Pentax WG-1 vs Sony NEX-3N

Following is a in-depth assessment of the Pentax WG-1 versus Sony NEX-3N, one is a Waterproof and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Pentax and Sony. The sensor resolution of the WG-1 (14MP) and the NEX-3N (16MP) is relatively similar but the WG-1 (1/2.3") and NEX-3N (APS-C) come with totally different sensor dimensions.

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The WG-1 was manufactured 24 months before the NEX-3N which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Pentax WG-1 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the WG-1 grades against the NEX-3N in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax Optio WG-1 and Sony Alpha NEX-3N. The entire galleries are available at Pentax WG-1 Gallery and Sony NEX-3N Gallery.

If you're going to carry around your camera regularly, you need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Pentax WG-1 has got external dimensions of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Sony NEX-3N has dimensions of 110mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.4") along with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Take a look at the Pentax WG-1 versus Sony NEX-3N in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using at that time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the WG-1 versus the NEX-3N.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the WG-1 and NEX-3N is 93 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to see the gap between sensor sizes purely by reading technical specs. The picture underneath might give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the WG-1 and NEX-3N.

As you have seen, both of those cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The WG-1 featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Sony NEX-3N will deliver more detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The more aged WG-1 is going to be behind in sensor tech.