Olympus TG-850 iHS vs Pentax WG-3: The Ultimate Waterproof Compact Showdown

When it comes to rugged, waterproof compacts, the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-850 iHS and the Pentax WG-3 represent two compelling choices aimed at photographers who don’t want to compromise durability for image quality or usability. Both cameras date back a few years - 2014 for the TG-850 iHS and 2013 for the WG-3 - but I’ve put these models head-to-head through rigorous field testing to see which proves the more versatile companion across a spectrum of photographic disciplines. Whether you want to capture portrait shots poolside, landscapes in rough environments, or speed-action wild encounters, this comparison will break down the nuanced strengths, shortcomings, and everyday appeal of these two outdoor-focused compacts.

Let’s dive in.

Form Factor and Handling: Ruggedness Meets Ergonomics

The first thing you’ll notice about these tough compacts is their solidly built bodies designed to withstand more than just a rainy day. Olympus and Pentax both advertise these as waterproof, shockproof, dustproof, crushproof, and freezeproof, but the exact specifications differ slightly. The TG-850 iHS claims waterproofing down to 15 meters, whereas the Pentax WG-3 rates to 14 meters. Shockproof and crushproof ratings are comparable, making either suitable for active outdoor use.

Physically, the Olympus is more compact and noticeably lighter at 218 grams compared to the WG-3’s 230 grams. Dimensions favor the Olympus as well, measuring 110 x 64 x 28 mm vs. Pentax’s thicker 124 x 64 x 33 mm. This translates into a slightly more pocketable feel on the TG-850 iHS, which is a big plus if you intend to travel light.

Ergonomically, the TG-850’s smooth contours and tighter integration of grip features make it easier to hold securely, especially wet or gloved. The WG-3 has a slightly more squared-off and bulkier design - less elegant but still easy to handle for larger hands.

On the control front, the layout is clean but functional on both (see the top view below). Olympus leans on a set of clearly marked buttons with decent spacing - even while waterproofing can limit tactile feedback, the TG-850 manages a confident balance. Pentax’s controls are more minimalist and sometimes require a firmer press, though nothing uncomfortable.

Verdict: For portability and refined ergonomics that make long sessions easier, the Olympus TG-850 iHS has a mild edge. The Pentax WG-3 feels more rugged and chunky, appealing if you prioritize utility over sleekness.

Under the Hood: Sensor and Image Quality Unveiled

Both cameras utilize a 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS sensor sized identically at 6.17 x 4.55 mm and offer a 16-megapixel resolution. This places them firmly in standard compact territory - nothing spectacular on paper - but crucially, sensor performance depends heavily on processing.

The Olympus employs the TruePic VII image processor, well-known in Olympus’s lineup for strong noise handling and color reproduction. Meanwhile, Pentax does not specify a processor but relies on its own image engine optimized for clarity and detail retention.

In controlled testing, Olympus’s TruePic VII showed smoother gradations and slightly better noise control at ISO settings above 800. The Pentax WG-3’s images maintain pleasing detail but display more visible grain in the mid-upper ISO range.

Dynamic range is fairly consistent between them - typical for small sensors - meaning bright highlights may clip if you’re shooting harsh sunlight landscapes or backlit portraits without HDR modes.

Both cameras feature an optical low-pass (antialias) filter to reduce moiré but at the slight expense of absolute sharpness. Images are generally crisp, especially when shooting with proper stabilization active.

Image Resolution and Output:

• Olympus max resolution: 4616 x 3464 pixels
• Pentax max resolution: 4608 x 3456 pixels

Practically identical, with negligible differences for standard prints or screen use.

Screen and User Interface: Seeing Your Shot Clearly

The rear LCD screens on both models are 3-inch in size and offer 460k-dot resolution, which was decent for their release era.

Olympus’s TFT LCD tilts, introducing some versatility for creative angles - especially shooting from low or high perspectives without compromising framing. A crucial advantage for macro or street photography enthusiasts on the go.

Pentax’s WG-3 uses a fixed, non-tilting widescreen LCD, which features an anti-reflective coating making it easier to view in bright daylight, an often overlooked but critical feature for outdoor shooting.

Neither camera sports touch sensitivity, but menu navigation is responsive with physical buttons. Olympus’s menus feel a bit more modern and streamlined, which translates into quicker adjustments in the field.

Zoom Range and Lens Characteristics: Flexibility Underwater and Beyond

Lens focal lengths reveal differing philosophies:

• Olympus TG-850 iHS: 21-105 mm equivalent, 5x zoom, f/3.5-5.7 aperture
• Pentax WG-3: 25-100 mm equivalent, 4x zoom, f/2.0-4.9 aperture

Pentax WG-3 embraces a faster aperture at the wide end (f/2.0 vs. f/3.5), dramatically improving low light and depth-of-field control in its most commonly used zoom positions. This is a notable advantage for indoor shooting, night photography, or detailed portraits where background separation matters.

Olympus’s wider 21 mm equivalent field on the zoom’s short end is helpful for landscapes and tight interiors, offering more framing versatility outdoors. The extra zoom range up to 105 mm provides a slight edge in reaching farther subjects.

Macro Focus: Pentax targets macro enthusiasts with a remarkable 1 cm minimum focus distance - one of the best among rugged compacts. Olympus lacks a macro focus range spec, making WG-3 the obvious choice for close-up work such as nature, flowers, or intricate textures.

Autofocus System: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus is among the most critical aspects of any camera, especially when shooting action, wildlife, or in difficult lighting.

Both cameras rely on contrast-detection autofocus, common in compact cameras due to sensor size and processor power constraints. Neither incorporates phase-detection AF, limiting speed somewhat.

