Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX66 vs Pentax WG-3

In this comparison, we will evaluate the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX66 and the Pentax WG-3, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX66 was introduced in February 2012 and Pentax WG-3 was introduced in July 2013. Let us first list highlights of the models.

Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX66 over Pentax WG-3.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax WG-3 over Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX66.

We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

Screen

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX66 has a 3.30" screen with 1,230k dot resolution and Pentax WG-3 has a 3.0" screen with 460k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX66 also features touchscreen which has advantages such as easy menu navigation, intuitive controls, quick setting adjustment and most importantly a Touch-to-Focus functionality allowing users to select a specific point on the screen where they want the camera to focus. This feature can be helpful for achieving precise focus in both photo and video recording.

BSI-CMOS Sensor

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX66 features a 18.2 megapixel 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 28.1 mm². Its native ISO range is 80 - 12,800. Pentax WG-3 features a 16 megapixel 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 20.7 mm². Its native ISO range is 125 - 6,400.

The cameras have BSI-CMOS sensor, short for Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor sensor. In traditional CMOS sensors, the wiring and circuitry are located on the front side of the sensor, which can block some of the incoming light. BSI technology flips this design by placing the photosensitive elements (pixels) on the backside of the sensor, allowing more light to reach the pixels. This significantly enhances light sensitivity and improves low-light performance. BSI-CMOS sensors are particularly effective in low-light conditions, as they can capture more light, resulting in brighter and less noisy images. This makes them well-suited for indoor and night photography. BSI-CMOS sensors deliver a higher SNR and reduced cross-talk.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX66 is equipped with BIONZ processor and can take pictures up to 4896 x 3672 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4912 x 1080, 4896 x 2752, 3648 x 2736, 3424 x 1920, 2592 x 1944, 1920 x 1080, 640 x 480 with 4:3, 16:9 aspect ratios. Pentax WG-3 can take pictures up to 4608 x 3456 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4288 x 3216, 4224 x 2376, 3216 x 3216, 3072 x 2304, 3072 x 1728, 2592 x 1944, 2592 x 1464, 2048 x 1536, 1920 x 1080, 1024 x 768, 640 x 480 with 1:1, 4:3, 16:9 aspect ratios.

Image Stabilization

The cameras have a built-in [y] image stabilization.

USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX66 has a Mini HDMI and Pentax WG-3 has a Type D Micro HDMI connector for video signal output.

Battery

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX66 comes with NP-BN battery pack with battery life of 250 shots and Pentax WG-3 comes with D-LI92 battery pack with battery life of 240 shots.

External Storage Slots

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX66 has a single Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo/microSD/microSDHC card slot. Pentax WG-3 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

Shutter

Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX66, and up to 1/4000 sec on Pentax WG-3. Cameras can shoot continuously up to 10.0 fps.

Flash

Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 3.10 m on Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX66 and 3.40 m on Pentax WG-3..

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX66 body has dimensions of 93 x 54 x 13 mm (3.66 x 2.13 x 0.51") and Pentax WG-3 body has dimensions of 124 x 64 x 33 mm (4.88 x 2.52 x 1.3"). Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX66 weighs 109 g (0.24 lb / 3.84 oz) and Pentax WG-3 weighs 230 g (0.51 lb / 8.11 oz).

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX66

Pentax WG-3

93 mm

54 mm

124 mm

64 mm