Pentax WG-3 GPS vs Sony NEX-3

Following is a extended analysis of the Pentax WG-3 GPS and Sony NEX-3, one is a Waterproof and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the WG-3 GPS (16MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is fairly well matched but the WG-3 GPS (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor size.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The WG-3 GPS was introduced 3 years after the NEX-3 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Pentax WG-3 GPS being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going right into a thorough comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the WG-3 GPS scores vs the NEX-3 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax WG-3 GPS and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The whole galleries are provided at Pentax WG-3 GPS Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you'll need to take into account its weight and volume. The Pentax WG-3 GPS has got outer 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 Sony NEX-3 has sizing of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Check the Pentax WG-3 GPS and Sony NEX-3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Here is a front view measurement comparison of the WG-3 GPS versus the NEX-3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the WG-3 GPS and NEX-3 is 90 and 89 respectively.

Typically, it can be difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes merely by reading through technical specs. The image underneath will help give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the WG-3 GPS and NEX-3.

As you can tell, both of the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The WG-3 GPS with its tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF more difficult and the Pentax WG-3 GPS will give you extra detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The more recent WG-3 GPS will have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.