Pentax WG-3 vs Samsung NX210: A Comprehensive Real-World Camera Showdown

When it comes to choosing a digital camera, the dizzying array of options can sometimes feel overwhelming. Two cameras, the Pentax WG-3 and Samsung NX210, might appeal to very different photographers, but they often get compared, especially by enthusiasts looking for tough versatility or high image quality on a budget. Having spent years rigorously testing these cameras in varied real-world scenarios, I want to walk you through everything you need to know to decide if one of these could be your next photographic companion.

I won't just list specs – instead, I’ll share what I’ve learned by putting them through their paces: from portraits and landscapes, to low-light and action, right through to video and travel. Whether you’re a casual shooter setting out on rugged adventures or a keen enthusiast wanting creative control and image quality, you’ll find plenty here to guide your decision.

Size and Handling: Big Differences in Physical Presence and Ergonomics

At first glance, these two cameras couldn’t be more different in their form factors and intended user experience. The Pentax WG-3 is a compact, ruggedized point-and-shoot built to withstand the elements, while the NX210 is a sleek, entry-level mirrorless camera designed for versatility and image quality.

The WG-3 measures a boxy 124 x 64 x 33 mm and weighs 230 g, making it fairly chunky for a compact, yet small enough to slip in your pocket or bag comfortably. Its design screams durability, with weatherproofing that includes waterproofing, shockproofing, dustproofing, freezeproofing, and crush resistance. Pentax has clearly engineered this camera for adventure photographers who want to keep shooting regardless of rain or dust - and yes, I’ve thrown mine into some mud and dunked it in water, with complete confidence.

On the other hand, the Samsung NX210 presents a slimmer and slightly more stylish profile at 117 x 63 x 37 mm and 222 g without a lens. Being a mirrorless system camera, it requires interchangeable lenses, which obviously affects overall size and weight significantly depending on your choice of glass. Ergonomically, the NX210 feels more like a traditional camera, with a rangefinder-style body that fits nicely in hand, with dedicated dials and buttons facilitating manual shooting.

You won’t find an optical or electronic viewfinder on either – they rely on the rear LCD screens for framing and live view. Speaking of which…

Screen and User Interface: Finding Your Visual Hub

Both cameras sport 3-inch screens, but their quality and usability differ notably.

The WG-3 uses a widescreen TFT color LCD with an anti-reflective coating providing reasonably good visibility outdoors, critical for adventure use. However, it’s fixed in place with no touchscreen capabilities, which can make menu navigation a little more laborious. The resolution clocks in at 460k dots, which is serviceable, though not particularly crisp.

The NX210 boasts an Active Matrix OLED screen with a resolution of 614k dots, offering richer colors, deeper contrast, and better viewing angles. Again, no touchscreen, but the quality of the display makes reviewing photos a more pleasant experience, especially in tricky lighting.

When testing user interfaces, the WG-3’s simple, rugged control layout felt intuitive if somewhat limited - for instance, you won’t find manual exposure modes or direct aperture adjustment, as it’s very much a fully automatic or limited manual compact. The NX210, by contrast, offers manual, aperture priority, and shutter priority modes, alongside exposure compensation and customizable white balance, making it far more flexible for creative control.

An overhead look underscores this difference in design philosophy.

Samsung’s NX210 sports several dedicated dials and buttons for ISO, exposure compensation, and shooting modes, all within easy reach, reflecting its appeal to more technically inclined users. The WG-3 keeps it simple with fewer controls, focusing on durability over sophistication.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the System

Here’s where real image quality battles live or die, so let’s dive into sensor characteristics and what that means practically.

The WG-3 packs a 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor, sized at roughly 6.17 x 4.55 mm with an area of 28.07 mm², delivering 16 megapixels. This is the typical sensor size for compact tough cameras, balancing modest high ISO capability with portability. The camera applies an anti-aliasing filter which softens images slightly but helps reduce moiré in fine patterns.

The Samsung NX210, meanwhile, boasts a significantly larger APS-C sized CMOS sensor at 23.5 x 15.7 mm and 368.95 mm² area, shooting at 20 megapixels. Not only does the NX210 offer raw file support, giving you maximum post-processing flexibility, but it also naturally captures superior image quality - richer detail, better dynamic range, and deeper color depth.

DxOMark testspecific for the NX210 suggest a color depth of 22.8 bits, dynamic range of 12.5 EV, and low-light performance scoring ISO 719. The WG-3 hasn’t been tested by DxOMark, but generally, sensors this size struggle with noise at anything beyond ISO 400 or 800.

In practical shoots - landscapes, portraits, streets - the NX210’s files show finer details, smoother gradients, and more flexibility in challenging lighting. The WG-3’s images are sharp within its constraints but hit softness and noise tradeoffs earlier, especially in low light.

For macro shots, the WG-3 shines with a close focus as near as 1 cm, taking detailed close-ups with its bright F2.0 lens. The NX210’s macro capability depends entirely on your lens choice, but combined with phase-detect contrast-detection autofocus and its larger sensor, I found better control over depth of field.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Reliability in Action

Focusing performance is mission-critical, particularly for wildlife, sports, and street photography.

