Pentax WG-3 vs Samsung TL500

Lets take a more detailed look at the Pentax WG-3 and Samsung TL500, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Pentax and Samsung. There exists a big gap among the resolutions of the WG-3 (16MP) and TL500 (10MP) and the WG-3 (1/2.3") and TL500 (1/1.7") provide different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The WG-3 was revealed 3 years later than the TL500 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before going straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a quick overview of how the WG-3 scores against the TL500 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax WG-3 and Samsung TL500. The full galleries are viewable at Pentax WG-3 Gallery and Samsung TL500 Gallery.

If you're looking to lug around your camera often, you need to factor its weight and measurements. The Pentax WG-3 offers external measurements of 124mm x 64mm x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs) and the Samsung TL500 has proportions of 114mm x 63mm x 29mm (4.5" x 2.5" x 1.1") along with a weight of 386 grams (0.85 lbs).

Look at the Pentax WG-3 and Samsung TL500 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the WG-3 and the TL500.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the WG-3 and TL500 is 90 and 88 respectively.

Quite often, it's difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor measurements only by seeing a spec sheet. The photograph below should give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the WG-3 and TL500.

As you can see, the two cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The WG-3 with its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF tougher and the Pentax WG-3 will produce more detail because of its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The younger WG-3 should have an advantage in sensor tech.