Pentax WG-3 vs Pentax X90

Here is a thorough review of the Pentax WG-3 vs Pentax X90, former being a Waterproof while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are manufactured by Pentax. There is a large difference between the sensor resolutions of the WG-3 (16MP) and X90 (12MP) but both cameras provide the same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The WG-3 was brought out 3 years later than the X90 and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Pentax WG-3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax X90 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going into a full comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the WG-3 grades vs the X90 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax WG-3 & Pentax X90. The entire galleries are available at Pentax WG-3 Gallery & Pentax X90 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera frequently, you need to consider its weight and proportions. The Pentax WG-3 offers exterior dimensions of 124mm x 64mm x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs) and the Pentax X90 has measurements of 111mm x 85mm x 110mm (4.4" x 3.3" x 4.3") accompanied by a weight of 428 grams (0.94 lbs).

Look at the Pentax WG-3 vs Pentax X90 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you use at that moment. The following is a front view sizing comparison of the WG-3 compared to the X90.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the WG-3 and X90 is 90 and 69 respectively.

Usually, it can be hard to envision the contrast between sensor sizing simply by going over technical specs. The graphic below will give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the WG-3 and X90.

As you can tell, each of these cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same MP. You can count on the Pentax WG-3 to deliver more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The fresher WG-3 is going to have a benefit in sensor innovation.