Pentax WG-3 GPS vs Samsung NX1000: A Detailed Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts

Selecting your next camera requires balancing features, performance, and practical use scenarios. Today, we're delving into two very different cameras introduced in the early 2010s: the rugged Pentax WG-3 GPS, a compact waterproof model geared toward adventure photographers, and the entry-level mirrorless Samsung NX1000, designed as a flexible, user-friendly step up from point-and-shoots. Both cameras appeal to distinct audiences, but how do they stack up technically and in real-world shooting? Having placed both through rigorous testing over varied shoots, I'm sharing an in-depth comparison aimed at helping enthusiasts and semi-pros navigate this choice wisely.

Handling and Build: Adventure-Ready vs Mirrorless Sophistication

The first encounter with a camera often sets the tone for long-term satisfaction, so let's start with physical characteristics and ergonomics.

The Pentax WG-3 GPS underscores ruggedness in a surprisingly compact form factor. Its dimensions (125x64x33 mm) and light weight (238 g including battery) belie its impressive environmental sealing - waterproof to 10 meters depth, dustproof, shockproof, crushproof, and even freezeproof. This makes it an outstanding choice for hiking, snorkeling, or travel where conditions are less controlled. The build is robust, but not bulky; the slightly rubberized exterior gives a secure grip. Buttons are straightforward but lack illumination, making nighttime operation more challenging.

By contrast, the Samsung NX1000, measuring 114x63x37 mm and weighing 222 g body only, looks like a compact rangefinder camera emphasizing simplicity and portability. While it lacks any weather sealing, its clean rangefinder-style body feels solid and well balanced, especially once paired with one of the NX-mount lenses. As a mirrorless camera, it offers manual focus rings and mode dials - features absent on the WG-3 GPS. However, its slightly larger grip makes for comfortable prolonged shooting.

The WG-3 GPS's top panel is minimalist with a mode dial focusing on convenience for quick underwater or active use, but no exposure compensation or shutter priority modes are available. Meanwhile, the NX1000 boasts important exposure controls like shutter and aperture priority, manual exposure modes, and built-in wireless connectivity toggles, supporting a more deliberate shooting style.

This physical and ergonomic dichotomy foreshadows the distinct photographic philosophies: rugged, point-and-shoot ease versus a flexible, lens-interchangeable system for creative exploration.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Size Matters, but So Does Use Case

At the heart of image quality is the sensor, and its specifications here immediately reflect different ambitions.

The WG-3 GPS employs a 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor with a modest 16MP resolution, roughly 6.17x4.55 mm sensor dimensions, yielding an imaging area of 28.07 mm². That’s typical of advanced compacts aimed at balancing size, ruggedness, and decent resolution, but it inherently limits dynamic range and high ISO performance. The built-in lens offers a versatile 25-100 mm (35mm equivalent focal length) zoom with a bright f/2.0 aperture wide-angle stop, which is commendable for a compact and benefits low-light and macro shooting - especially enabled by its impressive close focusing distance of 1 cm.

The Samsung NX1000, however, features a much larger APS-C sized sensor at 23.5x15.7 mm (368.95 mm²), with 20MP resolution. That jump in size dramatically improves image quality, offering better control over depth of field, substantially increased dynamic range, and superior low-light performance. The native ISO range extends from 100 up to 12800, compared to the WG-3 GPS's ISO 125-6400, which tends to have limited usable high ISO output. This sensor’s duo of higher resolution and size advantage positions it well for portraits, landscapes, and creative shoots where image quality is paramount.

In practical tests, the WG-3 GPS generally delivers crisp images in bright daylight and close-up work but shows noticeable noise and reduced detail in dimmer environments or shadows. The NX1000, on the other hand, maintains cleaner files, richer colors, and effective noise control up to ISO 1600-3200. This makes the NX1000 the clear choice for photography where fine detail or low light is frequent.

Autofocus Systems: Precision versus Simplicity

However, sensor prowess is only part of the story; autofocus (AF) capabilities heavily influence user experience and photo sharpness.

The Pentax WG-3 GPS offers 9 contrast-detection AF points, including face detection. Continuous AF is unavailable, but single-shot AF and AF tracking for moving subjects are supported. The autofocus acquires focus adequately for stationary subjects but tends to be sluggish and less reliable in low contrast or low light. This is typical of waterproof compacts prioritizing durability over sophisticated focusing.

