Panasonic FP1 vs Pentax WG-3 GPS

Here is a detailed review of the Panasonic FP1 and Pentax WG-3 GPS, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Waterproof by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There is a huge difference among the resolutions of the FP1 (12MP) and WG-3 GPS (16MP) but both cameras posses the same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The FP1 was manufactured 4 years before the WG-3 GPS and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FP1 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax WG-3 GPS being a Compact camera.

Before getting right into a in-depth comparison, here is a simple overview of how the FP1 grades against the WG-3 GPS in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1 and Pentax WG-3 GPS. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FP1 Gallery and Pentax WG-3 GPS Gallery.

If you're planning to carry your camera regularly, you'll have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FP1 comes with exterior measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") along with a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) whilst the Pentax WG-3 GPS has dimensions of 125mm x 64mm x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 238 grams (0.52 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic FP1 and Pentax WG-3 GPS in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Following is a front view measurement comparison of the FP1 and the WG-3 GPS.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the FP1 and WG-3 GPS is 95 and 90 respectively.

Often, it is hard to visualize the gap in sensor sizing simply by viewing technical specs. The photograph below will give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the FP1 and WG-3 GPS.

As you have seen, each of these cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit different MP. You should count on the Pentax WG-3 GPS to result in extra detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The older FP1 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.