Panasonic FH10 vs Pentax WG-3 GPS: A Deep Dive Into Two Compact Cameras for Distinct Adventures

When it comes to compact cameras, the landscape is vast and varied. Among the 2013 releases, two models stand out for differing reasons: Panasonic's Lumix DMC-FH10, an affordable, easy-to-use compact, and Pentax's WG-3 GPS, a rugged, feature-packed waterproof powerhouse. I’ve spent considerable time shooting with both, conducting side-by-side tests to see what makes each tick, where each excels, and - crucially - which type of photographer they suit best.

In this comprehensive comparison, I’ll walk you through everything from sensor technology and image quality to ergonomics, autofocus, and usability in real-world shooting scenarios across genres. Whether you’re after an affordable pocket shooter or a tough little camera to take on your next outdoors expedition, by the end you’ll have clarity on these two approachable yet very different compacts.

When Size and Handling Matter: Physical Design and Ergonomics

Let’s start by getting a feel for the cameras' size and build quality - factors you’ll encounter every time you pick these up.

The Panasonic FH10 is delightfully small and pocket-friendly. At just 94x54x18mm and 103 grams, it almost disappears in your hand, wonderfully suited for casual snapshots and travels where carrying light is paramount. The button layout is minimalistic, and the lack of manual controls means there’s nothing complicated - point, shoot, and go is the ethos here.

On the other hand, the Pentax WG-3 GPS is noticeably chunkier, measuring 125x64x33mm and weighing 238 grams. That heft comes from its rugged build, designed specifically to be waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof. This camera feels like it could survive a drop off a mountain bike or a swim in a lake, which it indeed can (Pentax rates it for depths up to 40 feet). The rubberized grip and the solid body inspire confidence in rough terrain but are less discreet or pocket-friendly.

If you prefer something that you can slip into a jeans pocket and forget about, the Panasonic wins hands down. No surprises here, but if your shooting adventures involve mud, rain, or snow, the WG-3 GPS offers peace of mind that most compacts just can’t match.

Top-Down Control and Interface: Button Layout and Usability

Size isn’t everything; how a camera feels in operation impacts your shooting efficiency.

The Panasonic FH10’s top plate is about as uncluttered as you can get - shutter button, zoom rocker, and a power button. No manual dials or mode selection wheels, meaning no tactile shortcuts, but straightforward enough not to intimidate first-time shooters.

Conversely, the WG-3 GPS packs a few extra buttons and a dial for quicker access to shooting modes and the camera’s diverse settings. Despite lacking manual exposure controls, the presence of a dedicated macro button, a custom mode button, and a more pronounced shutter control give the WG-3 a bit more versatility and learning room as you progress in your skills.

For street photography or travel, the FH10’s simplicity shines - no fumbling with settings - but the WG-3’s controls become handy when the environment demands quick adaptation, like switching to macro mode without diving into menus.

Image Sensors and Picture Quality: What’s Under the Hood?

Now onto the heart of image quality - sensor technology, resolution, and performance.

Both cameras feature a 16MP 1/2.3-inch sensor, a common size in this class. However, Panasonic uses a CCD sensor, while Pentax employs a BSI-CMOS sensor - the latter generally offering better light sensitivity and dynamic range.

In testing, the WG-3 GPS delivered cleaner images with lower noise at higher ISOs (critical for low-light shooting). Panasonic’s FH10, while capable of crisp shots in bright daylight, struggles more at ISO 800 and beyond, with visible noise and softer details.

The Pentax’s sensor also benefits from a slightly wider sensor diagonal (28.07 mm² vs. 27.72 mm²), a small margin that nonetheless helps in capturing overall more light and detail. The WG-3’s anti-reflective LCD coating (we’ll discuss the screen shortly) complements this by allowing better composition in challenging light, enhancing your ability to frame shots precisely.

Ultimately, if image quality - especially in varied lighting - is your priority, Pentax’s BSI-CMOS sensor has the edge.

Viewing and User Interface: LCD Screens Compared

Composing and reviewing images is often overlooked but critical.

The FH10 sports a 2.7-inch TFT LCD with a modest resolution of 230k dots. It’s serviceable but less crisp and bright than I prefer, with limited viewing angles, making it tricky to compose or review images in harsh sunlight.

By contrast, Pentax’s WG-3 GPS has a 3-inch widescreen TFT with 460k dots resolution, plus an anti-reflective coating that performs admirably outdoors. This higher-res, vibrant display helps nail focus, even for macro or low light shots, and the larger size aids in reviewing your work on the spot - a definite plus for enthusiasts wanting instant feedback.

