Pentax WG-3 vs Ricoh GR III

Following is a detailed assessment of the Pentax WG-3 and Ricoh GR III, one is a Waterproof and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Pentax and Ricoh. There is a significant difference among the sensor resolutions of the WG-3 (16MP) and GR III (24MP) and the WG-3 (1/2.3") and GR III (APS-C) possess different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The WG-3 was introduced 6 years prior to the GR III which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Pentax WG-3 being a Compact camera and the Ricoh GR III being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving through a in depth comparison, below is a quick overview of how the WG-3 scores vs the GR III when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax WG-3 and Ricoh GR III. The whole galleries are provided at Pentax WG-3 Gallery and Ricoh GR III Gallery.

When you are looking to carry around your camera often, you should think about its weight and size. The Pentax WG-3 features exterior dimensions of 124mm x 64mm x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs) whilst the Ricoh GR III has specifications of 109mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 257 grams (0.57 lbs).

Compare the Pentax WG-3 and Ricoh GR III in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the WG-3 versus the GR III.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the WG-3 and GR III is 90 and 90 respectively.

Usually, it's tough to picture the contrast in sensor sizes merely by researching specs. The image underneath might offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the WG-3 and GR III.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The WG-3 with its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF more difficult and the Ricoh GR III will provide you with extra detail using its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics far more aggressively. The more aged WG-3 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.