Pentax WG-3 GPS vs. Ricoh WG-70: Underwater Toughness Meets Budget-Savvy Practicality

When I’m asked about durable compact cameras tailored for adventure seekers, photographers who refuse to baby their gear, or just anyone prone to occasional drops and submersion mishaps, my mind immediately goes to rugged waterproof models. Today, we’re diving deep - no pun intended - into a detailed comparison between two stalwarts in this category: the Pentax WG-3 GPS and the Ricoh WG-70.

Both claim the title of “tough little compacts” designed for rugged conditions, but how do they stack up in real-world use? Which is better for your style of photography? And beyond simply surviving harsh environments, which delivers meaningful image quality, autofocus precision, and usability? After testing these cameras extensively in varied settings, I’m here with a thorough, no-holds-barred comparison.

Let’s dive in.

Size and Handling: Chunky But Friendly Neck Companions

If you’re packing these waterproof warriors for a hike, boat trip, or urban dive, size and ergonomics matter. The Pentax WG-3 GPS is a bit chunkier, measuring 125 x 64 x 33 mm and weighing 238 grams, while the Ricoh WG-70 is a tad more compact at 123 x 62 x 30 mm and lighter at 193 grams.

The WG-3 GPS feels more substantial in hand - the kind of reassuring weight that says “I’m built to withstand.” It features tactile, grippy rubber grips around the body and well-spaced buttons that even wet or gloved fingers can operate without fumbling. The ergonomic design surprisingly aligns well with longer shooting sessions despite the rugged shell.

The WG-70, although lighter and slightly smaller, favors portability without sacrificing durability. However, its buttons are a bit more recessed, which sometimes requires deliberate presses, especially with slippery fingers underwater. For those who prize an easy-to-handle camera at any moment, the WG-3 edges out as a more “club for your thumbs” friendly grip.

Control Layout and Top Panel: Simple, Intuitive, and Adventure-Ready

Having the right controls at your fingertips without wrestling menus is critical when you’re underwater or on the move.

Both cameras feature simple control layouts without overwhelming dials - mostly buttons, a directional pad, and a shutter release on top. The Pentax WG-3 GPS integrates a distinct GPS button on the rear, letting you toggle location metadata quickly - a big win for hikers and travelers who like mapping their trips without fiddling in menus.

Meanwhile, the Ricoh WG-70 opts for a cleaner top view but includes remote shutter control via its wireless functionality. A neat trick for group shots or mounting it in hard-to-reach spots.

Neither device offers aperture or shutter priority modes, staying true to the point-and-shoot, rugged compact formula. But, frankly, that’s a concession that’s totally fine in the context of their niche.

Sensor and Image Quality: Punching Above Tiny Sensors’ Weight Class

Both cameras are equipped with a 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm, delivering 16 MP resolution (4608 x 3456 pixels). While this sensor size severely limits noise performance compared to larger APS-C or full-frame sensors, the BSI (Back-Side Illuminated) tech helps with light gathering, a boon when shooting underwater or in dim conditions.

Here’s where Pentax’s WG-3 GPS holds a slight edge: its lens aperture of f/2.0-4.9 offers a brighter wide-angle view, potentially supporting shallower depth of field and better low-light snapshooting than the Ricoh’s f/3.5-5.5 lens. That faster aperture on the WG-3 is a clever design move, especially considering that underwater and waterproof cameras typically struggle with serious image quality.

In daylight, both cameras produce reasonably sharp images with good color fidelity straight out of the camera, although the WG-3 GPS tends to yield punchier colors and slightly better detail retention. Underwater scenes benefit from this subtle advantage, where clarity and accurate color rendition are crucial.

Low-light shooting is where these cameras hit their sensor size ceiling. They both max out at ISO 6400, but noise becomes evident beyond ISO 800. That said, the sensor-shift image stabilization on the WG-3 GPS also aids in reducing blur at slower shutter speeds, a feature absent in the WG-70, which relies on digital stabilization methods that can degrade image sharpness.

One notable disappointment with both: no RAW support, a sore point for serious enthusiasts craving maximum post-processing latitude. The JPEGs are decent but won’t stand up to heavy editing.

Viewing and Interface: Not Touchy, But Functional

Outdoor visibility is paramount, especially given that many rugged shooters are used under bright sunlight or underwater.

The Pentax WG-3 GPS’s 3” fixed 460K dot LCD is crisp and benefits from an anti-reflective coating, enabling better visibility even in harsh light. The Ricoh WG-70 has a slightly smaller 2.7” screen with 230K dots, which feels dimmer and less detailed when previewing images or composing.

Both lack electronic viewfinders - no surprises here - but their LCDs serve as the main framing tools. Neither offers touch operation, but their physical buttons and dials suffice for the limited settings available.

Interface design on both cameras is straightforward but minimalistic. The Ricoh edges ahead with a better menu layout that’s quicker to navigate, likely thanks to its more modern firmware.

Real-World Image Samples: Colors, Detail & Focus

I took both into varying conditions: bright sunlight, shade, and underwater shots at a local pool.

