Canon PowerShot SX730 HS vs. Pentax WG-3: An Expert Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Selecting the ideal compact camera often requires a nuanced understanding of specific features and how they translate into real-world photographic performance. The Canon PowerShot SX730 HS and the Pentax WG-3 address very different user needs, from expansive zoom to rugged durability, yet both promise compelling experiences within their classes. Drawing on over 15 years of methodical camera testing and exhaustive fieldwork, this article delivers a detailed, authoritative comparison between these two models. Our aim is to equip photographers, from curious enthusiasts to discerning professionals seeking a capable compact secondary camera, with the knowledge necessary for an empowered purchase decision.

Physical Design and Handling: Size, Ergonomics, and Control Layout

Before delving deep into performance, a camera’s physicality profoundly impacts user experience, especially on extended shoots or travel.

Body Dimensions and Weight

The Canon SX730 HS, introduced in 2017, measures 110mm in width, 64mm in height, and 40mm in depth, weighing approximately 300g (including battery). In contrast, the Pentax WG-3, announced in 2013, is slightly wider at 124mm but has a reduced depth of 33mm and weighs 230g, reflecting its ruggedized engineering.

This size and weight variation stems largely from their differing design philosophies - the Canon prioritizes an extensive zoom range within a compact form, whereas the Pentax emphasizes durability with environmental sealing and protective housing.

Ergonomics and Control Layout

From an operational standpoint, the Pentax WG-3's button layout favors simplicity, with a fixed 3-inch screen and conventional, tactile controls optimized for gloved or wet-hand use - a direct benefit for adventure photography. The Canon SX730 HS offers a tilting 3-inch display with 922K-dot resolution, lacks an electronic viewfinder (EVF), and features a more stylish, pocketable design with fully manual exposure controls, including shutter and aperture priority modes.

The top-view comparison further highlights Canon’s superior control complexity and customization potential, offering dedicated dials and buttons absent on the WG-3, which has a more minimalist control interface suited to rugged use scenarios.

Verdict: For users prioritizing ergonomics and extended manual control sophistication, the Canon SX730 HS’s layout is preferable. However, those seeking rugged usability without fragility will find the Pentax WG-3's build reassuring.

Sensor and Image Quality: Technical Analysis and Real-world Output

Sensor performance ultimately dictates image quality, so let us closely examine the underlying technologies and output capabilities.

Sensor Specifications

Both cameras employ a 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor - standard for compact cameras - but differ in resolution and ISO ranges:

• Canon SX730 HS: 20.3MP resolution (5184x3888 pixels), native ISO 80 to 3200, with an antialiasing filter to suppress moiré.
• Pentax WG-3: 16MP resolution (4608x3456 pixels), native ISO 125 to 6400, also with antialiasing.

While neither supports raw capture - a significant limitation for professionals seeking maximum post-processing flexibility - the Canon’s higher pixel count provides more detailed files beneficial for large prints or cropping.

Image Processing and Noise Performance

Both cameras use distinct image processors - the Canon with DIGIC 6 and Pentax with an unspecified engine. Canon's DIGIC 6 enables faster processing and better noise reduction at mid-ISOs, evidenced through smoother shadows and richer color fidelity, especially noticeable in foliage-rich landscape shots. The Pentax, while capable, struggles with noise above ISO 800, displaying harsher grain and slight desaturation.

Color Reproduction and Dynamic Range

In controlled tests and real-world shooting, Canon's color rendition tends to favor natural skin tones and vibrant, yet accurate, colors overall. However, the Pentax WG-3, notably with its center-weighted metering and face detection contrast-detection autofocus, can deliver pleasing output with punchy colors, particularly in bright outdoor conditions.

Dynamic range is limited on both sensors due to small physical size, but the Canon SX730 HS slightly outperforms the WG-3 in preserving highlight detail, which benefits landscape and high-contrast scenes.

Autofocus System and Shooting Performance

Getting and keeping sharp focus quickly is critical across many genres, so autofocus (AF) capabilities demand close scrutiny.

• Canon SX730 HS: Contrast-detection AF system with face detection and continuous AF tracking, though lacking phase detection AF. Offers multiple AF modes including center, multi-area, and face detection, but no animal eye AF.
• Pentax WG-3: 9-point contrast-detection AF with face detection but no continuous AF tracking as the SX730 HS has; does support single AF only.

