Pentax WG-3 vs Samsung NX500

Below is a extensive review of the Pentax WG-3 versus Samsung NX500, former being a Waterproof while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Pentax and Samsung. There is a substantial difference among the resolutions of the WG-3 (16MP) and NX500 (28MP) and the WG-3 (1/2.3") and NX500 (APS-C) boast different sensor sizes.

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The WG-3 was unveiled 18 months prior to the NX500 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both cameras feature different body design with the Pentax WG-3 being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX500 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a short overview of how the WG-3 scores versus the NX500 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax WG-3 & Samsung NX500. The full galleries are available at Pentax WG-3 Gallery & Samsung NX500 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor its weight and volume. The Pentax WG-3 comes with outside dimensions of 124mm x 64mm x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs) while the Samsung NX500 has sizing of 120mm x 64mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.5" x 1.7") along with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Examine the Pentax WG-3 versus Samsung NX500 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the WG-3 compared to the NX500.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the WG-3 and NX500 is 90 and 87 respectively.

Usually, it's hard to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements purely by seeing specs. The photograph underneath will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the WG-3 and NX500.

All in all, both cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The WG-3 having a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Samsung NX500 will produce greater detail having an extra 12MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The older WG-3 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.