Pentax WG-1 vs Samsung NX30

Here is a comprehensive overview of the Pentax WG-1 and Samsung NX30, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by manufacturers Pentax and Samsung. There is a crucial difference between the resolutions of the WG-1 (14MP) and NX30 (20MP) and the WG-1 (1/2.3") and NX30 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor dimensions.

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The WG-1 was introduced 3 years before the NX30 and that is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Pentax WG-1 being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX30 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting straight into a in depth comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the WG-1 grades vs the NX30 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax Optio WG-1 and Samsung NX30. The whole galleries are available at Pentax WG-1 Gallery and Samsung NX30 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera, you have to factor its weight and size. The Pentax WG-1 comes with physical measurements of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Samsung NX30 has specifications of 127mm x 96mm x 58mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.3") having a weight of 375 grams (0.83 lbs).

Look at the Pentax WG-1 and Samsung NX30 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the WG-1 and the NX30.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the WG-1 and NX30 is 93 and 75 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very hard to picture the contrast between sensor sizing just by reading through specs. The visual below will provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the WG-1 and NX30.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The WG-1 with its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Samsung NX30 will give extra detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos far more aggressively. The older WG-1 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.