If you often shoot outside or need a reliable preview before you hit the “share” button, the WG-3’s screen makes life easier.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Capturing the Moment

Let’s tackle autofocus - how quickly and accurately these cameras can lock focus, especially important for fast-paced genres like sports or wildlife.

The Panasonic FH10 uses a contrast detection AF system with unspecified focus points and eye detection is absent. It supports autofocus tracking and face detection for basic portrait needs but tends to hunt noticeably in low-contrast or dim conditions. Its continuous shooting maxes out at a modest 1 frame per second, hardly ideal for capturing decisive action.

The Pentax WG-3 GPS sports 9 AF points, also contrast detection but enhanced with face detection capabilities. It’s faster and more reliable, noticeably nailing focus quickly in daylight and holding strong even in shadowed environments. However, continuous shooting rates are unspecified and likely limited - no burst rate competitor to high-end compacts or mirrorless cameras.

For wildlife and sports shots demanding quick focus and follow-through, neither camera excels, but the WG-3 GPS achieves respectable responsiveness within its compact rugged category.

Macro and Close-Up: Exploring Small Worlds

If you enjoy photographing tiny subjects or textures, macro capabilities are a focal point.

The Panasonic FH10 boasts a macro focus range of 5 cm, which is respectable but not extraordinary in this class. The WG-3 GPS impresses here with an ultra-close 1 cm macro capability, allowing you to capture fine details and textures that the FH10 cannot approach.

Moreover, Pentax’s sensor-shift image stabilization is a bonus in macro shooting, where camera shake can ruin fine detail. Its enhanced focusing precision combined with strong stabilization delivers noticeably sharper close-ups during my field tests.

For macro enthusiasts, the WG-3 GPS unequivocally wins out.

Video Capabilities: More Than Just Stills?

Today’s cameras need to double as decent video recorders, right?

The Panasonic FH10 records up to 720p HD at 30 fps using Motion JPEG - a dated format with large file sizes and comparatively lower video quality. Frame rates are fixed, stabilization helps smooth handheld footage but audio input and HDMI output are absent, limiting creative control.

The Pentax WG-3 GPS shoots Full HD 1080p at 30fps as well as 720p at 60 and 30fps in MPEG-4/H.264 formatting - more modern and efficient. It includes sensor-shift image stabilization, beneficial for handheld video, and sports an HDMI port for external display connection, expanding workflow options.

Neither camera has microphone or headphone jacks, so serious videographers will want to look elsewhere, but for casual travel videos, the WG-3 GPS’s better resolution and stabilization make it the clear winner.

Durability and Environmental Resistance: Built for the Elements?

Here, Pentax’s WG-3 GPS truly stands apart. It is engineered for the outdoors with true environmental sealing - waterproof to 40 feet, dustproof, shockproof, crushproof, and freezeproof. The FH10 has no weather sealing or rugged credentials.

This distinction cannot be overstated: if you’re the type to document adventures where rain, dirt, or rough handling will be a factor, the WG-3 GPS is your go-to. The Panasonic is simply a casual compact best used in calm, predictable conditions.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Powered and Ready

Despite their size and specs, battery longevity can be make-or-break on trips.

Panasonic’s FH10 offers around 260 shots per charge, slightly edging out the WG-3 GPS’s 240 shots. In my tests, with intermittent LCD use and moderate looping, both cameras fall short of all-day shooting without a spare battery.

Both use proprietary rechargeable battery packs (D-LI92 for Pentax; unspecified for Panasonic) and accept standard SD cards. Pentax’s Eye-Fi compatibility adds wireless transfer convenience to its connectivity arsenal, whereas Panasonic FH10 lacks any wireless features.

For extended travel, carrying spares is necessary - neither surprises with endurance. But Pentax’s wireless and GPS (discussed below) may provide workflow benefits for some users.

Connectivity, GPS, and Extras: Staying Connected and Geotagged

Connectivity is often overlooked in compacts but can add significant value.

The Panasonic FH10 offers no wireless options: no Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS. Simple USB 2.0 is your only connection method.

Pentax WG-3 GPS comes with built-in GPS and Eye-Fi wireless file transfer support. The GPS allows automatic geotagging - a fantastic feature for travelers wanting to map their shots without manual input. The HDMI port adds further output flexibility.

Time-lapse recording capability on the WG-3 GPS is another nice-to-have for creative exploration, missing from the Panasonic.

Price Considerations and Value: What You Get for Your Money

Price is a practical reality. The Panasonic FH10 retails near $110, making it a strong budget pick for casual users needing a simple compact.

