Pentax WG-3 GPS vs Sony NEX-7

In this write-up, we will be matching up the Pentax WG-3 GPS and Sony NEX-7, one is a Waterproof and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by rivals Pentax and Sony. There exists a big gap between the sensor resolutions of the WG-3 GPS (16MP) and NEX-7 (24MP) and the WG-3 GPS (1/2.3") and NEX-7 (APS-C) use totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The WG-3 GPS was announced 20 months after the NEX-7 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. The two cameras offer different body type with the Pentax WG-3 GPS being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting in to a complete comparison, below is a short summary of how the WG-3 GPS grades against the NEX-7 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax WG-3 GPS and Sony Alpha NEX-7. The whole galleries are provided at Pentax WG-3 GPS Gallery and Sony NEX-7 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry around your camera, you'll have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Pentax WG-3 GPS has physical dimensions of 125mm x 64mm x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 238 grams (0.52 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-7 has dimensions of 120mm x 67mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 400 grams (0.88 lbs).

Take a look at the Pentax WG-3 GPS and Sony NEX-7 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Here is the front view overall size comparison of the WG-3 GPS compared to the NEX-7.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the WG-3 GPS and NEX-7 is 90 and 84 respectively.

Normally, its tough to envision the gap between sensor sizes merely by checking specs. The picture below may offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the WG-3 GPS and NEX-7.

All in all, both of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The WG-3 GPS having a tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Sony NEX-7 will resolve extra detail with its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The fresher WG-3 GPS is going to have an edge with regard to sensor technology.