Panasonic S3 vs Pentax WG-2

The following is a thorough review of the Panasonic S3 versus Pentax WG-2, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Waterproof by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the S3 (14MP) and the WG-2 (16MP) is relatively similar and both cameras offer the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The S3 was manufactured 13 months earlier than the WG-2 which makes them a generation away from each other. Both the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before going into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple view of how the S3 matches up against the WG-2 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 and Pentax Optio WG-2. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic S3 Gallery and Pentax WG-2 Gallery.

If you're going to travel with your camera frequently, you will want to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic S3 features outer measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs) and the Pentax WG-2 has dimensions of 122mm x 61mm x 30mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") with a weight of 192 grams (0.42 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic S3 versus Pentax WG-2 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the S3 versus the WG-2.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the S3 and WG-2 is 96 and 91 respectively.

Generally, its difficult to see the difference between sensor dimensions purely by going over a spec sheet. The image underneath might give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the S3 and WG-2.

As you can see, both of these cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit not the same resolution. You should count on the Pentax WG-2 to offer you greater detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs way more aggressively. The more aged S3 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.