Pentax WG-3 vs Sony NEX-5

Here, we will be matching up the Pentax WG-3 vs Sony NEX-5, former is a Waterproof while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Pentax and Sony. The sensor resolution of the WG-3 (16MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is relatively close but the WG-3 (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor dimensions.

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The WG-3 was released 3 years after the NEX-5 which is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Pentax WG-3 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick summary of how the WG-3 matches up against the NEX-5 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax WG-3 & Sony Alpha NEX-5. The complete galleries are viewable at Pentax WG-3 Gallery & Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

If you are looking to travel with your camera often, you will have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Pentax WG-3 comes with external measurements of 124mm x 64mm x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5 has dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Take a look at the Pentax WG-3 vs Sony NEX-5 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the WG-3 compared to the NEX-5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the WG-3 and NEX-5 is 90 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to visualise the contrast in sensor dimensions just by looking through specs. The pic below should give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the WG-3 and NEX-5.

All in all, both of these cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The WG-3 featuring a smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Pentax WG-3 will provide you with greater detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs way more aggressively. The younger WG-3 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.