Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax WG-1 GPS

On this page, we are comparing the Olympus E-PL3 and Pentax WG-1 GPS, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Waterproof by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the E-PL3 (12MP) and the WG-1 GPS (14MP) is fairly close but the E-PL3 (Four Thirds) and WG-1 GPS (1/2.3") boast different sensor dimensions.

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The E-PL3 was announced 2 months after the WG-1 GPS so they are of a similar age. The two cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax WG-1 GPS being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a simple overview of how the E-PL3 scores against the WG-1 GPS with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-PL3 & Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL3 Gallery & Pentax WG-1 GPS Gallery.

For anybody who is going to travel with your camera frequently, you will need to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL3 provides outer dimensions of 110mm x 64mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") having a weight of 313 grams (0.69 lbs) while the Pentax WG-1 GPS has measurements of 116mm x 59mm x 29mm (4.6" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

See the Olympus E-PL3 and Pentax WG-1 GPS in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the E-PL3 and the WG-1 GPS.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL3 and WG-1 GPS is 88 and 93 respectively.

Typically, it's hard to imagine the contrast in sensor dimensions just by viewing technical specs. The image here will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL3 and WG-1 GPS.

As you have seen, each of these cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL3 with its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field simpler and the Pentax WG-1 GPS will render extra detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will let you crop photos a bit more aggressively.