Casio EX-Z280 vs Pentax WG-3
96 Imaging
34 Features
21 Overall
28


90 Imaging
40 Features
44 Overall
41
Casio EX-Z280 vs Pentax WG-3 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 64 - 3200
- 1280 x 720 video
- 26-104mm (F2.6-5.9) lens
- 133g - 97 x 53 x 20mm
- Announced August 2009
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 125 - 6400
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 25-100mm (F2.0-4.9) lens
- 230g - 124 x 64 x 33mm
- Announced July 2013

Casio EX-Z280 vs Pentax WG-3 Overview
In this write-up, we will be comparing the Casio EX-Z280 vs Pentax WG-3, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Waterproof by brands Casio and Pentax. There is a huge difference between the image resolutions of the EX-Z280 (12MP) and WG-3 (16MP) but they possess the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

The EX-Z280 was announced 4 years prior to the WG-3 which is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).
Before diving in to a in depth comparison, below is a concise overview of how the EX-Z280 grades vs the WG-3 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Casio EX-Z280 vs Pentax WG-3 Gallery
This is a preview of the gallery images for Casio Exilim EX-Z280 and Pentax WG-3. The whole galleries are viewable at Casio EX-Z280 Gallery and Pentax WG-3 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Casio EX-Z280 over the Pentax WG-3
EX-Z280 | WG-3 |
---|
Reasons to pick Pentax WG-3 over the Casio EX-Z280
WG-3 | EX-Z280 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Announced | July 2013 | ![]() | August 2009 | More modern by 47 months |
Screen sizing | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Bigger screen (+0.3") |
Screen resolution | 460k | ![]() | 115k | Clearer screen (+345k dot) |
Common features in the Casio EX-Z280 and Pentax WG-3
EX-Z280 | WG-3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | Dial exact focus | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Lack of selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Lack of Touch screen |
Casio EX-Z280 vs Pentax WG-3 Physical Comparison
For those who are planning to carry around your camera, you will have to think about its weight and size. The Casio EX-Z280 provides external measurements of 97mm x 53mm x 20mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 133 grams (0.29 lbs) whilst the Pentax WG-3 has specifications of 124mm x 64mm x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs).
Check out the Casio EX-Z280 vs Pentax WG-3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you select at that time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the EX-Z280 versus the WG-3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the EX-Z280 and WG-3 is 96 and 90 respectively.

Casio EX-Z280 vs Pentax WG-3 Sensor Comparison
In many cases, it can be difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizes merely by reviewing specifications. The pic underneath should give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the EX-Z280 and WG-3.
To sum up, each of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different megapixels. You should expect the Pentax WG-3 to deliver greater detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The more aged EX-Z280 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.

Casio EX-Z280 vs Pentax WG-3 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Casio EX-Z280 vs Pentax WG-3 Specifications
Casio Exilim EX-Z280 | Pentax WG-3 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand | Casio | Pentax |
Model type | Casio Exilim EX-Z280 | Pentax WG-3 |
Type | Small Sensor Compact | Waterproof |
Announced | 2009-08-31 | 2013-07-19 |
Physical type | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | CCD | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12MP | 16MP |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3 and 16:9 |
Highest Possible resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 4608 x 3456 |
Maximum native ISO | 3200 | 6400 |
Minimum native ISO | 64 | 125 |
RAW photos | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Touch to focus | ||
AF continuous | ||
Single AF | ||
Tracking AF | ||
AF selectice | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
Multi area AF | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detect AF | ||
Contract detect AF | ||
Phase detect AF | ||
Total focus points | - | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens support | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 26-104mm (4.0x) | 25-100mm (4.0x) |
Largest aperture | f/2.6-5.9 | f/2.0-4.9 |
Macro focusing distance | 5cm | 1cm |
Crop factor | 5.8 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Type of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display size | 2.7" | 3" |
Display resolution | 115k dots | 460k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch display | ||
Display tech | - | Widescreen TFT color LCD with anti-reflective coating |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 4 seconds | 4 seconds |
Max shutter speed | 1/2000 seconds | 1/4000 seconds |
Continuous shutter rate | - | 10.0 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Change WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | 4.20 m | 3.40 m |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft |
External flash | ||
AE bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30fps), 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1280x720 | 1920x1080 |
Video data format | Motion JPEG | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Microphone port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | Eye-Fi Connected |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 133g (0.29 lb) | 230g (0.51 lb) |
Dimensions | 97 x 53 x 20mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.8") | 124 x 64 x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 240 pictures |
Battery type | - | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | NP-80 | D-LI92 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec, Triple) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Storage type | SD/SDHC card, Internal | SD/SDHC/SDXC card, Internal |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Pricing at release | $180 | $300 |