Pentax WG-3 GPS vs Sony HX80: A Definitive Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

When seeking a compact camera that balances versatility and convenience, enthusiasts often turn their gaze toward models promising portability combined with specialized features. The Pentax WG-3 GPS (introduced in 2013) and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80 (launched in 2016) both occupy this intriguing segment, yet they cater to notably different photographic priorities. Drawing upon over 15 years of exhaustive hands-on evaluation of cameras across genres, I delve deeply into a comprehensive, head-to-head comparison of these two models. Through meticulous technical dissection and practical usage insights, this analysis aims to empower photographers - both enthusiasts and pros - with clarity and confidence to select the camera best suited to their needs.

A Tale of Two Compacts: Overview and Design Philosophy

At first glance, the Pentax WG-3 GPS and Sony HX80 are two compact cameras sharing mild similarities in sensor size and basic form. However, their core design intents and target users diverge sharply.

• Pentax WG-3 GPS: Built around durability and outdoor ruggedness, this camera is a waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, and dustproof marvel, aimed squarely at adventure-oriented photographers who prioritize reliability in extreme environments. Its rugged compact body (125 x 64 x 33 mm, 238 g) feels robust and assertive in-hand, with a solid grip and tactile-only controls that emphasize functionality over refinement.

• Sony HX80: This camera represents a more traditional small-sensor superzoom compact, prioritizing versatility and zoom range, offering an impressive 30x optical zoom (24-720 mm equivalent). Its sleeker and more pocketable design (102 x 58 x 36 mm, 245 g) features a tilting screen and an electronic viewfinder, targeting travelers and casual enthusiasts keen on expansive focal reach without switching lenses.

A clear ergonomic divergence exists, highlighted in the top control layouts and rear interfaces:

Sony’s HX80 embraces a more conventional DSLR-esque control scheme, including manual exposure controls, exposure compensation dial, and a built-in Electronic Viewfinder (EVF). By contrast, the WG-3 GPS gives up advanced manual controls and an EVF entirely, favoring ruggedness and simplicity in interface.

Behind the Lens and Sensor: Imaging Hardware Demystified

Fundamental to any camera comparison is the sensor-lens tandem, which dictates ultimate image quality potential.

Sensor Size, Resolution, and Technology

Both cameras employ a 1/2.3-inch back-illuminated CMOS sensor exactly 6.17 x 4.55 mm in size, totaling approximately 28 mm² sensor area. This sensor size, although modest compared to APS-C or full-frame, remains standard in compact cameras focusing on portability and budget-conscious consumers.

• The WG-3 GPS has a 16MP resolution capably balancing detail and noise control.
• The Sony HX80 slightly ups the resolution to 18MP, trading a touch more fine detail at the risk of slightly increased noise, especially at higher ISOs.

Notably, the HX80 employs Sony’s more advanced Bionz X processor, which handles image processing with greater speed and sophistication compared to Pentax’s unnamed processor in the WG-3 GPS.

Lens Optics and Aperture Range

One of the starkest differences lies in the optical design:

• WG-3 GPS: Fixed 25-100 mm (4x zoom), aperture F2.0–4.9
• HX80: Fixed 24-720 mm (30x zoom), aperture F3.5–6.4

The WG-3 GPS’s wider aperture at the short end (F2.0) offers superior low-light gathering capability and richer background separation - a notable advantage for portraits and macro shots. Its 1cm macro focusing capability further supports close-up photography with remarkable detail.

Sony’s HX80 emphasizes range, extending into supertelephoto territory with 720 mm equivalent reach. However, the relatively slow aperture (starting at F3.5) restricts low-light performance and bokeh quality, a tradeoff inherent in superzoom optics.

Handling in the Field: Ergonomics, Controls, and Build Quality

Pentax WG-3 GPS: Rugged Durability with No Compromise on Usability

The WG-3 GPS’s robust magnesium alloy chassis is sealed to meet IP68 standards, enabling underwater shooting to depths of 14 meters and resistance to drops, freezing temperatures, dust, and crushing impacts - traits unmatched by the HX80 for rugged outdoor use.

Despite lacking an EVF or touchscreen, the WG-3’s fixed 3.0-inch, 460k-dot anti-reflective TFT LCD remains reasonably visible in bright sunlight owing to specialized coatings, though it lags behind Sony’s higher resolution screen.

The camera supports manual focus, which is surprisingly rare in this category, but lacks more advanced exposure modes like aperture or shutter priority, limiting creative control.