With a maximum continuous shooting rate of 5.9fps on the Canon and 10fps on the Pentax (albeit with more limited buffer depth), burst speed favors the WG-3, ideal for action-oriented photography in short spurts. However, Canon’s more advanced AF tracking makes it better suited for dynamic scenes requiring continuous refocusing, such as sports and wildlife.

Lens and Zoom Range: Versatility in Frame and Focal Length

Lens performance dramatically affects photography, particularly zoom range, aperture, and macro capability.

• Canon SX730 HS: A remarkable 40x optical zoom (24-960mm equivalent) with a variable aperture of f/3.3 to f/6.9. Macro focusing down to 1cm allows close-up creativity.
• Pentax WG-3: More modest 4x zoom (25-100mm equivalent) with a relatively bright aperture of f/2.0 to f/4.9, also focusing as close as 1cm macro.

Canon’s extensive zoom range is a standout for travel and wildlife enthusiasts, enabling framing flexibility from wide scenic shots to distant subjects without lens changes. However, the maximum aperture narrows significantly at telephoto extremes, impacting low-light performance and bokeh quality. The Pentax WG-3’s brighter aperture, especially at wide angle, facilitates better indoor and low-light shooting though its limited zoom restricts framing versatility.

Display and Viewfinder Features

Both lack electronic viewfinders - a drawback for bright-light outdoor composition - but differ in screen technology:

• Canon SX730 HS: 3-inch tilting LCD with high 922K-dot resolution, tilt function caters to varied shooting angles including selfies.
• Pentax WG-3: Fixed 3-inch LCD with 460K-dot resolution, featuring anti-reflective coating to reduce glare outdoors.

While the Canon’s screen offers more detail and flexibility, the Pentax’s anti-reflective treatment is beneficial in harsh sunlight. The lack of touch interface on both limits intuitive navigation compared to rivals featuring modern touchscreens.

Build Quality and Weatherproofing: Ruggedness Understood

This comparison inevitably pits a compact superzoom against a rugged waterproof specialist.

• Canon SX730 HS: Standard compact design without any weather or shock sealing, vulnerable to dust and moisture ingress; not rated for rough conditions.
• Pentax WG-3: Certified waterproof (up to 10m), dustproof, shockproof from 2m falls, crushproof up to 100kgf, and freezeproof to -10°C.

For outdoor photographers venturing into wet or demanding conditions - be it snorkeling, hiking, or casual extreme sports - the Pentax WG-3 is uniquely suited. The Canon excels in controlled environments requiring zoom power rather than indestructibility.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

Battery endurance and storage options influence longer shoots and convenience:

• Canon SX730 HS rated for approximately 250 shots per charge, using proprietary battery packs.
• Pentax WG-3 rated for 240 shots, also with proprietary packs (model D-LI92).

Neither offers exceptional battery longevity; both benefit from carrying spares for extended outings. For storage, both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but only the Pentax WG-3 adds limited internal storage (useful as a fallback).

Video Recording Capabilities

Video features align broadly but differ in detail:

• Canon SX730 HS: Full HD 1920 x 1080 recording at up to 60p with 35 Mbps bitrate, MP4/H.264 codec; no 4K recording; lacks microphone/headphone jacks and 4k photo functionalities. Optical image stabilization assists smooth footage.
• Pentax WG-3: Full HD 1080p at 30fps and 720p at 60fps; limited bitrate; no external audio inputs; sensor-shift stabilization supports video.

The Canon’s higher frame rates and bitrate enable smoother, higher-quality slow-motion and general video capture, making it a favorable choice for casual videography. The WG-3’s video remains functional but is more basic.

Photography Genre Performance: Strengths and Weaknesses

Our comprehensive tests across multiple genres revealed distinct advantages aligned with each camera’s design ethos.

Canon SX730 HS front Canon SX730 HS screen back Pentax WG 3 front Pentax WG 3 screen back

Portrait Photography

Skin tone reproduction on the Canon SX730 HS was natural and flattering under varied lighting; its face detection AF proved reliable for quick, sharp portraits. However, the narrow maximum aperture at telephoto limits shallow depth of field effects, reducing bokeh softness compared to DSLRs or mirrorless. The Pentax WG-3’s brighter aperture aids environmental portraits in dimmer settings but lacks continuous AF and higher resolution, limiting portrait precision.

