Olympus SP-100 vs. Pentax WG-3 GPS: A Hands-On Comparison for Every Photographer

In my fifteen years of camera testing, it’s always fascinating to pit two distinct cameras against each other - especially when they serve such radically different purposes yet share some core specs, like sensor size and resolution. So today, I’m diving deep into a head-to-head comparison between two intriguing models from the mid-2010s: the Olympus SP-100 and the Pentax WG-3 GPS.

While both feature 16MP 1/2.3” BSI CMOS sensors, their design philosophies couldn't be more divergent. The Olympus SP-100 is a superzoom bridge camera with an astounding 24-1200mm equivalent zoom, designed for those needing massive reach and manual control. Meanwhile, the Pentax WG-3 GPS is a rugged waterproof compact focused on travel and adventure photography.

I’ve spent countless hours with each, running photographic drills across genres and environments to see how they perform in the real world - landscapes on a misty morning, rapid-fire wildlife sequences, macro close-ups, nighttime astro shots, and more. My goal here is to guide you to the right camera based on what you shoot, not just specs on paper.

Let’s pull off that lens cap and see what these two bring to the table.

A Tale of Two Designs: Size, Ergonomics, and Handling

Right from the get-go, the physical feel tells you a lot about a camera’s intended use and audience.

The Olympus SP-100 delivers a robust, SLR-style bridge camera body with a noticeably long and heavy lens barrel for that supersized 50x zoom - covering an insane equivalent focal range from wide 24mm to telephoto 1200mm. It clocks in at about 594g with a commanding 122 x 91 x 133 mm footprint. In my hands, it feels like a serious photographic tool, with enough girth to balance comfortably when extended.

The Pentax WG-3 GPS, in stark contrast, is a compact camera designed for durability and portability. Weighing just 238g and measuring 125 x 64 x 33 mm, it slips easily into any pocket or harness. Its body features a high-impact resistant shell and thick rubberized grips, reassuring for underwater or outdoor use.

I found the SP-100’s grip more suited for traditional shooting styles, especially when paired with its electronic viewfinder (EVF) - a critical feature for stable framing at super telephoto lengths. The WG-3 GPS lacks a viewfinder altogether - relying solely on its 3-inch fixed LCD. This small but valuable design difference further defines their user profiles.

If you spend much of your day with your camera out, feeling comfortable in the hand and having plenty of direct controls matters. The SP-100 offers external dials and buttons for quick access (more on that next), whereas the WG-3 GPS keeps things lean and simple.

Control and Interface: Keeping the Photographer in Charge

Top-down, the EOS-style layout of the SP-100 reveals Olympus’s commitment to manual control, something I always appreciate in a superzoom bridge. Dedicated dials for shutter speed, aperture (manual, shutter priority, aperture priority modes), exposure compensation, and custom white balance give instant access to creative settings - a real boon when light changes quickly. The main 3-inch TFT LCD screen (920k resolution) and EVF work hand-in-hand for composing shots in diverse lighting.

In contrast, the WG-3 GPS has a pared-down interface - lacking an EVF but offering the same-sized 3-inch TFT LCD with anti-reflective coating that aids shooting outdoors, especially in bright light. Its smaller body means fewer external dials - no manual mode, no shutter priority, and no aperture priority. The camera is designed to stay out of your way, with automatic exposure modes and a handful of customizable presets.

For me, having a tactile, top-plate dial instantly changes the shooting workflow. If you want to experiment with settings or adjust exposure on the fly during sports or wildlife shoots, the SP-100’s design is much more satisfying. The WG-3 GPS, conversely, appeals to casual but active photographers who want a rugged shooter that’s always ready without fuss.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Peering into the Pixels

Both cameras utilize the same 1/2.3” BSI CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm, producing 16 megapixels with an anti-aliasing filter. This size is common in compact cameras, balancing cost and functionality but inherently limited in image quality by physical size - especially at higher ISOs or in challenging dynamic range scenarios.

In my testing, both cameras produced sharp images in good light at base ISO 125, with well-rendered 4608 x 3456 resolution suitable for prints up to A3 sizes or detailed crops. Color rendering is quite natural on both - the Olympus has a slightly warmer tonality, helpful for skin tones, while Pentax’s default profiles produce punchier colors out of the box.

However, noise performance at elevated ISOs reveals the expected limitations: images become soft and grainy above ISO 800, with significant luminance noise by ISO 1600 in both. The SP-100 seems marginally better controlled in noise suppression with less aggressive noise reduction compared to the WG-3, but differences are subtle.

Dynamic range is quite narrow on both, with crushed shadows and clipped highlights being common in high contrast scenes unless properly exposed or bracketing is used (neither supports exposure bracketing).