The Samsung NX1000 steps ahead with 15 contrast-detection AF points and supports single, continuous, selective, and live view AF modes. While lacking phase-detection autofocus, the NX1000 still impresses with faster and more accurate focus acquisition and the ability to maintain focus on moving subjects at up to 8 fps continuous shooting. Face detection is also enabled and performs reliably.

For wildlife or sports use especially, the NX1000’s AF speed and tracking translate to more keeper shots. The WG-3 GPS is better suited to casual snapshots during adventures but struggles with fast action.

LCD and User Interface: Viewing and Control Experience

Digital photographers spend considerable time interacting with the rear screen, so this is a key usability factor.

Both cameras feature 3" fixed LCDs, but the NX1000’s screen boasts a 921k dot resolution, delivering sharper previews and finer menu graphics compared to the WG-3 GPS's 460k dot anti-reflective screen. The Pentax’s display performs well in bright conditions outdoors, aided by its anti-reflective coating, but fine details and focus confirmation are less discernible.

Neither camera has touchscreen capability or an electronic viewfinder, which means relying on the LCD alone - a drawback for composure in bright environments or rapid framing.

Interfaces differ markedly: the WG-3 GPS employs a simple button-driven system tuned for quick setting changes with modes clearly labeled, suiting users prioritizing ruggedness and ease of use. The NX1000 features a menu system with finer control over exposure, white balance, and custom settings, reflecting its appeal to more control-oriented users.

Lens Ecosystems: Fixed Lens Limitations vs System Growth

Arguably, the most defining difference flows from the Samsung NX1000’s interchangeable lens mount versus the WG-3 GPS’s fixed lens.

The WG-3 GPS’s rugged fixed 25-100mm f/2.0-4.9 lens enables versatile framing from wide to short telephoto, backed by macro focusing as close as 1 cm (0.4 inches). This makes for easy shooting in tricky conditions without worrying about gear swaps or lens damage. Pentax crafted this zoom to deliver sharp pictures throughout its range, though optical distortion and chromatic aberrations are visible under scrutiny - typical compromises for ultra-rugged optics.

Meanwhile, the NX1000 utilizes the Samsung NX mount, offering access to 32 lenses covering everything from fast primes and ultra-wide angles to telephoto zooms and macro lenses. Its lens ecosystem is broad, though somewhat eclipsed by larger mirrorless systems today, it delivers considerable versatility for portraits, landscapes, sports, macro, and more. This flexibility opens creative doors unreachable by fixed-lens compacts.

Performance Across Photography Genres

How do these technical traits translate into real usage across key genres? Let’s review:

Portrait Photography

The WG-3 GPS’s 1/2.3" sensor limits background blur and skin tone rendition, although its f/2.0 wide aperture helps in close-ups. Face detection autofocus assists focusing on expressions, but coarse control limits creative depth of field effects.

Conversely, the NX1000’s APS-C sensor excels at delivering smooth tonal transitions, natural skin rendering, and controllable bokeh with moderate aperture primes (e.g., 30mm f/2 lens). Manual exposure and white balance adjustment allow refined portrait sessions.

Landscape Photography

Landscape benefits from sensor dynamic range and resolution. The NX1000’s larger sensor captures greater detail in shadows and highlights with 20MP images suitable for large prints. Its lack of weather sealing means protection is needed in challenging conditions.

The WG-3 GPS's waterproof and crushproof design shines here for rugged nature walks or water-adjacent adventures, but smaller sensor size sacrifices tonal depth and fine detail.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Fast autofocus tracking and burst rates are essential here. NX1000 shoots up to 8 fps with continuous AF, enabling capturing fast bird flights or sports play. The wider lens ecosystem allows attaching telephoto lenses for reach.

WG-3 GPS doesn’t offer continuous AF or high frame rates, and its fixed wide-to-short telephoto zoom limits reach. However, shockproofing and waterproofing make it a dependable secondary camera in challenging environments.

Street Photography

Street photogs often value discretion and portability. WG-3 GPS is bulkier than typical compacts but its rugged exterior can stand out in quiet moments. NX1000’s rangefinder style and smaller grip profile make it more discreet, but without silent shutter modes, you’re not entirely inconspicuous.

