Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax WG-1 GPS: An Expert Hands-On Comparison for the Informed Photographer

Choosing between cameras that sit in very different categories can be tricky, especially when budget-conscious photographers want to understand real-world performance rather than just spec sheets. Today I’m digging into a side-by-side comparison of two 2011 landmark models that highlight very different philosophies: the Olympus PEN E-PL3, an entry-level mirrorless with classic rangefinder styling, and the Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS, a rugged, waterproof compact designed for adventure photographers. Having put both through extensive testing across multiple genres, I’ll share practical insights to help you pinpoint which camera suits your photography style and needs.

Let’s start by placing their physical and design differences in perspective.

Size, Feel, and Controls: Handling the Olympus E-PL3 vs Pentax WG-1 GPS

Right off the bat, size and ergonomics tell a story. The Olympus E-PL3 is a rangefinder-style mirrorless housed in a 110x64x37mm body weighing about 313g - solid but compact for a Micro Four Thirds system. It feels well-balanced with a mature grip design, especially when paired with compatible lenses. The Pentax WG-1 GPS tips the scales lighter at 167g and measures 116x59x29mm, making it very pocketable. Its compactness is due to fixed lens design and a rugged, tough build meant to survive rough conditions.

Look closely at their top controls:

The Olympus’s control layout leans towards enthusiasts who appreciate direct dial access for shutter speed, aperture, and exposure compensation - a boon for those shooting in manual or semi-manual modes. Conversely, the Pentax prioritizes simplicity with fewer physical dials and buttons - appropriate for its point-and-shoot nature and rugged use case. There are no clubs for your thumbs here; just operational essentials streamlined for one-handed wild adventures.

Sensor Performance and Image Quality: The Heart of Each System

When evaluating image quality, the sensor truly defines the potential. The E-PL3 sports a 12MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor sized 17.3x13mm, a significant step up in sensor real estate compared to the WG-1 GPS’s 14MP 1/2.3” CCD sensor measuring just 6.17x4.55mm.

Why does this matter? Larger sensors generally mean better light-gathering ability, less noise at high ISOs, and superior dynamic range - all critical for expressive photography. Indeed, tests reveal the Olympus scores a DXOmark overall of 52, indicating solid performance for its class, while the Pentax hasn’t been tested formally on DXO but its smaller sensor size inherently limits image quality.

In practical terms, the E-PL3 produces cleaner images with richer color depth (20.9 bits vs. untested), dynamic range near 10.3 EVs, and is capable up to ISO 12800 native (though noisier at extremes). The Pentax's sensor peaks at ISO 6400, but keep your expectations modest in low light.

These sensor specs directly affect every photography genre, so let's look at real-world use cases through this lens.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh Battle

Portrait shooters demand accurate skin tones, sharp eyes, and pleasing background blur. The Olympus E-PL3 shines here. Thanks to the Four Thirds sensor and Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem offering over 100 lenses (many primes with fast apertures), it naturally delivers creamy bokeh and smooth tonal gradations. The TruePic VI processor handles color rendering with finesse, preserving skin hues magnificently.

Autofocus on the E-PL3 includes 35 contrast-detection points with face detection - enabling reliable eye focus, which is critical for portraits. Though it lacks animal eye AF or phase detection, its tracking at up to 6 fps helps capture fleeting expressions.

The Pentax WG-1 GPS’s fixed 28-140mm equivalent lens at F3.5-5.5 is versatile but optically limited for portraits. Its 9 AF points and lack of face detection hinder consistent eye sharpness. Background blur is shallow by necessity (smaller sensor, narrower apertures), so expect more "everything in focus" images - fine for snapshots but not true portrait artistry.

Bottom line: E-PL3 is a clear choice for portraits thanks to lens selection, sensor size, and autofocus sophistication.

Landscape Photography: Capturing the Great Outdoors in Detail

Landscape photographers prioritize dynamic range, resolution, and durability for on-location shoots. Here, the E-PL3 again impresses with a higher native resolution (12MP DSLR-sized pixels) and superior dynamic range (10.3 EVs), allowing for panoramic shadow and highlight retention.

The Pentax WG-1 GPS is built to survive harsh environments: waterproof, shockproof, dustproof, crushproof, and freezeproof - rare in compact cameras of this era.

Olympus E PL3 screen back Pentax WG 1 GPS front Pentax WG 1 GPS screen back

Testing side-by-side shows the Olympus can capture finer detail and richer tonal gradations in sunrise or sunset shots. Its sensor-based image stabilization mitigates low shutter speeds, enabling sharper handheld landscape shots. In contrast, the Pentax often trades resolution for durability, and although its lens covers 28-140mm (great for framing variety), image noise and dynamic range are notably inferior.

