Olympus E-P5 vs Pentax WG-3 GPS: Which Camera Fits Your Photography Style?

When I first got my hands on these two distinctly different cameras - the Olympus PEN E-P5 and the Pentax WG-3 GPS - it really drove home how diverse the camera world is, even within a price bracket hovering around $350-$400. You have a stylish, somewhat classic mirrorless camera on one side, and a rugged, waterproof compact built for adventures on the other. Both boast 16MP sensors and 1080p video, but beyond that, they tread separate paths.

In this thorough comparison, I’ll draw on my hands-on experience testing thousands of cameras and lenses to help you understand what these little beasts bring to the table - and more importantly, which one deserves a spot in your camera bag. Whether you’re a budding enthusiast or a seasoned pro looking to fill a specific niche, I’ll break down their technical chops, image quality, handling, and more.

Let’s dive in.

Physical Design and Ergonomics: Form Meets Function

Right off the bat, their physical designs tell very different stories. The E-P5 sports a classic rangefinder-style mirrorless body, sleek with slightly retro charm and plenty of controls for the enthusiast who likes to tweak settings on the fly. In contrast, the Pentax WG-3 GPS is a tough little compact - a waterproof, shock-resistant tool for the field, built like a tank but without the finesse and customization of a mirrorless.

Size, Weight, and Handling

Looking at the size and ergonomics, the E-P5 is chunkier and heavier at 420g compared to the WG-3’s lightweight 238g. Dimensions-wise, the Olympus measures 122x69x37mm, while the Pentax is longer but slimmer at 125x64x33mm. Despite the Olympus’s greater heft, it feels nice and solid in hand with a thoughtfully designed grip for hours without fatigue.

The WG-3 GPS’s compact design with simple button placement makes it easy to slap into a pocket or backpack. However, it lacks a grip and can feel a bit fiddly when trying to shoot quickly with gloves or wet hands - though that’s hardly unexpected considering it’s waterproof and shockproof.

Control Layout and User Interface

The top view comparison highlights how far apart these cameras are in terms of manual control options. The Olympus sports dedicated dials for shutter speed and exposure compensation, along with customizable buttons and a decent mode dial. This setup screams enthusiast-level functionality and faster operation for those who like to shoot with clubs for thumbs (or large fingers).

In contrast, the WG-3 is much simpler - fewer buttons, no manual exposure controls, and basic menu navigation. Its rugged design prioritizes durability over customization, which suits outdoor types who want quick, point-and-shoot usability rather than in-depth exposure tweaking.

Sensor Tech and Image Quality: More Than Megapixels

At their cores, both cameras house 16MP sensors - but these are worlds apart in size and performance potential.

Sensor Size and Image Quality Metrics

The Olympus E-P5 features a Four Thirds-sized CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13mm, giving it roughly 225mm² of imaging surface. That’s considerably larger than the Pentax WG-3’s 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor at 6.17 x 4.55mm, or about 28mm². In practical terms, the E-P5’s sensor area is nearly eight times larger - this matters a ton for image quality aspects like dynamic range, noise performance, and depth of field control.

According to DXO Mark testing (and my own lab comparisons), the E-P5 scores an overall 72, with a healthy color depth of 22.8 bits and dynamic range at 12.4 EV stops. Low-light ISO performance hits a respectable 895. In contrast, the Pentax doesn’t have DXO scores available, but typical 1/2.3” sensors registered lower in every image quality metric during my past reviews - especially in noise and dynamic range.

Image Quality in Real Use

I tested both cameras shooting identical scenes under various conditions. The Olympus delivers significantly cleaner images at ISO 1600 and above, with noticeably better tonal gradation and clarity. In daylight, skin tones from the E-P5 are natural and flattering, with smooth bokeh provided by its interchangeable Micro Four Thirds lenses - a boon for portrait enthusiasts.

The Pentax, while capable of decent daylight snaps, suffers in low light with a noisy output and less color accuracy. Its smaller sensor means reliance on software noise reduction, which can soften details.

Lens Ecosystem and Focal Range

Because the Olympus uses the Micro Four Thirds mount, it taps into a robust world of over 100 lenses - primes and zooms - covering everything from macro to telephoto, with excellent optics at various price points. This flexibility allows photographers to match lenses to their preferred genres, from landscapes to wildlife and portraits.

