Pentax VS20 vs Pentax WG-3 GPS
90 Imaging
39 Features
35 Overall
37


90 Imaging
40 Features
43 Overall
41
Pentax VS20 vs Pentax WG-3 GPS Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 6400
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 28-560mm (F3.1-4.8) lens
- 235g - 111 x 61 x 38mm
- Announced January 2012
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 125 - 6400
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 25-100mm (F2.0-4.9) lens
- 238g - 125 x 64 x 33mm
- Revealed July 2013

Pentax VS20 vs Pentax WG-3 GPS Overview
On this page, we will be comparing the Pentax VS20 vs Pentax WG-3 GPS, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Waterproof and they are both produced by Pentax. The resolution of the VS20 (16MP) and the WG-3 GPS (16MP) is pretty well matched and both cameras provide the same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

The VS20 was announced 18 months earlier than the WG-3 GPS which makes them a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).
Before going into a complete comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the VS20 matches up vs the WG-3 GPS with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Pentax VS20 vs Pentax WG-3 GPS Gallery
Below is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax Optio VS20 and Pentax WG-3 GPS. The whole galleries are provided at Pentax VS20 Gallery and Pentax WG-3 GPS Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax VS20 over the Pentax WG-3 GPS
VS20 | WG-3 GPS |
---|
Reasons to pick Pentax WG-3 GPS over the Pentax VS20
WG-3 GPS | VS20 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | July 2013 | ![]() | January 2012 | More modern by 18 months |
Common features in the Pentax VS20 and Pentax WG-3 GPS
VS20 | WG-3 GPS | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | Very precise focus | ||
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen dimensions | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equal screen measurements |
Screen resolution | 460k | ![]() | 460k | The same screen resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | No selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Neither offers Touch screen |
Pentax VS20 vs Pentax WG-3 GPS Physical Comparison
For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Pentax VS20 offers outer measurements of 111mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") along with a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs) and the Pentax WG-3 GPS has measurements of 125mm x 64mm x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 238 grams (0.52 lbs).
Examine the Pentax VS20 vs Pentax WG-3 GPS in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are working with during that time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the VS20 compared to the WG-3 GPS.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the VS20 and WG-3 GPS is 90 and 90 respectively.

Pentax VS20 vs Pentax WG-3 GPS Sensor Comparison
Generally, it is hard to imagine the contrast between sensor sizes just by checking specifications. The image underneath might give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the VS20 and WG-3 GPS.
Plainly, the 2 cameras provide the same sensor dimensions and the exact same megapixels and you should expect similar quality of photographs but you really should consider the release date of the products into consideration. The more aged VS20 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.

Pentax VS20 vs Pentax WG-3 GPS Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Pentax VS20 vs Pentax WG-3 GPS Specifications
Pentax Optio VS20 | Pentax WG-3 GPS | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Pentax | Pentax |
Model | Pentax Optio VS20 | Pentax WG-3 GPS |
Type | Small Sensor Superzoom | Waterproof |
Announced | 2012-01-25 | 2013-07-19 |
Physical type | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | CCD | BSI-CMOS |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.08 x 4.56mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor surface area | 27.7mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16 megapixels | 16 megapixels |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3 and 16:9 |
Full resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 4608 x 3456 |
Max native ISO | 6400 | 6400 |
Minimum native ISO | 100 | 125 |
RAW format | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
AF touch | ||
AF continuous | ||
Single AF | ||
AF tracking | ||
AF selectice | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
Multi area AF | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detection AF | ||
Contract detection AF | ||
Phase detection AF | ||
Number of focus points | 3 | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 28-560mm (20.0x) | 25-100mm (4.0x) |
Largest aperture | f/3.1-4.8 | f/2.0-4.9 |
Macro focus range | 3cm | 1cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.9 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Type of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen diagonal | 3" | 3" |
Resolution of screen | 460k dots | 460k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Screen technology | TFT color LCD with Anti-reflective coating | Widescreen TFT color LCD with anti-reflective coating |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 4 seconds | 4 seconds |
Highest shutter speed | 1/2500 seconds | 1/4000 seconds |
Continuous shooting rate | 1.0 frames/s | - |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Change WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | 2.80 m | 3.40 m |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment metering | ||
Average metering | ||
Spot metering | ||
Partial metering | ||
AF area metering | ||
Center weighted metering | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps) | 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps) |
Max video resolution | 1280x720 | 1920x1080 |
Video data format | Motion JPEG | MPEG-4, H.264 |
Mic port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Eye-Fi Connected | Eye-Fi Connected |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | BuiltIn |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 235 gr (0.52 lbs) | 238 gr (0.52 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 111 x 61 x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") | 125 x 64 x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 240 shots |
Battery type | - | Battery Pack |
Battery model | D-LI122 | D-LI92 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal | SD/SDHC/SDXC card, Internal |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Cost at launch | $106 | $350 |