Panasonic S3 vs Pentax WS80

Below, we will be analyzing the Panasonic S3 vs Pentax WS80, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Waterproof by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There is a significant difference between the resolutions of the S3 (14MP) and WS80 (10MP) but they feature the exact same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

The S3 was introduced 18 months after the WS80 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving in to a full comparison, below is a concise overview of how the S3 scores versus the WS80 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 and Pentax Optio WS80. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic S3 Gallery and Pentax WS80 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to travel with your camera, you will want to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic S3 has outside dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs) and the Pentax WS80 has proportions of 92mm x 60mm x 22mm (3.6" x 2.4" x 0.9") along with a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic S3 vs Pentax WS80 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are working with at the time. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the S3 versus the WS80.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the S3 and WS80 is 96 and 95 respectively.

In many cases, it is tough to imagine the gap between sensor dimensions only by checking a spec sheet. The picture below will offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the S3 and WS80.

As you can see, each of the cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit different megapixels. You should expect the Panasonic S3 to give extra detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more modern S3 should have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.