Pentax WG-3 GPS has a fixed 25-100mm equivalent zoom lens with a useful F2.0 to F4.9 aperture range but no option to change lenses. This limits creative control compared to the E-P5’s ever-expanding lens ecosystem.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed and Precision on Trial

A critical differentiator for many photographers is autofocus capability and shooting speed, especially when chasing moving subjects or shooting fast-paced action.

Autofocus System

The Olympus E-P5 features a contrast-detection autofocus system with 35 focus points, including face detection and tracking, continuous AF, selective AF, and touch AF on its capacitive tilting touchscreen. Although contrast-detection generally lags behind phase-detection in speed, Olympus’s tuned algorithm makes it nimble and reliable under good light.

Pentax WG-3 uses a 9-point AF system with face detection and contrast detection but lacks continuous AF modes and touch focusing. Tracking moving subjects can be hit or miss with this setup.

Burst Rates and Shutter Performance

The E-P5 shoots at up to 9 frames per second (fps) using its mechanical shutter - a sizable advantage for those who shoot sports or wildlife. It also offers fast shutter speeds up to 1/8000s for freezing action and managing bright light with wide apertures.

The WG-3 maxes out at 1/4000s shutter and lacks rapid continuous shooting modes suitable for action capture. Combined with slower autofocus, it’s better suited for static or slow-moving subjects.

Handling and Interface: Tilting Screens, Touch, and Usability

Taking pictures should be as pleasant as possible, right? The ergonomics and camera interfaces play a big role here.

The Olympus’s 3-inch 3:2 capacitive touchscreen tilts upward and downward - a feature I value highly when shooting at tricky angles or for street photography stealth. Touch controls allow tap-to-focus and quick navigation through menus, making adjustment seamless.

Pentax’s WG-3 sports a 3-inch fixed screen with 460k dots and anti-reflective coating, but no touchscreen. While decent for outdoor use, fixed displays limit creativity and flexibility in tight spots. The menus and buttons are accessible but basic.

Durability and Environmental Sealing: Adventures Versus Studio

No prize for guessing that the WG-3 GPS excels where weather and rough handling come into play.

Pentax WG-3 GPS boasts full environmental sealing: waterproof up to 40 feet, dustproof, shockproof from 6.5 feet, crushproof to 100kg load, and freezeproof to 14°F (-10°C). This ruggedness is practically unheard of in the Olympus lineup, which lacks any official weather sealing.

If you’re a nature or adventure photographer wanting to shoot underwater, in the rain, or in dusty environments without a bulky housing, the WG-3 stands firmly in your corner.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery life is a subtle but real factor in day-long shoots and travel.

Olympus E-P5’s battery keeps the shutters clicking for about 330 shots on a charge (CIPA rating), roughly 30% better than the WG-3 GPS’s 240 shots. While neither is exceptional, the E-P5’s mirrorless system and power-efficient sensor help extend usage, and you can find compatible aftermarket batteries relatively easily.

Both cameras rely on single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slots without dual card redundancy, which is typical at these price points.

Image Stabilization and Video Capabilities

Image Stabilization

Both cameras feature sensor-shift image stabilization systems, though implementations differ in scale.

Olympus’s 5-axis sensor-based stabilization is a standout feature, helping to minimize blur from angular movements and offering advantages in handheld slow-shutter photography - a massive plus for macros, landscapes, and low-light shooting.

Pentax uses sensor-shift IS too, but it’s more standard 3-axis, effective mostly for minor hand shake, and the smaller sensor benefits less from elaborate algorithms.

Video Recording

Each captures Full HD 1080p video at 30fps, with Olympus using H.264 codec and Pentax offering MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. Frame rate options on Pentax also include 720p at 60fps, which is good for a bit of slow motion.

However, neither camera includes microphone or headphone ports, restricting audio flexibility. Olympus’s touchscreen focusing aids video focusing better than Pentax’s limited interface.

Photography Genres: How They Stack Across Use Cases

Now, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of how each holds up depending on your favorite photography style.

Olympus E P5 front Olympus E P5 screen back Pentax WG 3 GPS front Pentax WG 3 GPS screen back

Portrait Photography

• Olympus E-P5: Wins decisively with large sensor, better dynamic range, and gorgeous bokeh using fast primes. Face and eye detection AF makes it easy to nail sharp portraits. Skin tones look natural, and tilting touch screen aids framing creatively.

• Pentax WG-3 GPS: Excels at snapshots but limited by small sensor and fixed lens. Background blur is minimal. Face detection works but lower resolution and noise hold it back for refined portraits.

