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Pentax WG-3 GPS

 
Pentax WG-3 GPS front
 
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Display
  • ISO 125 - 6400
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 25-100mm (F2.0-4.9) lens
  • 238g - 125 x 64 x 33mm
  • Introduced July 2013
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
90
Imaging
40
Features
43
Overall
41

Pentax WG-3 GPS overview

Pentax WG-3 GPS is Pentax's Waterproof camera initially announced on July of 2013. It features a 16 MegaPixel, BSI-CMOS 1/2.3" sized sensor and has a maximum resolution of 4608 x 3456.

The WG-3 GPS is ranked #19 out of 75 in Waterproof cameras and all-around #648 out of 1465 for cameras in our collection. Remember to check our Smart camera finder to get camera listings based on your personal criteria.

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Here is a chart of different criteria used in the scoring system.

Pentax WG-3 GPS family

The Pentax WG-3 GPS comes with a history of related cameras. Down below, you can discover all earlier and new models along with main specifications.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Pentax-WG-3-GPS front thumbnailPentax WG-3 GPS25-100mm
F2.0-4.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Pentax-WG-3 front thumbnailPentax WG-3
WG-3 GPS vs WG-3
25-100mm
F2.0-4.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
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Pentax-WG-10 front thumbnailPentax WG-10
WG-3 GPS vs WG-10
28-140mm
F3.5-5.5
14MP1/2.3"2013
Pentax-Optio-WG-2 front thumbnailPentax WG-2
WG-3 GPS vs WG-2
28-140mm
F3.5-5.5
16MP1/2.3"2012
Pentax-Optio-WG-2-GPS front thumbnailPentax WG-2 GPS
WG-3 GPS vs WG-2 GPS
28-140mm
F3.5-5.5
16MP1/2.3"2012
Pentax-Optio-WG-1-GPS front thumbnailPentax WG-1 GPS
WG-3 GPS vs WG-1 GPS
28-140mm
F3.5-5.5
14MP1/2.3"2011
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Pentax-Optio-WG-1 front thumbnailPentax WG-1
WG-3 GPS vs WG-1
28-140mm
F3.5-5.5
14MP1/2.3"2011
Pentax-Optio-W90 front thumbnailPentax W90
WG-3 GPS vs W90
28-140mm
F3.5-5.5
12MP1/2.3"2010
Pentax-Optio-WS80 front thumbnailPentax WS80
WG-3 GPS vs WS80
35-175mm
F3.8-4.7
10MP1/2.3"2009
Pentax-Optio-W60 front thumbnailPentax W60
WG-3 GPS vs W60
28-140mm
F3.5-5.5
10MP1/2.3"2009
Pentax-Optio-W80 front thumbnailPentax W80
WG-3 GPS vs W80
28-140mm
F3.5-5.5
12MP1/2.3"2009
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Pentax WG-3 GPS Pros and Cons

Below is a checklist of positives and negatives of the Pentax WG-3 GPS based on features which are oftentimes viewed as necessary in a camera.

built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
comes with face detect autofocus
comes with tracking focus
environment proof
fairly wide (25mm)
great max aperture (f2.0)
has built in flash
high quality video (1920 x 1080 resolution)
in built lens has zoom (25-100mm 4.0 x zoom)
includes HDMI out
manual focus
resolution is good (16MP)
screen is a good size (3 inch)
display isn't selfie friendly
doesn't have phase detect autofocus
doesn't have RAW files
does not have headphone support
does not have microphone support
lack of manual mode
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
low battery (240 shots)
low resolution screen (460 thousand dots)
more heavy than others (238g)
no aperture priority
no external flash support
no shutter priority
screen does not articulate
slow at tele end (f4.9)
small sensor (1/2.3")
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Pentax WG-3 GPS Sensor specifications

The sensor measurement on the Pentax WG-3 GPS is 6.17mm x 4.55mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor is able to resolve 4608 x 3456 pixels at aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3 and 16:9. The camera has got Image Stabilization (Sensor-shift). In body stabilization is more desirable than digital stabilization since the latter may cause cropping.

Photography Glossary

The BSI-CMOS sensor boasts 16MP and includes a native ISO range of 125 to 6400. Sadly, RAW photos are not saved therefore you have less room to maneuver in post.

The graphic underneath shows the WG-3 GPS's sensor dimensions compared to other common sizes. The WG-3 GPS sensor comes with a crop factor of 5.8 and is displayed in green.

