Canon SX170 IS vs Pentax WG-2

Its time to take a closer look at the Canon SX170 IS and Pentax WG-2, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Waterproof by competitors Canon and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the SX170 IS (16MP) and the WG-2 (16MP) is relatively comparable and they use the exact same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SX170 IS was announced 19 months later than the WG-2 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the SX170 IS scores versus the WG-2 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Canon PowerShot SX170 IS and Pentax Optio WG-2. The whole galleries are available at Canon SX170 IS Gallery and Pentax WG-2 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to lug around your camera, you are going to need to consider its weight and volume. The Canon SX170 IS has got outer measurements of 108mm x 71mm x 44mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.7") having a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs) and the Pentax WG-2 has sizing of 122mm x 61mm x 30mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") with a weight of 192 grams (0.42 lbs).

Check the Canon SX170 IS and Pentax WG-2 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using at that time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the SX170 IS versus the WG-2.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the SX170 IS and WG-2 is 88 and 91 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to visualise the difference in sensor measurements simply by going through specs. The visual below may give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SX170 IS and WG-2.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements and the same exact MP and you should expect comparable quality of pictures but you will need to take the release date of the cameras into account. The fresher SX170 IS is going to have a benefit in sensor technology.