Key Features
Jul 19 2013
Announced
16 megapixels
Resolution
Brand | Pentax |
Sensor Type | 1/2.3-inch |
Sensor | BSI-CMOS |
Weight | 230g |
MSRP | $349USD |
Other similar cameras

Pentax WG-3 GPS
Released Jul 19 2013 | 16MP resolution

Pentax WG-10
Released Jun 21 2013 | 14MP resolution

Pentax K-3
Released Apr 10 2014 | 24MP resolution
Overview of the WG-3
Are you a travel enthusiast who loves capturing moments from your adventures? Do you often find yourself in scenarios where your camera is at risk of getting damaged due to water, dust, or extreme temperatures? If yes, you need a camera that can keep up with your passion for exploration and provide you with high-quality images and videos. The Pentax WG-3 is a camera that has been designed to cater to the needs of adventure enthusiasts. It has a sturdy exterior that can withstand harsh conditions such as water, dust, and extreme temperatures while producing crystal-clear images. Let's dive deeper into the features that make the Pentax WG-3 the ultimate adventure companion!
Pentax WG-3 Pros and Cons
Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Pentax WG-3 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!
Pros
Cons
Build and Construction
Body and dimensions
Pentax WG-3
Weather sealed | |
Dimensions | 124 x 64 x 33mm |
Weight | 230g |
Thickness | 33mm |
Weather Sealing
The Pentax WG-3 camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the WG-3 is an excellent choice.
Design and Handling
Main design features
View Finder | None |
Screen Type | Fixed Type |
Screen Resolution | 460k dots |
Body type | Compact |
Suitable for:
Photography | Above Avg. |
Videography | Above Avg. |
Travel | Above Avg. |
LCD Screen
This camera has a fixed type 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 460k dots. This makes the Pentax WG-3 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.
Viewfinder
Pentax WG-3 does not include a viewfinder. The lack of a viewfinder on the WG-3 camera may make it less suitable for outdoor photography in bright conditions.
Image Quality
Pentax WG-3 has a 16MP sized BSI-CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 16 pixels. Pentax WG-3 has a native ISO range of 125 - 6400 which can be boosted to null - null.
Key Features
Jul 19 2013
Announced
125 - 6400
ISO Range
Sensor | 1/2.3-inch |
Extended ISO | null - null |
Max resolution | 4608 x 3456 pixels |
DXO Sensor Scores
Overall
not tested
Color Depth
not tested
Dynamic Range
not tested
Low Light ISO
not tested
DXO mark sensor scores
The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Pentax WG-3 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the WG-3 is excellent
Crop Factor
Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.
Size comparison
Crop factor calculator
Crop factor
1x
Full frame equivalent
24mm
This camera: 1/2.3-inch
24mm
Connectivity, storage, battery
Storage | SD/SDHC/SDXC card, Internal |
Battery Life | 240 shots |
Battery Model | D-LI92 |
HDMI | |
USD | |
Wireless Connectivity |
Storage
The Pentax WG-3 supports SD/SDHC/SDXC card, Internal with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.
Battery
The Pentax WG-3 uses the D-LI92 model of battery pack. This is rated for 240 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.
Photography Features
Flash
The Pentax WG-3 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.
Shutter
The Pentax WG-3 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/4000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.
With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.
Autofocus
The Pentax WG-3 includes contrast detection autofocus (AF), with 9 number of focus points.
While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.
Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.
On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.
FAQ
The Pentax WG-3 features a BSI-CMOS sensor
Yes the WG-3 does have weather sealing.
The Pentax WG-3 was announced on Jul 19 2013
Yes the WG-3 does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.
The WG-3 has a native ISO range of 125-6400, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.
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