Canon A3500 IS vs Pentax WG-1
96 Imaging
39 Features
35 Overall
37


93 Imaging
37 Features
31 Overall
34
Canon A3500 IS vs Pentax WG-1 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 1600
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 28-140mm (F2.8-6.9) lens
- 135g - 98 x 56 x 20mm
- Introduced January 2013
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 6400
- 1280 x 720 video
- 28-140mm (F3.5-5.5) lens
- 157g - 114 x 58 x 28mm
- Introduced February 2011

Canon A3500 IS vs Pentax WG-1 Overview
Its time to look more closely at the Canon A3500 IS vs Pentax WG-1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Waterproof by competitors Canon and Pentax. The image resolution of the A3500 IS (16MP) and the WG-1 (14MP) is relatively well matched and both cameras have the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

The A3500 IS was unveiled 24 months later than the WG-1 which makes them a generation apart from one another. The two cameras have the same body design (Compact).
Before diving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short highlight of how the A3500 IS grades versus the WG-1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Canon A3500 IS vs Pentax WG-1 Gallery
This is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot A3500 IS and Pentax Optio WG-1. The full galleries are provided at Canon A3500 IS Gallery and Pentax WG-1 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Canon A3500 IS over the Pentax WG-1
A3500 IS | WG-1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | January 2013 | ![]() | February 2011 | More recent by 24 months |
Screen dimensions | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Bigger screen (+0.3") |
Touch screen | ![]() | Quickly navigate |
Reasons to pick Pentax WG-1 over the Canon A3500 IS
WG-1 | A3500 IS | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | Dial exact focus |
Common features in the Canon A3500 IS and Pentax WG-1
A3500 IS | WG-1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | The same screen resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither comes with selfie screen |
Canon A3500 IS vs Pentax WG-1 Physical Comparison
For those who are aiming to lug around your camera, you will want to factor its weight and measurements. The Canon A3500 IS comes with outside dimensions of 98mm x 56mm x 20mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 135 grams (0.30 lbs) while the Pentax WG-1 has proportions of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).
Contrast the Canon A3500 IS vs Pentax WG-1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you choose at the time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the A3500 IS and the WG-1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the A3500 IS and WG-1 is 96 and 93 respectively.

Canon A3500 IS vs Pentax WG-1 Sensor Comparison
Normally, it is very difficult to picture the difference between sensor measurements purely by reading through technical specs. The visual here will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the A3500 IS and WG-1.
As you have seen, the 2 cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit different resolution. You should count on the Canon A3500 IS to give extra detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs more aggressively. The more modern A3500 IS provides an edge in sensor technology.

Canon A3500 IS vs Pentax WG-1 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Canon A3500 IS vs Pentax WG-1 Specifications
Canon PowerShot A3500 IS | Pentax Optio WG-1 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Canon | Pentax |
Model | Canon PowerShot A3500 IS | Pentax Optio WG-1 |
Class | Small Sensor Compact | Waterproof |
Introduced | 2013-01-07 | 2011-02-07 |
Physical type | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | DIGIC 4 | - |
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16MP | 14MP |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Maximum resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 4288 x 3216 |
Maximum native ISO | 1600 | 6400 |
Min native ISO | 100 | 80 |
RAW format | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detection autofocus | ||
Contract detection autofocus | ||
Phase detection autofocus | ||
Number of focus points | 9 | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 28-140mm (5.0x) | 28-140mm (5.0x) |
Largest aperture | f/2.8-6.9 | f/3.5-5.5 |
Macro focus range | 3cm | 1cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Type of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen size | 3" | 2.7" |
Resolution of screen | 230k dots | 230k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch screen | ||
Screen technology | - | TFT color LCD with Anti-reflective coating |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 15s | 4s |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/2000s | 1/1500s |
Continuous shooting rate | 1.0 frames/s | 1.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | 3.00 m | 3.90 m |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (25 fps) 640 x 480 (30 fps) | 1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1280x720 | 1280x720 |
Video format | H.264 | Motion JPEG |
Mic support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Built-In | Eye-Fi Connected |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | Optional | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 135 gr (0.30 lb) | 157 gr (0.35 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 98 x 56 x 20mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.8") | 114 x 58 x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 200 photos | 260 photos |
Battery style | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | NB-11L | D-LI92 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec, Custom) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Storage type | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Launch cost | $115 | $350 |