Nikon S32 vs Pentax WG-3 GPS

Let's take a deeper look at the Nikon S32 and Pentax WG-3 GPS, both Waterproof digital cameras by competitors Nikon and Pentax. The image resolution of the S32 (13MP) and the WG-3 GPS (16MP) is fairly similar but the S32 (1/3") and WG-3 GPS (1/2.3") use different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The S32 was revealed 7 months after the WG-3 GPS which means that they are of a similar generation. Both of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting straight into a in depth comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the S32 scores versus the WG-3 GPS with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Coolpix S32 and Pentax WG-3 GPS. The full galleries are available at Nikon S32 Gallery and Pentax WG-3 GPS Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry around your camera often, you will need to factor its weight and volume. The Nikon S32 offers outside measurements of 108mm x 66mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 175 grams (0.39 lbs) and the Pentax WG-3 GPS has sizing of 125mm x 64mm x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 238 grams (0.52 lbs).

Take a look at the Nikon S32 and Pentax WG-3 GPS in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the S32 compared to the WG-3 GPS.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S32 and WG-3 GPS is 90 and 90 respectively.

Typically, it can be tough to visualize the difference between sensor sizes simply by reviewing specifications. The picture below may give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the S32 and WG-3 GPS.

Plainly, each of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The S32 having a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF trickier and the Pentax WG-3 GPS will offer you more detail because of its extra 3MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics much more aggressively. The younger S32 provides an advantage in sensor innovation.