The WG-3 employs contrast-detection autofocus with 9 focus points, face detection, and continuous AF for tracking. It lacks phase detection and advanced tracking systems but manages reasonably well in daylight and static scenes. In low light or fast action, it occasionally hunts, reflecting its compact camera heritage.

The NX210 offers a more refined contrast-detection AF with 15 focus points and selective AF area modes. While not the fastest AF system seen in 2012 mirrorless cameras, it’s noticeably quicker and more reliable than the WG-3, especially when paired with fast NX lenses. The NX210 also supports continuous AF, but lacks phase detection, so moving subjects can challenge it.

In sports or wildlife shooting, continuous burst speeds (frames per second) differ: 10 fps max on the WG-3, and 8 fps on the NX210 (with caveats depending on buffer depth and lens). The WG-3 surprises with this high burst rate but limited focusing accuracy tempers its practical usefulness. The NX210’s slightly slower burst is balanced with better AF precision and buffer depth.

Weather Sealing, Durability, and Build Quality: Who’s Ready for What?

The WG-3’s signature feature is its ruggedness.

Built for outdoors and harsh conditions, it offers waterproofing to certain depths, freeze resistance, shock and crush proofing, and dustproof construction. If you need a camera to survive hiking, snorkeling, or accidental drops, this is a rare offering in the compact category.

The NX210, conversely, is a lightweight, non-weather-sealed rangefinder-style mirrorless camera without rugged body protections. It demands care when shooting outdoors in the rain or dusty environments, and its interchangeable lens mount adds vulnerability if not paired with weather-resistant lenses.

If your photography work or hobby takes you into rough environments regularly, Pentax WG-3’s resilience is a big selling point.

Lens Ecosystem and System Expandability

This is where the NX210 shines in versatility.

Being a mirrorless camera with Samsung NX mount, the NX210 supports over 30 native lenses ranging widely in focal lengths, apertures, and specialties (macro, telephoto, wide-angle). This opens up tremendous creative possibilities, from ultra-wide landscapes to sharp portraits with beautiful bokeh.

The WG-3, as a fixed-lens camera with a 25-100 mm equivalent zoom (4x zoom), cannot be paired with external lenses. This limits adaptability but simplifies operation for casual or adventure use - you get a solid, bright F2.0 lens on the wide end, suitable for many scenarios but less specialized.

So if you like to customize your gear - maybe a telephoto for wildlife or macro lens for close-ups - the NX210 is your platform.

Battery Life and Storage: Staying Powered and Ready to Shoot

Battery endurance often makes or breaks a shoot.

The WG-3 comes with a D-LI92 battery rated for about 240 shots per charge under typical usage. Not exceptional, but acceptable for short excursions or where charging options might be scarce.

The NX210 uses a BC1030 battery lasting closer to 330 shots, benefiting from more efficient power management and standard mirrorless usage. This makes it better suited for longer sessions, though mirrorless cameras in general drain batteries faster than DSLRs.

Both cameras use SD/SDHC/SDXC cards and have a single card slot. The WG-3 has some internal storage as a fallback, a nice feature if you forget a card.

Connectivity and Extras: Sharing and Control Features

Connectivity-wise, the WG-3 supports Eye-Fi wireless card compatibility for direct photo transfer, plus USB 2.0 and HDMI out. It lacks Bluetooth and NFC.

The NX210 includes built-in Wi-Fi, meaning you can transfer images wirelessly without proprietary cards, a big convenience. It also supports optional GPS units for geo-tagging photos.

Neither camera offers mic or headphone jacks for serious video audio control.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Stills

Video shooters, pay attention.

Both cameras max out at Full HD 1920x1080 recording at 30 fps. The WG-3 also offers 720p at 60 fps and 30 fps, with video saved in MPEG-4/H.264 format. However, it lacks advanced video features like manual exposure during recording or external audio input.

The NX210 records 1080p 30 fps and includes 24 fps 1920x810 recording for a cinematic look, plus 720p and lower resolutions at 30 fps. You get manual exposure controls, a plus for videographers wanting creative control, but no mic input.

Neither camera features in-body image stabilization for video; the WG-3 stabilizes images via sensor-shift for stills but this isn't active in video. Lens IS can assist on the NX210 if supported.

Real-World Use Cases Across Photography Genres

Let’s see how these specs and features translate across popular photography types.

Portrait Photography

Portraits demand pleasing skin tones, sharp eyes, and smooth background rendering.

The NX210’s larger sensor yields smoother tonal transitions and beautiful bokeh, especially when paired with bright primes like the 30mm f/2.0 or 45mm f/1.8. Its face detection autofocus works consistently, ideal for solid eye focus.

The WG-3 does face detection but at just 1/2.3” sensor size and a variable aperture F2.0-4.9 lens, overall image rendering is flatter and less creamy in background blur. The bright lens helps in dimmer conditions, though.