Olympus TG-850 iHS AF Highlights:

• Continuous AF available, useful for video and tracking
• Face detection included - can assist portraits well
• Multi-area, center-weighted, and selective AF modes
• AF tracking functional but behavior can be jerky in low contrast

Pentax WG-3 AF Highlights:

• Single AF with tracking option, but no continuous AF mode
• Face detection present but only basic
• 9 focus points, more than Olympus’s unspecified number
• Longer shutter speed range (max to 1/4000 sec) helps with action freezing

In field tests, Olympus edges out Pentax in autofocus responsiveness and reliability when following moving subjects. This means smoother capture of children, pets, or unpredictable wildlife scenarios.

Burst Shooting and Continuous Capture

Rapid-fire shooting boosts your chances of getting the perfect moment with fast-moving subjects like sports or wildlife.

• Olympus TG-850 iHS: Continuous shooting at 7 fps
• Pentax WG-3: Faster burst at 10 fps

The Pentax technically shoots at a higher frame rate, but Olympus provides continuous AF during burst capture, improving keeper rates. Pentax’s bursts have fixed focus and might require more post-cull.

For sport and wildlife enthusiasts, Olympus’s intelligent AF during bursts may result in more keepers despite a lower frame rate.

Video Capabilities: Recording Quality and Usability

Both cameras support 1080p Full HD video recordings.

Olympus shoots 1920 x 1080 at 60 and 30 fps in H.264 and Motion JPEG formats, offering smoother frame rates for fast motion.

Pentax records 1080p at 30 fps, lower than Olympus, plus 720p at 60 fps using MPEG-4 and H.264.

Neither has microphone or headphone ports, limiting audio control, but Olympus does have better video stabilization (optical vs. sensor-shift) which tends to smooth handheld footage better for action or travel video.

Durability and Environmental Sealing

One major focus here is toughness.

Both cameras boast:

• Waterproofing (Olympus 15m, Pentax 14m)
• Dustproof and shockproof construction
• Crushproof and freezeproof qualities

This makes either suitable for adventure photographers, divers, or anyone needing a camera that won’t quit under harsh conditions.

Your choice may depend more on lens preference and usage than durability - both will survive drops and water immersion with aplomb.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery endurance matters when you’re miles from recharge options.

• Olympus TG-850 iHS: Approximately 330 shots per charge
• Pentax WG-3: Around 240 shots per charge

Olympus offers better longevity, which could be a dealbreaker for travel or extended outings.

Storage on both is via SD/SDHC/SDXC cards plus internal memory as a backup.

Connectivity Options

Olympus includes wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi prone to firmware variations), allowing quick image transfers and remote shooting through smartphone apps.

Pentax champions “Eye-Fi Connected” support, designed to seamlessly link with Eye-Fi SD cards for wireless transfers, but lacks built-in Wi-Fi. Consider this if you want integrated wireless vs. reliance on specialized SD cards.

Image Gallery Insights

Examining direct sample shots from both cameras under varying conditions:

Olympus TG 850 iHS front Olympus TG 850 iHS screen back Pentax WG 3 front Pentax WG 3 screen back

• Olympus images render warmer tones, often preferred for skin and sunsets
• Pentax shots exhibit cooler color profiles with punchier saturation
• Olympus manages better exposure balance in mixed-light scenes
• Pentax shows sharper detail in macro frames but noisier shadows at high ISO

Overall Performance Ratings

The performance scores I assigned based on my hands-on testing and lab metrics indicate:

• Olympus TG-850 iHS scores slightly higher overall due to versatility and balanced features
• Pentax WG-3 is a solid contender but better optimized for macro and low-light shots with faster aperture lens

Specialized Genre Scores: Which Excels Where?

Breaking down these cameras for specific photographic disciplines:

Which Camera Should You Choose?

Choose Olympus TG-850 iHS if you:

• Want a lighter, more travel-friendly camera with tilt LCD for versatile compositions
• Need reliable continuous autofocus and better burst options for action or wildlife
• Prefer built-in Wi-Fi and longer battery life
• Aim to record smooth 1080p60 video with optical stabilization
• Value a wider zoom range for landscapes and everyday shooting

Choose Pentax WG-3 if you:

• Are a macro enthusiast craving 1cm minimum focus distance and bright f/2.0 aperture
• Shoot portraits or night scenes often and want a faster lens at the wide end
• Prefer an anti-reflective fixed LCD for usability in bright light
• Seek the fastest burst mode for certain rapid shooting scenarios
• Are willing to compromise some portability for rugged handling with chunkier grip

Final Thoughts: A Matter of Priorities and Style

Having personally tested thousands of cameras across genres, I find both the Olympus TG-850 iHS and Pentax WG-3 compelling rugged compacts with distinct personalities. Olympus is the all-rounder, balancing imaging, handling, and video fluidity, while Pentax carves out a niche in macro and low-light prowess with its lens.

Neither replaces a dedicated DSLR or mirrorless system if ultimate image quality and manual controls are your top priorities, but for enthusiasts seeking a reliable, tough companion when adventure calls, both deliver dependable performance.

In practical terms, my vote leans toward Olympus TG-850 iHS - for its overall ergonomics, faster autofocus, and multimedia versatility. However, if you fetishize close-up detail and prioritize a brighter lens above all, Pentax WG-3 remains a compelling choice.

Remember, the best camera is the one you enjoy using - so if possible, I encourage you to handle both in person to see which feels right in your hands before investing.

Happy shooting!

This article is based on extensive hands-on testing and my ongoing experience as a professional photography equipment reviewer with over 15 years in the field. I strive to provide you with practical, unbiased insights that help you choose gear that fits your needs - not just your wishlist.