Pentax WG-3 vs Sony RX100 VA

Here is a detailed analysis of the Pentax WG-3 and Sony RX100 VA, one being 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 VA (20MP) is very well matched but the WG-3 (1/2.3") and RX100 VA (1") feature different sensor sizes.

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The WG-3 was unveiled 6 years earlier than the RX100 VA and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Pentax WG-3 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 VA being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a simple view of how the WG-3 matches up versus the RX100 VA with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax WG-3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V(A). The full galleries are viewable at Pentax WG-3 Gallery and Sony RX100 VA Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera regularly, you will need to factor in its weight and size. The Pentax WG-3 comes with 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) while the Sony RX100 VA has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 299 grams (0.66 lbs).

Check out the Pentax WG-3 and Sony RX100 VA in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are working with at the time. Underneath is the front view size comparison of the WG-3 vs the RX100 VA.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the WG-3 and RX100 VA is 90 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to visualize the gap between sensor sizing merely by looking at technical specs. The graphic here might offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the WG-3 and RX100 VA.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The WG-3 with its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field harder and the Sony RX100 VA will give you greater detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics much more aggressively. The older WG-3 is going to be behind in sensor technology.