Pentax WG-3 GPS vs Sony NEX-3N: The Ultimate 2013 Camera Showdown for Every Photographer

Choosing the right camera can be overwhelming, especially when comparing two attractive 2013 models like the Pentax WG-3 GPS and Sony NEX-3N. Both promise great image quality but cater to different shooting priorities and styles. Drawing from years of hands-on experience testing cameras across genres, we’ll guide you through a detailed, practical comparison to find which is right for your photography journey.

Let’s unpack how these two cameras perform in real-world scenarios, their technical strengths and limitations, and ultimately help you make a confident choice.

First Impressions: Form Factor and Build Quality

Understanding how a camera feels in hand, and its durability, is where your creative experience starts. To get this right, we extensively tested ergonomics and handling in various environments.

Physical Size and Handling

• Pentax WG-3 GPS: A compact, rugged waterproof camera aiming at adventure shooters. At 125x64x33 mm and 238 g, it’s designed for easy pocketability and rough use. Its robust build seals out water, dust, shock, freezing cold, and crushing forces - ideal for hiking, climbing, or underwater photography up to 14 meters deep.
• Sony NEX-3N: A rangefinder-style mirrorless camera measuring 110x62x35 mm and 269 g. Though slightly heavier, it offers a larger grip area and interchangeable lenses, giving more creative flexibility but less waterproofing or shock resistance.

In everyday shooting scenarios, the WG-3 GPS feels nearly indestructible without bulk, while the NEX-3N demands a bit more careful handling but rewards with better photographic versatility.

Design Language and Control Layout

Your ability to quickly navigate settings impacts creative flow - especially when moments are fleeting.

• Pentax WG-3 GPS: Straightforward controls with dedicated buttons for core features but limited manual exposure options. This appeals to users who prefer point-and-shoot simplicity in tough environments. The lack of a viewfinder nudges you toward composing with the rear display.
• Sony NEX-3N: Offers more sophisticated control layout featuring shutter priority, aperture priority, and full manual modes. The flip-up 3-inch screen is perfect for framing tricky angles but no viewfinder means relying on the LCD in bright conditions.

Sony’s finer control but simpler interface suits hobbyists and enthusiasts stepping up from smartphones, while Pentax serves adventure photographers who want a dependable, no-fuss camera.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

The heart of image quality lies in sensor size, resolution, and processor performance. Here the gap is very noticeable.

*DxO scores provide an industry benchmark of sensor and image quality.

Real-World Image Quality

• Pentax WG-3 GPS: Its small sensor limits dynamic range and low-light performance compared to larger-sensor cameras. Images are sharp with good color, but noise becomes noticeable above ISO 800 - typical for compact rugged cameras. JPEG-only output limits post-processing.
• Sony NEX-3N: APS-C sensor delivers significantly better image quality and noise control. The ability to shoot in RAW unlocks creative editing. The larger sensor improves depth of field control, sharper detail, and richer colors - especially beneficial for portraits and landscapes.

For you, this means the Sony NEX-3N is a better choice for image quality demanding photography types, while the Pentax excels when durability and easy operation outweigh ultimate image fidelity.

LCD Screens and Viewing Experience

Composing and reviewing shots require a reliable display interface.

• Pentax WG-3 GPS: A fixed 3-inch, 460k-dot wide TFT LCD with anti-reflective coating designed for outdoor visibility. Non-touch but decent clarity gives you quick framing – especially with its macro prowess.
• Sony NEX-3N: Also a 3-inch, 460k-dot LCD but tilting for creative high and low-angle shots, adding compositional freedom. Though lacking touch, the tilting screen aids street, portrait, and vlogging styles.

The Sony’s tilt screen is more versatile, while the Pentax screen holds its own in bright natural light thanks to anti-reflective treatment.

Autofocus Systems and Speed

Fast, reliable AF is key for crisp images in action or candid situations.

Practical AF Performance

• Pentax WG-3 GPS: The AF is designed for simplicity, performing well in good light but slower in low light or moving subjects. Face detection helps but limits flexibility.
• Sony NEX-3N: Offers faster, more precise AF with 25 points and continuous AF for tracking moving subjects. This benefits wildlife, street, and sports photographers who need accurate focus.

While both cameras lack phase-detection AF, Sony's more advanced autofocus area and continuous autofocus give it an edge for capturing moments in motion.

Lens Ecosystem and Flexibility

Lens choice defines creative potential. The two cameras take entirely different approaches:

• Pentax WG-3 GPS: Fixed 25-100 mm (equiv.) F2.0-4.9 lens designed for versatility from wide to telephoto with excellent macro capabilities at 1 cm focusing distance.
• Sony NEX-3N: Uses Sony E-mount lenses offering an extensive catalog of over 120 lenses from primes to zooms, macro, and specialty optics. The 1.5x crop factor expands focal length options.