Landscape Photography

• Olympus E-P5: Strong dynamic range, detailed 16MP output, and interchangeable lenses translate to stunning landscape shots. Weather sealing is missing but can be worked around. 5-axis IS aids handheld shooting.

• Pentax WG-3 GPS: Its rugged, waterproof build makes it great for landscapes in the wild - streams, mountains, beach - but smaller sensor limits image quality and low-light flexibility.

Wildlife Photography

• Olympus E-P5: With rapid autofocus, fast shooting rates, and telephoto lenses available, the E-P5 is better suited for capturing fast-moving subjects, though its contrast-detect AF can struggle under tough light.

• Pentax WG-3 GPS: Limited zoom range and slower AF lower its wildlife game, making it a casual wildlife shooter’s compact.

Sports Photography

• Olympus E-P5: 9fps shutter speeds and customizable controls put it in the running for sports - if you’re shooting daylight or well-lit indoor scenes.

• Pentax WG-3 GPS: Falls short with no fast continuous shooting and slower AF.

Street Photography

• Olympus E-P5: Stylish, quiet, and with a tiltable touch screen, it’s the better companion for discrete street shooting, especially with smaller primes.

• Pentax WG-3 GPS: Bulky for pockets, sturdiness a plus for rugged urban environments, but limited manual controls reduce creative options.

Macro Photography

• Olympus E-P5: Ability to swap specialized macro lenses and 5-axis IS make it the undisputed choice for close-up work.

• Pentax WG-3 GPS: 1cm macro focusing is handy for casual shots, but processor noise and lack of aperture control constrain quality.

Night and Astro Photography

• Olympus E-P5: Larger sensor and 5-axis IS support longer exposures with cleaner high ISO images - perfect for stars and nighttime scenes.

• Pentax WG-3 GPS: Smaller sensor and noise limit night capabilities. No manual exposure modes hinders astro shots.

Video Capabilities

• Olympus E-P5: Full manual exposure modes and touch-to-focus make it a friendly hybrid stills/video performer at 1080p/30fps.

• Pentax WG-3 GPS: Basic video with fewer manual options; limited by fixed lens and no microphone.

Travel Photography

• Olympus E-P5: Moderate size and weight plus versatile lens options make it an adaptable travel buddy. Battery life is decent, and wireless connectivity helps sharing.

• Pentax WG-3 GPS: Compact, rugged, waterproof - your go-anywhere shooter perfect if you expect the occasional splash or drop.

Professional Work

• Olympus E-P5: Supports RAW files and has custom controls that fit into professional workflows but lacks robust weather sealing and an EVF natively.

• Pentax WG-3 GPS: No RAW support, limited manual control, and consumer sensor size make it unsuitable for professional workflows.

Connectivity and Extras

• Olympus E-P5: Offers built-in Wi-Fi for wireless image transfer, which I found very handy for quick sharing. HDMI port handy for external monitors.

• Pentax WG-3 GPS: Includes built-in GPS - a significant plus for travel record keepers - and Eye-Fi wireless card support, though no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Neither camera offers NFC or Bluetooth.

Price-to-Performance and Final Assessment

The Olympus E-P5 currently hovers around $389, while the Pentax WG-3 GPS often sells for slightly less at about $350.

Here’s the lowdown:

Wrapping It Up: Which One Should You Buy?

If you value image quality, manual control, and flexibility, and you shoot primarily on land in controlled conditions, the Olympus PEN E-P5 is the obvious pick. It’s a camera that rewards deliberate shooting, embraces creativity, and integrates into a professional workflow - especially if you snap raw.

Conversely, if you’re a cheapskate adventurer (and I say that lovingly) who needs a camera that can survive drops, dirt, water, and weather without batting an eye - and you’re okay with point-and-shoot limitations - the Pentax WG-3 GPS is your trusty sidekick. It may not deliver pro-grade images but will handle the bumps and splashes life throws your way.

Ultimately, choosing between these two comes down to your priorities. Personally, for most photography enthusiasts aiming for strong image quality and creative control, the Olympus E-P5 makes more sense on balance. But as a secondary camera for harsh outdoor conditions, the Pentax WG-3 GPS deserves respect - it’s a niche champion.

If you want to geek out further on specifics or need suggestions for lenses and accessories for either, just drop me a line - I’ve tested loads on both systems and happy to share!

Happy shooting!