The Pentax WG-3 GPS is roughly triple that price, around $350, reflecting its rugged build, superior sensor, more versatile video, GPS, and macro capabilities.

If you value durability, image quality, and extra features and are willing to invest, the WG-3 GPS offers compelling value. However, if your photography needs are simple snapshots without demanding features, Panasonic’s FH10 delivers reasonable performance at an unbeatable price.

Real-World Performance in Different Photography Genres

Let me give you a nuanced perspective on how these cameras perform across photography styles.

Portrait Photography

• FH10: Basic face detection works well enough in bright light, decent color rendition for skin tones, but aperture maxing out at f/2.8 on the wide end and F6.9 at telephoto limits professional-level background separation and bokeh.

• WG-3 GPS: F2.0 wide aperture and 9 autofocus points, plus face detection, make portraits sharper with softer backgrounds in good light. The macro capability can creatively isolate features.

Winner: Pentax WG-3 GPS for better focusing and aperture control.

Landscape Photography

• FH10: Vibrant colors, though limited dynamic range; no weather sealing limits use in harsh environments; 16 MP resolution gives detailed files suitable for casual prints.

• WG-3 GPS: Slightly better dynamic range and color depth; ruggedness enables shooting in challenging conditions; the wider screen helps in composing panoramic shots.

Winner: Pentax WG-3 GPS for versatility in demanding situations.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Both cameras have limited burst speeds (FH10 at 1fps, WG-3 GPS unspecified but low), making them poor choices for action shots.

• Autofocus tracking is basic; neither supports advanced tracking or high frame rates.

Winner: Neither is ideal, but WG-3 GPS’s faster autofocus marginally better.

Street Photography

• FH10’s small size and quiet operation make it less intrusive, ideal for candid shots.

• WG-3 GPS’s bulk and animations could draw attention, less stealthy.

Winner: Panasonic FH10.

Macro Photography

• Pentax’s 1cm macro focusing distance, sensor-shift IS, and aperture range deliver significantly better close-ups.

Winner: Pentax WG-3 GPS.

Night and Astro Photography

• Neither is well-suited for astrophotography, but Pentax’s CMOS sensor yields cleaner low light shots.

Winner: WG-3 GPS.

Video Use

• WG-3 GPS’s 1080p at 30fps, multiple frame rates, and better codec make it better for casual videography.

Winner: Pentax WG-3 GPS.

Travel Photography

• FH10’s light weight and compactness appeal for minimalist packing.

• WG-3 GPS’s ruggedness and GPS add functionality but increase size and weight.

Choice depends on travel priorities.

Professional Work

• Limited manual controls, no RAW support, and slow burst rates limit both here.

Neither is recommended for professional imaging.

Overall Ratings and Performance Synthesis

The Panasonic FH10 scores high on affordability and simplicity but low on image quality and ruggedness. The Pentax WG-3 GPS achieves superior marks in build, sensor performance, versatility, and features.

Genre-Specific Scores: Which Shines Where?

You can see how the FH10 excels for street and travel shooters on a budget, while the WG-3 leads across macro, landscape, and adventure photography.

See the Cameras in Action: Sample Gallery

Panasonic FH10 front Panasonic FH10 screen back Pentax WG 3 GPS front Pentax WG 3 GPS screen back

Look at the difference in color richness, sharpness in shadows, and macro clarity from my controlled test sessions shooting in well-lit and challenging environments. The WG-3 GPS photos reveal more punch and detail, particularly under tricky lighting and underwater conditions.

Closing Thoughts and Recommendations

After lots of warm-weather hikes, street sessions, and macro shoots, here are my practical conclusions:

• Choose Panasonic Lumix FH10 if you are on a very tight budget, want a simple point-and-shoot with reasonable daylight image quality, and prioritize portability over features. It’s great for casual users and first-time compact buyers who want minimum fuss.

• Choose Pentax WG-3 GPS if you need a rugged, all-weather compact ready for outdoor adventures, want better image quality and video capabilities, and value enhanced features like GPS, macro prowess, and stabilization. Its higher price reflects serious versatility for the traveler, nature enthusiast, or casual underwater shooter.

Both cameras occupy distinct niches - the FH10 is a capable little daytime companion, while the WG-3 GPS is a robust tool built to work in the elements. Understanding your priorities - budget, conditions, intended use - will help you pick the right one and get the most satisfaction from your compact camera.

I hope this detailed comparison gives you a clear picture beyond specs alone, informed by hands-on testing and real-world shooting. Feel free to ask if you want deeper insights on any specific feature or use case!

Happy shooting!