Pentax WG-3 vs Ricoh GR

Its time to look closer at the Pentax WG-3 vs Ricoh GR, former is a Waterproof while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Pentax and Ricoh. The sensor resolution of the WG-3 (16MP) and the GR (16MP) is fairly comparable but the WG-3 (1/2.3") and GR (APS-C) boast totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The WG-3 was released 4 months after the GR so they are of a similar age. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Pentax WG-3 being a Compact camera and the Ricoh GR being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving right into a complete comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the WG-3 scores against the GR in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax WG-3 & Ricoh GR. The complete galleries are viewable at Pentax WG-3 Gallery & Ricoh GR Gallery.

If you are intending to carry around your camera regularly, you will have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Pentax WG-3 enjoys external dimensions of 124mm x 64mm x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs) and the Ricoh GR has dimensions of 117mm x 61mm x 35mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.4") along with a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

See the Pentax WG-3 vs Ricoh GR in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Following is a front view measurement comparison of the WG-3 vs the GR.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the WG-3 and GR is 90 and 90 respectively.

Usually, it is hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes only by checking out a spec sheet. The image underneath may provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the WG-3 and GR.

As you can see, both of the cameras come with the identical resolution but not the same sensor sizes. The WG-3 offers the smaller sensor which is going to make achieving shallow DOF trickier.