Pentax WG-3 GPS
- 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
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.
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.
F2.0-4.916MP1/2.3"2013
Pentax WG-3 GPS Gallery
You can see the WG-3 GPS from different angles in the gallery underneath.
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.
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 GlossaryThe 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.
Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhoneTo get an idea of different aspect ratios, you should refer to the visual below.
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.
Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modesHere is a picture of the Pentax WG-3 GPS next to a softdrink so you can have a feel for its scale.
The top view under will illustrate the button layout on the WG-3 GPS.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD CardsThe 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.