Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax WG-1

In this article, we are analyzing the Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax WG-1, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Waterproof by companies Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the WG-1 (14MP) is very comparable but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and WG-1 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor size.

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The E-PL3 was released 8 months after the WG-1 so they are of a similar generation. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax WG-1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a complete comparison, below is a short introduction of how the E-PL3 scores vs the WG-1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL3 and Pentax Optio WG-1. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery and Pentax WG-1 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry around your camera frequently, you will need to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus E-PL3 offers physical dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") with a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) whilst the Pentax WG-1 has sizing of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax WG-1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you choose at the time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the E-PL3 against the WG-1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL3 and WG-1 is 88 and 93 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to visualise the gap in sensor sizes simply by going through a spec sheet. The pic underneath will give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL3 and WG-1.

As you can see, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PL3 featuring a larger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult and the Pentax WG-1 will produce more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos far more aggressively. The newer E-PL3 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor technology.