The Sony system shines for photographers wanting to expand their toolkit over time. The Pentax serves perfectly as an all-in-one rugged travel companion without worrying about additional lenses.

Environmental Resilience: Built Tough or Delicate Beauty?

If you shoot outdoors often, durability is non-negotiable.

• Pentax WG-3 GPS:

  • Waterproof to 14 meters (46 feet)
  • Shockproof from 1.5 meters
  • Dustproof, freeze-proof (-10°C), crushproof (100 kgf)

• Sony NEX-3N: No weather sealing or ruggedness claims.

For adventure, underwater, and all-environment shooting, Pentax clearly wins here.

Battery Life and Storage Considerations

Battery life impacts how long you can stay in the field without recharge.

Sony’s mirrorless architecture allows for nearly double the shots per charge, important for travel or event shoots without spare batteries handy. Pentax’s internal memory backup may save critical shots in emergencies.

Video Capabilities for Creators

Both cameras offer Full HD video recording but with some differences.

The Pentax's sensor-shift stabilization offers smoother handheld footage, handy for vloggers and casual video shooters. Sony’s higher frame rate options make for smoother motion capture but lack built-in stabilization.

In-Field Performance Across Photography Genres

Let’s see how these cameras behave in your favorite photographic styles.

Portrait Photography

• Sony NEX-3N: The APS-C sensor provides creamy bokeh and better skin tone rendition. Manual aperture control allows precise depth of field adjustment.
• Pentax WG-3 GPS: Limited aperture control and small sensor restrict shallow depth of field; however, face detection assists in capturing quick portraits outdoors.

Landscape Photography

• Sony NEX-3N: Superior dynamic range and resolution capture fine detail. No weather sealing means care is needed in harsh conditions.
• Pentax WG-3 GPS: Waterproof and rugged, ideal for rugged terrain and wet conditions but limited by sensor size in tonal gradation.

Wildlife and Sports

• Sony NEX-3N: Faster continuous shooting (4 fps) and more AF points improve chances for sharp action shots.
• Pentax WG-3 GPS: Continuous shooting not specified and slower AF limit usefulness in fast action.

Street Photography

• Pentax WG-3 GPS: Compact, discreet and ready for spontaneous, tough urban conditions.
• Sony NEX-3N: Slightly bulkier but the tilt screen and impressive image quality benefit creative street compositions.

Macro and Close-Up

• Pentax WG-3 GPS: Outstanding macro from 1 cm makes it perfect for insects and flowers.
• Sony NEX-3N: Requires dedicated macro lenses, adding cost and complex handling.

Night and Astro Photography

• Sony NEX-3N: Larger sensor and high ISO enable cleaner night shots.
• Pentax WG-3 GPS: Limited ISO performance constrains low-light ability.

Summarizing Strengths and Weaknesses

Visual Evidence - Sample Images

Nothing beats seeing sample outputs from these cameras in different settings.

Pentax WG 3 GPS front Pentax WG 3 GPS screen back Sony NEX 3N front Sony NEX 3N screen back

These images demonstrate:

• Pentax’s punchy colors and clarity in daylight.
• Sony’s superior depth, texture, and low-light capability.

Overall Performance Ratings

Industry-standard performance testing combined with hands-on use:

Genre-specific Performance Scores

Tailored scoring for typical photography disciplines:

Closing Thoughts: Which One Should You Choose?

Understanding your needs is key to selecting between these distinct cameras.

• Choose the Pentax WG-3 GPS if:

  • You need a tough, waterproof, travel-ready compact camera.
  • You prioritize convenience and want a dependable camera for adventure, macro, and underwater scenes.
  • You favor simplicity over manual control.

• Choose the Sony NEX-3N if:

  • Image quality and creative control matter most.
  • You want the flexibility of interchangeable lenses.
  • You’re stepping into mirrorless photography with full manual exposure options.
  • You shoot portraits, landscapes, street, or low-light photography more often.

Final Recommendations and Next Steps

Both cameras remain relevant for their time, but your personal creative goals will guide your optimum choice.

• Want to get started? Try handling both models in a local store for feel. Consider Pentax if your lifestyle demands rugged use. Go for Sony if you value image quality and compositional freedom.
• Expand your kit wisely: If you pick Sony, invest in primes and macro lenses for best results. For Pentax, explore waterproof accessories to complement your shooting.
• Explore practical tutorials: Make the most of in-camera features like face detection on Pentax, and manual exposure on Sony - both can elevate your artistry quickly.

This detailed comparison reflects years of field testing and technical analysis to help you craft images with confidence. Whether you seek rugged adventure support or creative flexibility, these cameras capture moments uniquely - and your choice can propel your photography to new heights.

Happy shooting!