Pentax WG-3 vs Samsung NX1

Lets take a more detailed look at the Pentax WG-3 and Samsung NX1, former being a Waterproof while the other is a Pro Mirrorless by companies Pentax and Samsung. There exists a substantial gap among the sensor resolutions of the WG-3 (16MP) and NX1 (28MP) and the WG-3 (1/2.3") and NX1 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The WG-3 was announced 14 months earlier than the NX1 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Pentax WG-3 being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting through a complete comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the WG-3 grades vs the NX1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax WG-3 & Samsung NX1. The whole galleries are viewable at Pentax WG-3 Gallery & Samsung NX1 Gallery.

When you are going to lug around your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Pentax WG-3 offers exterior measurements 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 Samsung NX1 has dimensions of 139mm x 102mm x 66mm (5.5" x 4.0" x 2.6") accompanied by a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs).

Compare the Pentax WG-3 and Samsung NX1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have during that time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the WG-3 vs the NX1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the WG-3 and NX1 is 90 and 66 respectively.

Quite often, it's hard to visualise the gap in sensor measurements only by researching specs. The photograph underneath will help offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the WG-3 and NX1.

All in all, both of the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The WG-3 having a smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF tougher and the Samsung NX1 will provide you with greater detail with its extra 12MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The older WG-3 will be behind in sensor innovation.