Pentax WG-3 vs Sony RX1R

On this page, we are analyzing the Pentax WG-3 and Sony RX1R, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Pentax and Sony. There exists a big gap between the image resolutions of the WG-3 (16MP) and RX1R (24MP) and the WG-3 (1/2.3") and RX1R (Full frame) offer totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The WG-3 was launched very close to the RX1R so they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Pentax WG-3 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX1R being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going into a in depth comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the WG-3 scores against the RX1R in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax WG-3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R. The complete galleries are provided at Pentax WG-3 Gallery and Sony RX1R Gallery.

In case you're intending to lug around your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Pentax WG-3 provides exterior dimensions of 124mm x 64mm x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 230 grams (0.51 lbs) and the Sony RX1R has measurements of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") with a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs).

Check out the Pentax WG-3 and Sony RX1R in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using during that time. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the WG-3 against the RX1R.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the WG-3 and RX1R is 90 and 79 respectively.

Sometimes, it is difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor measurements merely by going over a spec sheet. The visual below may give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the WG-3 and RX1R.

As you can see, each of the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The WG-3 featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Sony RX1R will offer you greater detail utilizing its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop images a bit more aggressively.