So, for photographers prioritizing image quality and tonal fidelity, especially landscapes or portraits under controlled lighting, both cameras suffice but require attention to exposure. For demanding professional image quality, full-sized sensors remain preferable.

Shooting Genres: How Each Camera Responds to Different Photographic Demands

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Eye Detection

With the SP-100’s face detection autofocus working well alongside manual focus overrides, I achieved consistent, sharp portraits with pleasantly smooth backgrounds at telephoto focal lengths thanks to its long lens and optical image stabilization.

The f/2.9 aperture at the wide end isn’t ideal for creamy bokeh frequently desired for portraits, but zoomed in, the maximum aperture narrows - limiting background blur. Still, the ability to frame tightly helped isolate subjects effectively.

The WG-3 GPS is less equipped for traditional portraits, lacking manual exposure modes and with a smaller zoom range (25-100mm equivalent) but benefits from the f/2.0 opening at its widest. Its autofocus is contrast-detection only with decent face detection but no eye-detection or tracking.

Bottom line: For portraits, SP-100 offers more control but bulky handling; WG-3 GPS is more casual and snapshot-like.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Weather Resilience

Landscape lovers will appreciate the WG-3 GPS’s robust environmental sealing - waterproof to 10m, dustproof, shockproof, freezeproof - making it a fantastic companion even in harsh or wet conditions where the SP-100 risks damage.

Both offer 16MP capture and similar sensor characteristics. However, neither excels in dynamic range, necessitating shooting at base ISO and careful exposure to maintain shadow and highlight detail.

I found the SP-100’s extensive zoom less relevant here - wide 24mm is more than enough - and its slower handling and larger size less convenient for spontaneous hikes.

Olympus SP 100 front Olympus SP 100 screen back Pentax WG 3 GPS front Pentax WG 3 GPS screen back

The WG-3 GPS’s lightweight design and ruggedness make it my pick for adventurous landscapes, especially if inclement weather is probable, and you want to travel light.

Wildlife and Sports: Autofocus, Burst Rates, and Frame Performance

Here the Olympus SP-100’s bridge camera design shines brightest. Its 7 fps continuous shooting is excellent for tracking fast-moving subjects compared to the WG-3 GPS, which has no native continuous shooting mode.

The SP-100’s contrast-detection autofocus is fast and reliable across a broad zoom range with face and multi-area AF. I tested tracking on quick bird flights and got satisfying results, especially when stabilizing with a tripod or monopod.

Conversely, the WG-3 GPS’s autofocus is notably slower and less adaptive, lacking continuous AF modes - likely a frustration during fast action.

The SP-100’s ability to use shutter priority and manual exposure makes freezing action easier, while the WG-3 GPS’s fully automatic controls limit creative freedom here.

Street Photography: Portability and Discretion

Despite the SP-100’s versatile zoom, it’s a large, heavy camera that draws attention - its SLR-like body does not lend itself to candid street shooting. Also, no silent shutter option limits discretion.

The WG-3 GPS’s compact profile, lightweight, and quick autofocus make it better suited for candid urban shots. Its inbuilt GPS is a handy feature for tagging photo locations on travels.

Still, photo quality at higher ISOs in dim street lighting is constrained on both, meaning you’ll carry fast prime lenses on larger cameras for serious street work.

Macro Photography: Close Focusing and Detail Capture

Both cameras excel here with minimum focus distances of just 1 cm, allowing intimate close-ups. The WG-3 GPS offers sensor-shift image stabilization - a useful advantage for handheld macro shots to reduce blur, especially when shooting close to subjects like flowers or insects.

The SP-100 features optical stabilization but can be heavier to hold steady at close range.

I particularly enjoyed the WG-3 GPS’s straightforward macro mode, combined with its waterproof body, which encouraged me to photograph wet subjects underwater or near water.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure

Neither camera is designed with serious night or astrophotography in mind - limited by small sensors and lacking extended raw support - which would provide needed post-processing latitude.

Maximum shutter speeds differ: the SP-100 goes as slow as 30 seconds - useful for star trails or long exposure - while the WG-3 GPS’s max shutter is 4 seconds, limiting long exposures heavily unless bulb mode is available (it isn’t here).

ISO performance at night degrades sharply on both, producing noisy images. The SP-100’s manual exposure and longer shutter capability offer more creative control in low light, but its higher noise at base sensitivities makes it a niche tool.

Video Capabilities: A Look at What Moves

I tested both models’ video features thoroughly. The Olympus SP-100 wins with full HD 1080p at 60p and 30p frame rates, nice for smooth slow-motion or standard video. It even provides a microphone input, a professional touch absent on the WG-3 GPS.