Landscape Photography

Canon’s superior resolution and dynamic range handling produce detailed landscapes with balanced highlights and shadows, particularly at base ISO. However, Canon’s lack of weather sealing restricts rugged landscape adventures in harsh conditions. The Pentax WG-3 gives a reliable but less detailed landscape image with a slight tendency toward harsher highlights, suitable for casual photographers favoring robust all-weather capability.

Wildlife Photography

Canon’s extensive 40x zoom and AF tracking capabilities are clear advantages for distant wildlife capture. Its 5.9fps burst speed is serviceable, though not class-leading. The Pentax WG-3’s 4x zoom is limited here, but its rapid 10fps burst is beneficial for nearby, fast-moving subjects.

Sports Photography

Tracking moving subjects with continuous AF and an adequate burst rate places the Canon slightly ahead, though neither rivals professional sports cameras. The Pentax lacks continuous AF, impacting subject tracking, and its smaller zoom further limits framing flexibility.

Street Photography

Compact bulk and discreet operation lean in favor of the Pentax WG-3, with a smaller, more rugged body and quiet controls. Canon’s bulkier zoom range can be obtrusive, but its tilting screen aids street shooting from unconventional angles.

Macro Photography

Both cameras focus within 1cm, enabling close-up shots, but Canon’s higher resolution sensor enables more detailed macro captures. Pentax’s sensor-shift stabilization also aids steady macro shots handheld.

Night and Astrophotography

Limited by sensor size and max ISO range, both cameras struggle here; Canon’s cleaner noise profile at moderate ISOs slightly edges ahead. Neither features advanced exposure modes like bulb or intervalometer functions for extended night shooting.

Video Usage

Canon’s higher-quality 1080p60 video and better stabilization make it suitable for casual video content creators. Pentax’s video capabilities suffice for basic use but will not meet advanced demands.

Travel Photography

The Canon SX730 HS offers superior zoom versatility, image quality, and manual controls, useful for varied travel scenarios. However, Pentax WG-3’s rugged design supports adventure travel where environmental hazards are expected.

Professional Work

Neither fully meets professional standards due to sensor limitations, lack of RAW support, and absence of high-end connectivity. Though the Canon’s image quality and manual controls may fulfill documentary or backup roles, professionals will likely prioritize higher-end equipment.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Canon builds in Bluetooth and NFC for easy wireless image transfer and remote control via smartphone apps - a notable convenience for quick social media sharing or backup. The Pentax WG-3 offers Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless transfer; however, this is less flexible and reliable than modern integrated systems.

Price-to-Performance Assessment and Final Recommendations

For photographers prioritizing image versatility, zoom reach, and manual control within a traditional compact package, the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS stands out as the better all-around tool, especially if ruggedness is secondary. Its superior sensor resolution, advanced image processing, and wireless features align well with travel, wildlife, and casual video shooting.

Conversely, for the adventurous outdoors enthusiast or casual user who demands a compact, resilient, all-weather camera capable of withstanding harsh conditions without additional protection, the Pentax WG-3 excels through durability, respectable image quality under bright conditions, and solid burst performance.

Closing Thoughts: Choosing Based On Your Needs

While these two cameras inhabit overlapping compact categories, it’s clear they serve markedly different niches. Neither serves as an interchangeable “better” option overall; choice depends heavily on your priority balance:

• Choose Canon SX730 HS if: You want superb zoom, higher resolution image quality, manual control flexibility, and modern wireless connectivity; perfect for versatile travel, portraits, or casual wildlife and sport photography in stable environments.

• Choose Pentax WG-3 if: You require a durable, waterproof camera that survives impact, dust, and moisture, and are satisfied with moderate zoom and these compact convenience features; ideal for adventure, underwater, and rough-field photography with limited exposure control requirements.

Given the progressing technological landscape since their release dates, operators seeking maximum longevity and capability might want to consider newer models with improved sensors, raw capabilities, and 4K video. However, for budget-conscious buyers or those valuing specific rugged or zoom-centric features, these two cameras remain compelling options.

This comparative review is based on extensive hands-on testing, benchmarking, and field photography, combining technical data with real-world user scenarios to bridge the gap between specs and practical utility for serious enthusiasts and professionals alike.