Pentax WG-3 vs Samsung NX300

In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Pentax WG-3 and Samsung NX300, former being a Waterproof while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Pentax and Samsung. The sensor resolution of the WG-3 (16MP) and the NX300 (20MP) is pretty well matched but the WG-3 (1/2.3") and NX300 (APS-C) feature different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The WG-3 was announced 4 months before the NX300 so they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Pentax WG-3 being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX300 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight into a in depth comparison, below is a short summary of how the WG-3 grades vs the NX300 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax WG-3 & Samsung NX300. The whole galleries are provided at Pentax WG-3 Gallery & Samsung NX300 Gallery.

If you're aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you'll have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Pentax WG-3 has external dimensions of 124mm x 64mm x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs) whilst the Samsung NX300 has proportions of 122mm x 64mm x 41mm (4.8" x 2.5" x 1.6") having a weight of 331 grams (0.73 lbs).

Look at the Pentax WG-3 and Samsung NX300 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you use at that time. The following is the front view size comparison of the WG-3 against the NX300.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the WG-3 and NX300 is 90 and 86 respectively.

More often than not, it is very hard to visualize the difference between sensor measurements simply by reading through technical specs. The graphic underneath will help give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the WG-3 and NX300.

As you can tell, both of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The WG-3 with its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Samsung NX300 will resolve extra detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs far more aggressively.