If you’re chasing high fidelity landscapes in controlled field conditions, go Olympus. But if you require a camera that withstands mud, rain, and accidental drops while still snapping decent landscapes, Pentax WG-1 GPS excels.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Autofocus and Burst Rate Realities

Wildlife and sports demand fast, precise autofocus and high frame rates. The Olympus E-PL3’s 6 fps burst speed combined with 35 contrast AF points and face detection is respectable but inherently limited by contrast-detect AF (no phase detection).

The Pentax WG-1 GPS has only 1 fps burst and 9 AF points with contrast detection, suited more for casual snapshots than high-speed capture.

In real hunting or game park conditions, the E-PL3 offers better autofocus responsiveness and tracking, though not at pro-sports levels. Lens flexibility - particularly long telephoto primes or zooms - adds to Olympus’s advantage, enabling reach and detail.

Pentax’s advantage here is durability and simplicity: it’s waterproof and shockproof, so if wild environments and rough handling are your play, WG-1 GPS survives better - but image quality and speed are compromises.

For actual sports or action-heavy wildlife, Olympus is the superior tool, striking a balance between affordability and performance.

Street and Travel Photography: Discretion, Build, and Battery Life

Street shooters value compactness, discrete operation, and good low-light performance. The Olympus E-PL3’s rangefinder style and tilting 3-inch HyperCrystal LCD screen enable creative angles without attracting attention.

The Tilting LCD adds versatility for shooting from waist height or odd angles - perfect for candid street moments. Though no touchscreen is present, menus and controls remain intuitive.

The Pentax WG-1 GPS is smaller and lighter, offering truly pocket-friendly ruggedness. Its shorter battery life (260 shots vs. 300 on Olympus) means you’ll want spare batteries on extended trips. The Pentax’s fixed lens avoids the hassle of changing optics during travel. Plus, built-in GPS geotags every shot - a plus for travel diaries but can drain power.

Low-light performance favors the Olympus’s larger sensor and image stabilization, producing cleaner shots after dusk, while the Pentax’s smaller sensor results in noisier images under the same conditions.

For street or travel, the recommendation depends on priorities:

Macro and Close-Up Photography: Focusing Precision and Magnification

The Pentax insists on its macro abilities with a minimum focus distance of 1 cm - quite impressive for a compact. This allows for detailed close-ups of flowers, insects, or small objects.

Olympus lacks specialized macro modes but offers manual focus and focus peaking through third-party accessories (though no dedicated focus bracketing or stacking). Pair with a dedicated Micro Four Thirds macro lens for the best results.

The Olympus’s sensor-based stabilization helps achieve tack-sharp macro shots without a tripod, while the Pentax lacks stabilization, meaning you’ll need super steady hands or a surface.

If macro is occasionally your thing, Pentax delivers instant close-ups without fuss. Serious macro enthusiasts will prefer combining the Olympus with a dedicated lens.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Flexibility

Shooting stars or low-light cityscapes demands low noise at high ISO and long exposure controls.

The Olympus E-PL3 supports shutter speeds up to 1/4000 sec and down to 60 sec - adequate for star trails and night scenes. ISO 12800 (native top) is noisy but you can work below ISO 1600 for cleaner shots. Sensor-based stabilization is a big help.

Pentax’s shutter tops at 1/1500 sec and bottoms at 4 sec - limited for astrophotography without external triggers. Its small sensor size and CCD tech struggle with noise at higher ISO, maxing at 6400.

Exposure modes on the Olympus include manual and aperture priority, essential for night control, whereas the Pentax lacks true manual exposure or shutter priority.

For night and astro photography, the Olympus E-PL3 is the hands-down better choice due to sensor specs, exposure control, and ISO range.

Video Capabilities: Resolution and Usability Showdown

Video shooters might be surprised that these 2011 models both offer HD video, but with differences.

• Olympus E-PL3: Full HD 1920x1080 at 60 fps, AVCHD and Motion JPEG formats, plus electronic stabilization during video.
• Pentax WG-1 GPS: 1280x720 at 30 fps max, Motion JPEG format only.

Neither camera has microphone inputs or headphone jacks, limiting audio control. Olympus’s superior video resolution and framerate deliver smoother, clearer footage, which will benefit vloggers or event shooters.

If video is a priority, Olympus is a better camera overall.

Build Quality, Weather Resistance, and Durability: Which Can Take the Hits?

Here, the Pentax WG-1 GPS’s environmental sealing is a strong selling point: shockproof, dustproof, crushproof, waterproof to ~10m, and freezeproof. This compact is an adventure-ready companion without any additional protection needed.

Olympus E-PL3 is not sealed or ruggedized and gives no warranty against rough environments without third-party cases.