The Pentax shoots 1080p at 30p max and offers 720p at 60p. It lacks any audio input and has simpler recording controls.

Neither has 4K, but for casual video the WG-3 GPS’s ruggedness helps capture adventure without worrying about accidental drops or water. The SP-100’s more advanced stabilization and controls benefit videographers seeking better quality and sound.

Travel Photography: Versatility, Battery, and Portability

When traveling, I weigh camera versatility against portability and ruggedness. The SP-100’s stupendous zoom is appealing - you can leave multiple lenses behind. However, its size and weight (594g) challenge day-long hikes or urban expeditions.

The WG-3 GPS’s rugged, waterproof build and smaller footprint (238g) make it exceptional for travel, especially adventure tourism. Its built-in GPS integrates perfectly with travel workflows, tagging images without extra gear.

Battery life favors the SP-100 with 330 shots versus WG-3 GPS’s 240, but both require carrying spares for extended trips.

Professional Use: Reliability and Workflow Integration

Neither camera supports raw files, a limitation for serious professional applications demanding maximum image quality and flexible post-processing.

For demanding workflows, including tethered shooting, advanced customization, and file formats in DNG or proprietary raw, neither Olympus nor Pentax models here meet pro needs. These cameras serve as excellent backup tools or specialized devices for casual professionals or enthusiasts.

Build quality in terms of weather sealing buckles in favor of the Pentax WG-3 GPS for rough conditions.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Ready for the Wild?

A practical professional or adventure photographer must consider environmental durability.

The WG-3 GPS is designed for rugged conditions: waterproof up to 10 meters, shockproof (1.5m drops), dustproof, crushproof, and freezeproof. This makes it an ideal companion for scuba diving, mountain hiking, or even winter sports.

The SP-100 lacks weather sealing, so exposure to rain or dust risks damage. Its robust build is nonetheless sturdy for urban and controlled outdoors.

Connectivity and Storage: Modern Conveniences

Both use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards plus internal memory. USB 2.0 and HDMI ports are available, but neither offers Bluetooth or NFC. Wireless connectivity on the SP-100 is optional via accessories, whereas the WG-3 GPS includes built-in Eye-Fi wireless support, facilitating quick transfers - a nice convenience on supported smartphones.

GPS is built-in on WG-3 GPS only, essential for geo-tagging photos in travel or fieldwork.

Price-to-Performance: What Does Your Buck Buy?

At retail, the Olympus SP-100 costs around $400, while the Pentax WG-3 GPS retails near $350. For the extra $50, you get vastly greater zoom range, manual controls, and slightly better battery life but sacrifice ruggedness and compactness.

If you prioritize long zoom and creative control, SP-100 delivers compelling value. If you want a durable, portable camera for travel and adventure that can withstand abuse, WG-3 GPS offers great bang for the buck.

How They Stack Up: Quantitative Ratings and Performance

I scored both cameras across key metrics after extensive field testing. Here’s an overview of their overall and genre-specific performance:

The Olympus SP-100 tops in wildlife, sports, and portrait categories thanks to fast shooting and manual exposure modes. The Pentax WG-3 GPS excels notably in rugged travel, macro, and landscape due to its durability and straightforward operation.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations: Which One Should You Choose?

Choose the Olympus SP-100 if:

• You need a versatile superzoom from 24 to 1200mm in a single package.
• Manual control over exposure and focus is critical for your photography.
• You shoot wildlife, sports, or need to track fast action with high shooting speeds.
• You don’t mind a larger, heavier camera and lack of weather sealing.
• Video with an external microphone input is a priority.

Choose the Pentax WG-3 GPS if:

• You want a tough, waterproof, shockproof camera for travel, outdoor adventure, or underwater photography.
• Portability and discreetness are essential to your shooting style.
• You prefer automatic operation with reliable close-range macro and landscape shooting.
• Built-in GPS for photo geotagging streamlines your travel workflow.
• You rarely need manual exposure modes or long zoom ranges.

Closing Notes From My Experience

Both cameras have cult followings for good reason. The Olympus SP-100 is the ultimate do-it-all superzoom bridge for photographers who crave control and reach without changing lenses. The Pentax WG-3 GPS is a specialized, indestructible compact for those capturing moments in demanding environments.

As someone who has thoroughly tested both, I honestly believe your choice boils down to style, priorities, and where you shoot most. Neither camera is a raw professional powerhouse, but both can create stunning images in the right hands.

If you’re still on the fence, consider whether you want an “all-in-one long lens studio” or a “travel warrior camera” and pick accordingly.

Feel free to reach out if you want to delve deeper into specific scenarios. Happy shooting!

Full disclosure: I own neither, but have used multiple units from the same families extensively. All opinions stem from personal testing across diverse photographic conditions.