Pentax WG 3 GPS front Pentax WG 3 GPS screen back Ricoh WG 70 front Ricoh WG 70 screen back

• Pentax WG-3 GPS samples show richer colors, better contrast, and satisfactory sharpness across the frame. Macro shots with its 1cm macro mode deliver pleasing detail.

• Ricoh WG-70 photos appear a little flatter, both in color and contrast. However, its extended zoom range (28-140mm equivalent) captures distant subjects with less compromise in sharpness compared to WG-3’s shorter zoom.

Focus speed and accuracy is decent on both, but WG-70’s hybrid autofocus with continuous tracking has an edge for moving subjects. This makes it a better choice for active scenes, despite the lower aperture.

Focus and Autofocus Performance: Hunting for Speed and Precision

Neither camera inspires professional AF confidence - they both use contrast-detection only - but the Ricoh WG-70’s continuous autofocus and face detection show more sophistication for tackling moving subjects.

Pentax WG-3 GPS restricts to single autofocus with face detection but no AF tracking during capture. I found this limiting for anything beyond static subjects.

This difference plays out in street or wildlife photography: if you require focusing that adapts dynamically, the WG-70 is a more capable tool.

Shooting Relevant Photography Genres: Where Each Camera Shines

Here’s a breakdown of how these cameras perform across photography disciplines most relevant to their ruggedness and design.

Build Quality and Environmental Sealing: Bulletproof or Almost There?

Both the WG-3 GPS and WG-70 come with certified environmental protection guarantees. This includes:

• Waterproof to 14m (WG-3) vs. 14m (WG-70)
• Shockproof from 1.6m drops (WG-3) vs. 1.5m (WG-70)
• Freezeproof to -10°C (WG-3) vs. -10°C (WG-70)
• Dustproof sealing on both

Pentax’s slightly heavier and chunkier feel is matched by more robust rubberized coatings that resist scratches and improve grip in wet, muddy settings.

Ricoh counters with a slimmer design and an easy-to-clean exterior finish, though it feels marginally less rugged. Neither will make you invincible, but both are great partners for adventure.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Will Your Adventure Last?

The Pentax WG-3 GPS uses the D-LI92 battery pack, rated for approximately 240 shots per charge, which is a modest endurance considering the GPS function tends to eat battery faster.

Ricoh’s WG-70 boasts a longer battery life at 300 shots, partly due to a less power-hungry screen and no GPS.

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and have single SD card slots plus some internal memory, though space is limited.

Connectivity: Sharing and GPS Mapping

Pentax includes Built-in GPS, a definite plus for travelers and outdoor photographers wanting location metadata baked directly into every photo - handy for geo-tagged storytelling on social media or travel blogs.

Ricoh counters with Wi-Fi wireless connectivity, making it easier to pair with smartphones and quickly share images. Sadly, no GPS here.

Neither camera supports Bluetooth or NFC.

Price and Value: Which One Is the Smarter Buy?

At current retail pricing:

• Pentax WG-3 GPS: Approximately $350
• Ricoh WG-70: Approximately $280

While the WG-3 GPS edges ahead with brighter aperture, GPS, and better image stabilization, those come with about a $70 premium.

The WG-70 appeals to budget-conscious buyers who want wireless sharing, better continuous autofocus, and prefer a lighter camera without the need for GPS.

Verdict: Picking Your Ideal Rugged Companion

If you’re a photographer who:

• Values better image quality and brighter optics
• Wants built-in GPS for geotagging every wild shot
• Needs top-notch stabilization for underwater or shaky shooting
• Doesn’t mind a bit more bulk and $70 extra cost

Go for the Pentax WG-3 GPS. It’s the tougher, slightly higher-performance rig that swims with the big fish.

On the other hand, if you:

• Prefer lighter weight and lower price
• Want wireless image transfers on the fly
• Appreciate continuous autofocus for moving subjects
• Can live without GPS and brighter aperture

Ricoh WG-70 is your wager.

For me personally, the Pentax WG-3 GPS stands out as the better all-rounder and a more trusted companion when you’re serious about shooting in tough environments with a decent leg up on image quality. But the Ricoh wouldn't be a bad choice for casual adventurers or those on a tighter budget.

The Nuts and Bolts of Testing: How I Came to These Conclusions

When I test these tough compacts, I focus on a few tried-and-true criteria:

• Handling under wet/humid conditions: Tested at poolside shoots and misty outdoors
• Autofocus speed and accuracy: Using chart targets and moving subjects across known distances
• Image quality: Evaluated through color charts, high-resolution prints, and underwater test shots
• Video performance: Assessing stabilization, frame rates, and color grading potential
• Battery endurance: Measured through standardized shooting cycles and GPS/wireless on/off modes
• Build robustness: Drop tests, dust chamber simulations, and freeze tests

I recommend buyers think carefully about which features truly suit their use case. Rugged and waterproof cameras can’t replace the quality you get from larger-sensor cameras in a dry studio, but these are excellent tools where durability and ease of use reign supreme.

Hope this side-by-side breakdown helps you make an informed decision. Both cameras punch way above their sensor size and price tag, but your perfect adventure companion depends on the features you prioritize most.

Safe shooting and happy exploring!