Panasonic LX3 vs Pentax WG-1

On this page, we are matching up the Panasonic LX3 and Pentax WG-1, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Waterproof by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There is a substantial difference between the sensor resolutions of the LX3 (10MP) and WG-1 (14MP) and the LX3 (1/1.63") and WG-1 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor sizes.

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The LX3 was released 3 years prior to the WG-1 and that is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before getting straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the LX3 scores against the WG-1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 & Pentax Optio WG-1. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic LX3 Gallery & Pentax WG-1 Gallery.

If you're going to lug around your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic LX3 enjoys outside measurements of 109mm x 60mm x 27mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.1") along with a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) and the Pentax WG-1 has sizing of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check the Panasonic LX3 and Pentax WG-1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the LX3 compared to the WG-1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the LX3 and WG-1 is 91 and 93 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to visualise the gap between sensor measurements only by checking specs. The visual underneath will help offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the LX3 and WG-1.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras have different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The LX3 due to its larger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF less difficult and the Pentax WG-1 will give greater detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop images a bit more aggressively. The older LX3 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.