Panasonic SZ3 vs Pentax WG-1

Following is a extended overview of the Panasonic SZ3 and Pentax WG-1, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Waterproof by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the SZ3 (16MP) and the WG-1 (14MP) is fairly similar and they use the exact same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SZ3 was released 24 months after the WG-1 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before going in to a detailed comparison, below is a short summary of how the SZ3 grades versus the WG-1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 & Pentax Optio WG-1. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic SZ3 Gallery & Pentax WG-1 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera frequently, you are going to need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic SZ3 enjoys physical dimensions of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs) and the Pentax WG-1 has dimensions of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic SZ3 and Pentax WG-1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you select at that moment. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the SZ3 vs the WG-1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the SZ3 and WG-1 is 96 and 93 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very hard to envision the gap between sensor sizes only by going over a spec sheet. The pic here will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ3 and WG-1.

As you can see, both of those cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements but not the same megapixels. You can anticipate the Panasonic SZ3 to offer you more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The newer SZ3 will have an advantage in sensor innovation.