Pentax WG-3 vs Sony A55

In this article, we will be contrasting the Pentax WG-3 and Sony A55, one is a Waterproof and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the WG-3 (16MP) and the A55 (16MP) is pretty close but the WG-3 (1/2.3") and A55 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The WG-3 was launched 2 years after the A55 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Pentax WG-3 being a Compact camera and the Sony A55 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving in to a detailed comparison, below is a quick summation of how the WG-3 matches up vs the A55 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax WG-3 and Sony SLT-A55. The complete galleries are provided at Pentax WG-3 Gallery and Sony A55 Gallery.

If you are going to travel with your camera often, you'll need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Pentax WG-3 has got outside measurements 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 A55 has dimensions of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") along with a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs).

Check the Pentax WG-3 and Sony A55 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the WG-3 compared to the A55.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the WG-3 and A55 is 90 and 67 respectively.

In many cases, it is very hard to visualise the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by viewing a spec sheet. The image below will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the WG-3 and A55.

As you can see, both of the cameras offer the same exact resolution albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The WG-3 provides the smaller sensor which will make achieving shallow DOF trickier. The newer WG-3 will have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.