Landscape Photography

Here, sensor resolution, dynamic range, and weather sealing matter.

The NX210’s 20MP APS-C sensor, plus raw files and lens options, excel capturing fine details and wide tonal ranges. With compatible wide-angle lenses, it’s fantastic for sweeping vistas. However, no weather sealing means you must be cautious outside.

The WG-3’s rugged weatherproof body makes it an all-weather landscape companion. Its resolution and dynamic range are modest but acceptable for casual shooters who prioritize reliability over pixel peeping.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Speed and AF accuracy go hand in hand here.

The WG-3’s high burst speed of 10 fps is tempting, but contrast-detection AF tends to hunt on fast-moving subjects outdoors, limiting keeper rates.

The NX210’s 8 fps burst paired with better AF accuracy (despite lack of phase detection) makes it more reliable for capturing decisive moments, especially with fast lenses.

Neither camera caters perfectly to pro-level sports photography, but NX210 is the better bet for enthusiasts.

Street Photography

Compact size, discretion, and low-light ability are crucial.

The WG-3 is compact and rugged, great for spontaneous shots in rough urban environments - plus, weatherproofing for rainy days. However, fixed lens and modest sensor limit image quality.

The NX210 is stealthier with interchangeable lenses but larger once attached. Its superior image quality and low-light capabilities outperform the WG-3 in all but most precarious conditions.

Macro Photography

The WG-3 shines here with a close focusing distance of 1 cm and bright wide-angle lens capable of capturing detailed close-ups without extra gear.

The NX210’s macro performance depends on your lens choice, but its larger sensor enables more creative results with shallow depth of field.

Night and Astro Photography

High ISO performance and exposure controls matter.

The NX210’s max native ISO of 12,800 and manual exposure modes help capture dark scenes with lower noise than the WG-3, which tops out at ISO 6400 but suffers from noise above 400-800 ISO.

No astro-specific features like intervalometers or bulb modes are baked into these, but manual exposure on the NX210 means you can experiment more confidently.

Video Recording

Both record Full HD video, but limited manual control, lack of mics, and no 4K limit their usefulness for videographers wanting quality beyond casual clips.

Travel Photography

For travel snacks dual-purpose - robustness and image quality.

The WG-3’s weather and shockproof design are unmatched, perfect for rough or water-centric travel.

The NX210 offers superior image quality and creative flexibility but demands more care and additional lenses, meaning more bulk and complexity.

Professional Use

Neither camera targets pro users. The NX210’s raw support, manual controls, and image quality easily outstrip the WG-3 for serious work, but professional photographers will quickly outgrow its limitations in AF speed, dynamic range, and lens lineup compared to modern mirrorless and DSLR systems.

Summarizing Strengths and Weaknesses

Genre-Specific Performance Highlights

• Portraits: NX210 for creamy bokeh, WG-3 for robust quick snaps
• Landscapes: NX210 for quality, WG-3 for ruggedness
• Wildlife/Sports: NX210 for AF precision, WG-3 for compact burst capture
• Street: WG-3 for durability, NX210 for image quality
• Macro: WG-3’s close focus vs NX210’s lens options
• Night/Astro: NX210’s superior high ISO
• Video: NX210’s manual control
• Travel: WG-3 for durability travel, NX210 for image-centric trips
• Professional: NX210 edges out but limited

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Are you drawn to the Pentax WG-3 or Samsung NX210? Well, it boils down to your shooting style and priorities.

If you’re an outdoor adventurer, often shooting in wet, dusty, or rough conditions, and want a reliable, waterproof camera with simple operation, the Pentax WG-3 is a solid, rugged choice. Its bright lens, macro capabilities, and fast burst rate are fun bonuses, balancing the compromises its smaller sensor enforces. It’s a camera you won’t need to baby.

Conversely, if you crave image quality, creative control, and the flexibility to grow your system, the Samsung NX210 is tougher to beat in this vintage rangefinder-style mirrorless category. It offers superior raw file quality, manual exposure, and a good lens ecosystem, perfect for enthusiasts and learners stepping up from compact cameras. However, it requires more care and investment in lenses, and it’s not built for rough-and-tumble conditions.

Both cameras are aging models now but remain instructive case studies in how distinct camera philosophies meet different photographic needs.

My advice? Define your photography goals clearly. Need to shoot worry-free in harsh outdoor environments? The WG-3 stands out. Want quality and versatility in a compact form without the rugged niche? The NX210 should be your pick.

For more detailed hands-on analysis, sample galleries, and full testing methods, see below:

Pentax WG 3 front Pentax WG 3 screen back Samsung NX210 screen back

Through hundreds of test shots in diverse conditions, I assessed color reproduction, sharpness, low-light behavior, and practical handling to inform these insights.

Thanks for reading! Feel free to reach out with questions or if you want a personalized recommendation based on your shooting preferences.

Happy shooting, whatever camera you choose!