Sony HX80: Compact Elegance and User-Friendly Operation

Sony’s HX80 trades ruggedness for a sleeker profile with better reach and flexibility, featuring a tilting 3.0-inch, 921k-dot LCD doubles as a rear screen that folds upward for easy selfies and low/high angle shooting.

A major selling point is the pop-up electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 100% coverage, allowing for precise framing even under harsh sunlight - something not possible with the WG-3’s LCD-only approach.

Controls on the HX80 enable full manual exposure modes - shutter priority, aperture priority, and program mode - offering enthusiasts and pros more creative freedom. The camera also supports exposure compensation, reinforcing this creative palette.

Autofocus and Burst Performance: Capturing the Moment

Autofocus System

Both cameras use contrast-detection autofocus (CDAF) systems with face detection, appropriate for their generations and sensor sizes; however, Sony's HX80 features a more advanced CDAF system integrated with its Bionz X processor, providing:

• Higher autofocus speed and accuracy
• Continuous autofocus (AF-C) for tracking moving subjects
• Selective and multi-area AF modes
• AF live view support

The WG-3 GPS, conversely, lacks continuous AF and is limited to single AF with nine focus points. This imposes constraints particularly in action or wildlife photography, where subject tracking is vital.

Neither camera includes phase-detection autofocus or AI-based animal eye AF, limiting performance against higher-end contemporary models.

Burst Shooting Speed

The HX80 boasts an impressive 10 frames per second (fps) continuous shooting rate - ideal for capturing sports or wildlife motion sequences.

The WG-3 GPS does not specify continuous shooting capabilities, effectively making it less suited for subjects in rapid motion.

Image Quality and Photographic Performance Across Genres

A nuanced understanding of image quality requires attention to sensor performance, lens characteristics, and in-camera processing.

Pentax WG 3 GPS front Pentax WG 3 GPS screen back Sony HX80 front Sony HX80 screen back

Portrait Photography

• WG-3 GPS excels for portraits due to its wider max aperture (F2.0) at 25mm equivalent, yielding appealing subject-background separation and relatively smooth bokeh - a rarity for compacts in this class.

• Its face detection autofocus helps achieve reliable focus on eyes, although slow AF speed requires some patience for moving subjects.

• Pixel resolution (16MP) captures skin textures faithfully without overwhelming digital noise up to ISO 800.

• The lack of RAW support restricts post-capture editing flexibility, an important consideration for pros or enthusiasts wanting more control over skin tones and dynamic range.

• HX80’s smaller aperture range (F3.5) limits shallow depth of field, making bokeh more distant and less creamy, but the higher 18MP count ensures sharpness when shot at longer focal lengths.

• Advanced face detection AF enhances eye detection accuracy and rendering.

• Exposure compensation and manual modes allow adept practitioners to control lighting nuances.

Landscape Photography

• Both cameras share the limitation of a 1/2.3” sensor, restricting dynamic range compared to larger formats.
• The HX80’s 18MP sensor and smooth Bionz X processing deliver crisper detail, particularly when shooting at lower ISOs.
• The WG-3 GPS’s ability to shoot in 1:1, 4:3, and 16:9 aspect ratios provides compositional versatility.
• Weather sealing on WG-3 GPS stands as a significant advantage - photographers shooting in rain, snow, or dusty environments will find peace of mind.
• The WG-3 GPS’s minimal zoom means it is less suited to distant landscape framing compared to HX80’s vast 30x zoom.

Wildlife Photography

• The HX80’s 720 mm telephoto reach and 10 fps burst make it a formidable wildlife camera within the compact superzoom category.
• Its improved AF tracking enables better capture of erratic animal movements.
• WG-3 GPS’s limited 100 mm maximum focal length and absence of continuous AF hinder its effectiveness for wildlife.

Sports Photography

• The HX80’s burst speed and AF-C system allow capturing fast action sequences more competently.
• Lack of manual exposure modes on Pentax WG-3 GPS removes possibilities for nuanced control under challenging lighting typical of sports venues.

Street Photography

• The WG-3 GPS, though bulkier, offers ruggedness for unpredictable street environments but lacks discreetness.
• HX80’s smaller form, tilting screen (enabling shooting from hip or waist height), and EVF for compose-under-glare adds versatility for street shooters valuing portability and low profile.
• Both cameras have good low-light sensitivity down to ISO 3200-6400 but with notable noise.

Macro Photography

• WG-3 GPS shines in macro photography with a noteworthy 1 cm minimum focusing distance, paired with image stabilization and manual focus support, facilitating creative close-up work.
• The HX80’s macro range is limited to 5cm, which lessens the intimacy achievable with intricate subjects.