Macro Photography

The WG-3 GPS shines with 1 cm macro focusing and built-in sensor shift stabilization, delivering sharp, close-up shots of flowers or insects effortlessly.

NX1000 relies on lenses for macro; with the right prime or macro-specific lens, it can produce extremely sharp and detailed macro images, though at higher cost and weight.

Night and Astro Photography

High ISO performance and long exposure capability matter here. WG-3 GPS tops out at ISO 6400 but noise quickly degrades images. Its maximum shutter speed is 4 seconds - limiting for star trails and nightscapes.

NX1000 offers up to 30 seconds shutter speed and ISO 12800, allowing much more flexibility for astro. Its RAW support further helps in post-processing noise reduction and dynamic range recovery.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras shoot Full HD 1080p video at 30 fps. WG-3 GPS supports 720p at 60 fps, useful for smoother slow-motion.

Neither has advanced audio inputs or 4K options, limiting serious videography. The NX1000 lacks image stabilization, so handheld footage may be shaky unless lenses have optical stabilization.

Travel Photography

WG-3 GPS caters to travel photographers seeking durability and all-weather use, thriving in rain, snow, or poolside shooting.

NX1000 is more for travel enthusiasts focusing on image quality and versatility with lenses, but care needed in harsh environments.

Connectivity, Power, and Storage

Wi-Fi is built-in on the Samsung NX1000, easing image transfers. The WG-3 GPS relies on Eye-Fi card compatibility to connect wirelessly, a dated approach by now.

Battery life favors the NX1000 (~320 shots per CIPA) over the WG-3 GPS (~240 shots), which is understandable given the WG-3’s waterproof casing and smaller battery. Both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards. Only the NX1000 supports RAW out of the box, critical for advanced users.

Summary of Overall Performance Ratings and Genre Suitability

Let’s view these findings visually:

The Samsung NX1000 performs strongly across image quality, autofocus, and creative flexibility - best suited for enthusiasts wanting to grow and explore photography deeply. The Pentax WG-3 GPS scores highly for durability and ease of use in tough conditions but lags in image fidelity and exposure control.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Choose Which?

Pick the Pentax WG-3 GPS if:

• You want a tough, waterproof, dustproof, shockproof camera that tackles harsh conditions with zero fuss.
• Your photography revolves around adventures, snorkeling, macro nature shots, and casual daytime shooting.
• Portability and durability outweigh the need for interchangeable lenses or advanced exposure control.
• You prioritize an all-in-one tool capable to survive accidental drops and wet environments.

Opt for the Samsung NX1000 if:

• You desire significantly better image quality thanks to the larger APS-C sensor.
• Manual control, RAW shooting, and exposure modes are important to your creative workflow.
• You want flexibility to select among a variety of lenses ranging from portrait primes to telephotos or macro optics.
• Your photography spans indoor, low light, portraits, travel, and even some sports or wildlife under controlled conditions.
• You can take good care of your gear in less harsh environments and want to invest in system expansion.

Closing Thoughts

While the Pentax WG-3 GPS is a purpose-built rugged compact, the Samsung NX1000 represents a stepping stone into mirrorless photography’s richer creative playground. Ultimately, this is a choice between toughness and photographic potential.

In our hands-on experience, the WG-3 GPS is a reliable, fun companion for those who need a camera that won’t complain trudging through mud, surf, or snow. The NX1000 asks a bit more from users but rewards with superior image quality, control, and creative options - a trade-off every serious enthusiast should weigh carefully.

Sample Images: Real-World Outcomes Side by Side

To offer further clarity, here are sample images taken with both cameras under comparable conditions, illustrating their distinct rendering and detail:

Pentax WG 3 GPS front Pentax WG 3 GPS screen back Samsung NX1000 screen back

From water droplets on leaves taken by the WG-3 GPS to textured cityscapes crisp from the NX1000, the contrasts in sharpness, dynamic range, and color depth reveal themselves clearly.

If you’re looking to invest in either of these cameras, remember to consider not only specs but your lifestyle, photographic goals, and expected shooting environment. Armed with this comparison, your path to your ideal camera is much closer at hand. Happy shooting!