Pentax WG-3 GPS vs Ricoh GR II

Its time to look closer at the Pentax WG-3 GPS vs Ricoh GR II, former being a Waterproof while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Pentax and Ricoh. The sensor resolution of the WG-3 GPS (16MP) and the GR II (16MP) is relatively similar but the WG-3 GPS (1/2.3") and GR II (APS-C) provide totally different sensor measurements.

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The WG-3 GPS was manufactured 23 months before the GR II which makes them a generation apart from each other. The two cameras have different body design with the Pentax WG-3 GPS being a Compact camera and the Ricoh GR II being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving right into a full comparison, here is a short overview of how the WG-3 GPS scores vs the GR II in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax WG-3 GPS & Ricoh GR II. The entire galleries are provided at Pentax WG-3 GPS Gallery & Ricoh GR II Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to lug around your camera frequently, you should factor its weight and measurements. The Pentax WG-3 GPS has exterior dimensions of 125mm x 64mm x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 238 grams (0.52 lbs) whilst the Ricoh GR II has proportions of 117mm x 63mm x 35mm (4.6" x 2.5" x 1.4") having a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs).

Look at the Pentax WG-3 GPS vs Ricoh GR II in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are using during that time. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the WG-3 GPS vs the GR II.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the WG-3 GPS and GR II is 90 and 89 respectively.

Often, it can be tough to see the contrast between sensor measurements simply by reading specs. The graphic here may provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the WG-3 GPS and GR II.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras provide the same resolution albeit not the same sensor measurements. The WG-3 GPS contains the tinier sensor which should make achieving shallow DOF tougher. The older WG-3 GPS is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.