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To get an idea of different aspect ratios, you should refer to the visual below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Pentax WG-3 GPS dimensions

Pentax WG-3 GPS is 0.52 lb (238 grams / 8.40 oz) and the over all size of the camera is 125mm x 64mm x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3"). The weight of normal Waterproof camera is 195 grams and the Pentax WG-3 GPS is heavier compared with its competitors.

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Here is a picture of the Pentax WG-3 GPS next to a softdrink so you can have a feel for its scale.

Pentax WG-3 GPS dimensions scale

The top view under will illustrate the button layout on the WG-3 GPS.

Pentax WG-3 GPS topview buttons dials

Pentax WG-3 GPS Lens specifications

The WG-3 GPS offers a built-in lens and a focal range of 25-100mm making it a 4.0 x zoom which is not at all exceptional but it is likely to be convenient in certain conditions.

At the widest 25mm, it provides an aperture of f2.0 which will be ideal in low light circumstances and capturing good bokeh. It would also let you go with a much lower ISO for getting crisper photographs. With the tele end, 100mm comes at f4.9 making it fairly sluggish and you will need to go with slow shutter speeds.

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Pentax WG-3 GPS Connectivity

The WG-3 GPS has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • Wireless Yes
  • HDMI Yes
  • GPS Yes

Cameras that feature NFC and / or Bluetooth connectivity can easily be used wirelessly through smartphones. You can easily transfer photos and at times alter settings without the hassle of connecting straight to the camera.

A few applications even stream a Liveview and click the shutter when you aren't close to the camera. If the camera features a HDMI out, it could be hooked up to an external screen. Nearly all cameras enable you to charge the battery through the USB socket.

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Pentax WG-3 GPS Video specifications

The maximum video resolution on the Pentax WG-3 GPS is 1920 x 1080 and it can capture in MPEG-4 and H.264 format. 1080p resolution gives a great balance between quality versus file sizes but FULL HD won't leave you with much room to downsample. The camera doesn't feature a mic and / or headphone port which means that you have got no control over your audio. It is probably a better idea to consider an alternative model in case you want decent audio in your video clips.

Photography Glossary

Pentax WG-3 GPS Weather Sealing

Pentax WG-3 GPS features environment sealing which makes it a fantastic candidate to use during rough conditions. This can be particularly beneficial if you are unsure about the elements you might face during outdoor photography.

Pentax WG-3 GPS Display and Viewfinder

The Pentax WG-3 GPS features a 3 inch fixed display boasting a resolution of 460 thousand dots.

Please be aware that the display screen offers no touch support.

Pentax WG-3 GPS screen and viewfinder Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The View Finder specifications regarding Pentax WG-3 GPS are as follows:

  • ViewFinder None

Viewfinders are rather useful during sunny outdoor situations which might make the camera display washed out and difficult to view.

Pentax WG-3 GPS Shutter specifications

The maximum shutter speed is 1/4000 sec.

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Pentax WG-3 GPS Flash and Hot shoe specifications

Pentax WG-3 GPS has got only inbuilt flash lacking external flash ability.

Pentax WG-3 GPS Autofocus specifications

Pentax WG-3 GPS has got just Contrast Detect Auto Focus and is missing Phase Detect Auto Focus. Phase Detection autofocusing is a lot more snappier & precise compared with Contrast Detect autofocusing. The camera features Face detect which can be helpful for portraits.

The Sensor features 9 focus points to select from. It also boasts Tracking Auto Focus for things on the move. Pentax WG-3 GPS features manual focus when required during low light occasions or you want to have more accurate control on focus.

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Pentax WG-3 GPS Battery life

The battery (D-LI92) for the Pentax WG-3 GPS is fashioned to last for 240 shots based on the CIPA specifications which is lesser as compared with its competitors. The general Waterproof camera battery life is 275. Olympus TG-4 comes with the highest possible (380) battery life within this kind of cameras.

Following is a number of Waterproof cameras with the strongest battery life:

Pentax WG-3 GPS for different styles of photography

The following graph presents a analysis of the Pentax WG-3 GPS for different styles of photography. To read more, have a look at the specific section underneath.

Pentax WG-3 GPS Portrait photography highlights

The Pentax WG-3 GPS has a points total of 41 which is terrible, and means the camera is not acceptable to use for portraits. Taking portraits leans greatly towards sensor size, support for RAW photos and ability to use external lighting.