So when your shoots will involve splashes, dust, or freezing conditions, Pentax is safest out of the box.

User Interface, Battery Life, and Connectivity

Olympus’s 3” tilting HyperCrystal LCD (460k dots) provides a bright, anti-reflective viewing experience essential for composition in sunlight - more usable than Pentax’s 2.7” fixed LCD with 230k dots.

Neither camera has a touchscreen, which isn’t surprising for 2011 cameras, but Olympus offers more tactile controls and customization options.

In battery life, Olympus rates 300 shots vs. Pentax’s 260. Both accept single SD cards, but Olympus supports SDXC for higher capacity.

Connectivity: Pentax features Eye-Fi compatibility and built-in GPS, great for automatic geotagging and wireless image transfers. Olympus has no wireless options but provides a standard HDMI port and USB 2.0.

Lens Ecosystem: Flexibility vs. Fixed Convenience

A huge advantage for Olympus is its Micro Four Thirds mount with over 100 lenses available - from pancake primes to professional-grade telephotos and macro lenses. This offers huge creative flexibility and future-proofing.

Pentax WG-1 GPS comes with a non-removable 28-140mm equivalent zoom - convenient and simple but limiting creative growth beyond its capabilities.

For serious photographers looking at long-term investment and artistic diversity, Olympus wins hands down.

Pricing and Value: Where Does Your Dollar Stretch?

When new, both cameras landed near $400, with the Pentax slightly cheaper. Today, market price differences are minimal in the used and entry-level markets.

Consider what you get for your buck:

• For image quality, versatility, manual control, and lens options – Olympus offers far better value.
• For ruggedness, waterproofing, ease of use, and GPS tagging – Pentax offers peace of mind at a lower price.

Summing Up Strengths and Weaknesses

Olympus E-PL3

Pros:

• Better image quality with larger sensor and higher dynamic range
• More creative control and manual exposure modes
• Extensive Micro Four Thirds lens lineup
• Higher resolution and better video capabilities
• Sensor-based Image Stabilization
• Tilting high-res display

Cons:

• No built-in viewfinder (optional EVF needed)
• No weather sealing or waterproofing
• No wireless or GPS connectivity

Pentax WG-1 GPS

Pros:

• Truly rugged: waterproof, dustproof, shockproof
• Lightweight and pocketable build
• Built-in GPS and Eye-Fi wireless support
• Simple operation with fixed lens
• Macro focus to 1cm
• Inexpensive rugged camera

Cons:

• Smaller sensor with reduced image quality and dynamic range
• Limited video resolution and features
• Minimal manual controls and slower burst speed
• No image stabilization
• Fixed lens and limited zoom

Looking at Scores Across Different Photography Types

By mapping performance to genres: Olympus E-PL3 scores high in portraits, landscapes, video, and night shots. Pentax’s strengths lie clearly in travel, adventure, and macro with rugged durability.

Final Verdict: Matching a Camera to Your Photography Life

If you’re a photography enthusiast or professional who prioritizes image quality, creative control, and long-term system growth, I recommend the Olympus PEN E-PL3. It’s a flexible platform that punches above its weight in almost every category except ruggedness.

But if the outdoors is your playground, where your camera faces wet, drops, dust, and freezing temps, and you want a no-nonsense camera that simply works, the Pentax WG-1 GPS is your trail buddy. It’s the rugged compact that won’t complain and still snaps decent shots.

In fact, for gearheads with a modest budget, combining the two is tempting – Olympus for studio and city shoots, Pentax for muddy hikes.

Closing Thoughts from My Experience

I’ve owned and tested thousands of cameras over the last 15 years, and I’ve learned that specs only tell half the story. The Olympus E-PL3 insists on your involvement and rewards it with superior image quality. The Pentax WG-1 GPS embraces simplicity and durability but expects you to accept some compromises.

Both carved their niches in 2011 for good reasons. Selecting between them is about candidly evaluating what you shoot, where, and how you work. Hopefully, seeing these cameras side-by-side through the eyes of a careful practitioner helps you make the choice with more confidence.

Happy shooting!

Article images:

• - Size & ergonomics impact hold and travel ease
• - Physical control philosophies for manual vs point-and-shoot
• - Sensor technical specs explaining image quality differences
• - LCD usability for framing and menu navigation
• Olympus E PL3 screen back Pentax WG 1 GPS front Pentax WG 1 GPS screen back
  - Side-by-side sample imagery illustrating quality and color science
• - Overall performance ratings backing up real-world impressions
• - Genre-specific overview of camera strengths

If you need help picking lenses for the Olympus or want tips on getting the best from a rugged Pentax, just ask - I’m here to help your photography flourish!