Night and Astro Photography

• Neither compact excels here due to sensor size constraints, but the WG-3 GPS’s wider aperture and sensor-shift stabilization aid handheld night shots.
• The HX80 offers video modes with 60 fps options but neither supports raw capture or long exposure noise reduction workflows favored in astrophotography.

Video Capabilities: Moving Images Explored

Video performance is increasingly critical for multimedia creators, so a dissection of filming features is imperative.

• Both cameras shoot Full HD 1080p video at 30 fps (WG-3 GPS) and up to 60 fps (HX80), with the HX80 supporting variable frame rates including 24p and interlaced 60i.
• Both use AVC/H.264 compression; however, HX80 adds AVCHD and Sony’s XAVC S codec, improving bitrates and quality.
• Neither model offers 4K recording or mic/headphone ports, which limits professional audio capture and post-production workflows.
• Both models feature built-in optical and sensor-shift image stabilization respectively; the Sony’s optical stabilization generally yields smoother handheld footage.
• The WG-3 GPS includes basic timelapse recording, a perk for creative time-based projects; the HX80 lacks this out-of-the-box.

Connectivity and Storage

Connectivity options reflect each camera’s intended functionality and era.

• WG-3 GPS supports Eye-Fi card compatibility allowing wireless photo transfer but lacks Bluetooth or NFC.
• HX80 builds in Wi-Fi and NFC, easing pairing with smartphones and direct image sharing.
• Both have HDMI output and USB 2.0 interfaces, facilitating tethered use and file transfers.
• Storage media differ slightly: WG-3 GPS uses SD cards and internal memory; HX80 supports Memory Stick Duo in addition to SD cards, favorable for users invested in Sony’s ecosystem.

Battery Life, Physical Dimensions, and Portability

Battery stamina is vital for travel and extended shoots.

• WG-3 GPS’s 2.25-hour battery life (approx. 240 shots) is shorter, partially due to power demand from GPS function and rugged electronics.
• HX80 offers up to ~390 shots per charge, supporting extended shooting sessions.

Weight and size differences also influence packability:

The WG-3 GPS is longer and wider, reflecting its heavy-duty construction, while the HX80 trades ruggedness for compactness and a delineated zoom lens assembly.

Overall Performance Ratings and Value for Money

Balancing all technical and practical elements, individual strengths surface clearly.

• Pentax WG-3 GPS scores highest in ruggedness, macro, and portrait-focused image quality due to aperture advantage.
• Sony HX80 leads in zoom versatility, autofocus sophistication, burst speed, video options, and connectivity, making it a better all-rounder for everyday travel and event shooting.

For Whom Is Each Camera Best Suited?

Why Choose the Pentax WG-3 GPS?

• Outdoor adventure, underwater, or extreme condition shooters who demand a rugged, waterproof body.
• Macro enthusiasts seeking outstanding close focusing.
• Casual photographers focused on snapshots with occasional manual focus and ease of use.
• Enthusiasts valuing larger aperture over zoom length, favoring low-light and bokeh-rich images.

Why Opt for the Sony HX80?

• Travelers and event photographers requiring a lightweight, pocketable superzoom.
• Users desiring advanced autofocus modes and manual exposure controls.
• Photographers shooting wildlife and sports, thanks to 720mm zoom and 10 fps bursts.
• Videographers starting out in HD video, requiring versatile frame rate options.
• Social media content creators valuing built-in wireless transfers and selfie-friendly screen.

Final Verdict: Matching Capability to Your Vision

In summary, the Pentax WG-3 GPS and Sony HX80 serve distinct photographic missions despite surface-level category similarity. The WG-3 GPS remains unmatched for rugged fieldwork where environmental sealing and macro capabilities are paramount - its limitations in autofocus and zoom depth are clear tradeoffs. Sony’s HX80 offers a compelling mix of focal length, AF sophistication, video features, and connectivity for the savvy photographer seeking versatility and enhanced creative control in a compact footprint.

Your choice should hinge on your primary photographic interests, environmental contexts, and which features align best with your creative workflow. Enthusiasts committed to travel, wildlife, and sports will find the HX80’s extended zoom and faster burst indispensable, while outdoor adventurers and macro fans will appreciate the Pentax WG-3 GPS reliability and aperture benefits.

As always, I recommend hands-on trials where possible, paying attention not just to specifications but the tactile interface, autofocus responsiveness in your shooting scenarios, and image output that best fulfills your artistic intent.

This in-depth evaluation represents over a decade and a half of real-world camera testing and industry experience, tailored to help you make an informed investment in your photographic journey.