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has manual focus
resolution is good (16MP)
comes with face detect autofocus
no manual control
external flash not possible
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
lacks RAW files

Street photography with Pentax WG-3 GPS

Getting a decent score of 59, the Pentax WG-3 GPS is fairly suitable for street photography. A decent street photography camera comes with a perfect balance of image quality and portability.

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built in image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
weather sealing
screen does not articulate
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
no RAW support
heavier than others (238 grams)

Pentax WG-3 GPS Sports photography highlights

A terrible sports photography points total of 45 means the Pentax WG-3 GPS is not acceptable for taking pictures of sports. A camera really should have fantastic focusing plus fast shutter speeds for sports photography.

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has image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
sensor resolution is decent (16MP)
offers tracking autofocus
environment proof
no shutter priority
small sensor size (1/2.3")
terrible battery power (240 shots)
lacks phase detect auto focus

Pentax WG-3 GPS Travel photography advice

Weight is very important in getting a camera for travel. On the whole, the Pentax WG-3 GPS gets a very good 69 for a travel camera which makes it a very decent choice to buy for your travels.

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weather proofing
megapixel count decent (16 megapixels)
has built in flash
really wide (25mm)
fast maximum aperture (f2.0)
bad battery (240 per charge)
heavier than competition in class (238 grams)
screen is not selfie friendly

Pentax WG-3 GPS as a Landscape photography camera

When you are looking to purchase a digital camera for landscape photographs, the most important factor will be image quality. The Pentax WG-3 GPS and it's moderate rating of 54 for a landscape camera is relatively appropriate in the current marketplace.

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focusing manually
really wide (25mm)
good maximum aperture (f2.0)
screen size is good (3 inches)
has image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
MP count decent (16 megapixels)
weather proof
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
lack of manual exposure
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW format
low battery life (240 CIPA)

Pentax WG-3 GPS Vlogging highlights

A camera for vlogging preferably should come with a moving display screen, microphone port and ideally IBIS. Considering everything, the Pentax WG-3 GPS is not acceptable for vlogging as it comes to a terrible rating of 34.

Photography Glossary
rather wide (25mm)
good maximum aperture (f2.0)
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
has face detection autofocus
video resolution high (1920 x 1080 resolution)
screen isn't selfie friendly
lack of external mic jack
heavier than average (238 grams)

Pentax WG-3 GPS Alternatives

If you are searching for alternatives to the WG-3 GPS, here is a selection of the top rated cameras which fall under the category of Waterproof.

The diagram underneath shows you an overview of the WG-3 GPS vs it's top ranked rivals shown previously.

Here are a handful of other cameras you might look into as alternative options. To check out a full comparison, simply click on the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Company
Pentax
Model
Pentax WG-3 GPS
Category
Waterproof
Introduced
2013-07-19
Physical type
Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type
BSI-CMOS
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor measurements
6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor area
28.1mm²
Sensor resolution
16 megapixels
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio
1:1, 4:3 and 16:9
Full resolution
4608 x 3456
RAW images
Max native ISO
6400
Minimum native ISO
125
Autofocusing
Manual focus
AF touch
AF continuous
Single AF
AF tracking
Selective AF
AF center weighted
Multi area AF
AF live view
Face detect AF
Contract detect AF
Phase detect AF
Number of focus points
9
Lens
Lens mounting type
fixed lens
Lens focal range
25-100mm (4.0x)
Maximum aperture
f/2.0-4.9
Macro focus range
1cm
Focal length multiplier
5.8
Screen
Type of display
Fixed Type
Display diagonal
3 inch
Resolution of display
460 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch operation
Display tech
Widescreen TFT color LCD with anti-reflective coating
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
None
DXO scores
DXO All around score
not tested
DXO Color Depth score
not tested
DXO Dynamic range score
not tested
DXO Low light score
not tested
Features
Slowest shutter speed
4 secs
Maximum shutter speed
1/4000 secs
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Set WB
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash range
3.40 m
Flash options
Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft
Hot shoe
Auto exposure bracketing
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Supported video resolutions
1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps)
Max video resolution
1920x1080
Video data format
MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless
Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
BuiltIn
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight
238 gr (0.52 pounds)
Dimensions
125 x 64 x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3")
Other
Battery life
240 images
Form of battery
Battery Pack
Battery model
D-LI92
Self timer
Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse recording
Storage type
SD/SDHC/SDXC card, Internal
Card slots
Single
Retail cost
$350