olympus Tough-3000's price range.

Olympus Tough-3000 Conclusion and Scores

Currently, Olympus Tough-3000 has an Overall Score of 41/100 which is based on our evaluation of 69 different technical parameters. Our scores are dynamically updated whenever a new camera is added to our database or when we change our ranking algorithm and the maximum score is always 100. Olympus Stylus Tough-3000 is ranked #181 out of 632 in Compact cameras (Top 20 Waterproof), and ranked #786 out of 1276 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

#786 out of 1276 in Top Ranking Cameras
#181 out of 632 in Top Ranking Waterproof Cameras
#53 out of 77 in Top Ranking Waterproof Cameras
#276 out of 741 in Top Ranking Small Sensor Sensor Cameras
#12 out of 77 in Lightest Waterproof Cameras with Small Sensor sensor(159g)
#433 out of 920 in Top Ranking Cameras with Fixed Type Screen
Geek Score: 0

Olympus Tough-3000

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Main Scores

Imaging

Features

Value for Money

Portability

Overall Score

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Frequently Asked Questions about Olympus Tough-3000

Does the Olympus Tough-3000 have Image Stabilization?
Does the Olympus Tough-3000 have RAW support?
Does the Olympus Tough-3000 have Weather Sealing?
Does the Olympus Tough-3000 have built-in GPS?
What is the Max ISO of Olympus Tough-3000?
What is the Sensor Size of Olympus Tough-3000?
is the Olympus Tough-3000 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
Does the Olympus Tough-3000 have Touch Screen?
Does the Olympus Tough-3000 have built-in Wireless?
What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Olympus Tough-3000?
What is the Weight of Olympus Tough-3000?
What are the Dimensions of Olympus Tough-3000?

Olympus Stylus Tough-3000 Detailed Specifications

General
Brand	Olympus
Model	Olympus Stylus Tough-3000
Also known as	mju Tough 3000
Announced	2010-01-07
Body Type	Compact
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens
Number of Lenses
Lens Focal Range	28-102 mm (3.6×)
Max Aperture	F3.5-5.1
Macro Focus Range	2cm
Screen
Screen Type	Fixed Type
Screen Size	2.70"
Screen Resolution	230k dots
Live View
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	None
Viewfinder Resolution	no electronic viewfinder
Viewfinder Coverage	n/a
Viewfinder Magnification	n/a
Photography Features
Min Shutter Speed	4s
Max Mechanical Shutter Speed	1/2000s
Max Continuous Shooting	1.0 fps
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Exposure Compensation	n/a
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	4.00 m
Flash Modes	Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Fill-in
External Flash
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Exposure Modes
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score	not tested
DxO Color Depth	not tested
DxO Dynamic Range	not tested
DxO Low Light ISO	not tested
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Sensor
Sensor Type	CCD
Sensor Size	1/2.3-inch
Sensor Dimensions	6.08 x 4.56 mm
Sensor Area	27.72mm²
Sensor Resolution	12 megapixels
Max Image Resolution	3968 x 2976
Max Native ISO	1,600
Min Native ISO	64
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Video Features
Video Resolutions	1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps)
Max Video Resolution	1280 x 720
Video Formats	MPEG-4
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	None
HDMI
USB	USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Water Proof
Dust Proof
Shock Proof
Crush Proof
Freeze Proof
Weight	159g
Physical Dimensions	96 x 65 x 23mm
Other Features
Self Timer	Yes (2 or 12 seconds)
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None
Storage Type	SD/SDHC, Internal
Storage Slots	1
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