Pentax WG-3 vs Sony RX100 IV

Following is a extended review of the Pentax WG-3 and Sony RX100 IV, one is a Waterproof and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the WG-3 (16MP) and the RX100 IV (20MP) is fairly similar but the WG-3 (1/2.3") and RX100 IV (1") feature totally different sensor dimensions.

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The WG-3 was introduced 23 months prior to the RX100 IV making the cameras a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Pentax WG-3 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 IV being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a short view of how the WG-3 scores against the RX100 IV with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax WG-3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV. The whole galleries are viewable at Pentax WG-3 Gallery and Sony RX100 IV Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry around your camera often, you will want to think about its weight and measurements. The Pentax WG-3 features external dimensions of 124mm x 64mm x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs) and the Sony RX100 IV has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 298 grams (0.66 lbs).

See the Pentax WG-3 and Sony RX100 IV in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the WG-3 against the RX100 IV.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the WG-3 and RX100 IV is 90 and 89 respectively.

Typically, it's tough to see the gap between sensor sizes purely by reviewing technical specs. The pic here should provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the WG-3 and RX100 IV.

As you have seen, both cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The WG-3 with its tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF more difficult and the Sony RX100 IV will deliver extra detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The more aged WG-3 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.