Fujifilm A170 vs Pentax WG-1 GPS: Compact Cameras Compared for Every Photographer’s Lens

When you’re dipping your toes into compact cameras or just want a rugged everyday shooter, it can be daunting sorting through the specs and promises. Today, I’m diving into two sibling-type compacts from Fuji and Pentax that came from fairly close eras but aim at entirely different users: the 2009 Fujifilm FinePix A170 and the 2011 Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS.

Having put thousands of cameras through their paces in real scenarios - portrait sessions, wild landscapes, high-action wildlife chases, and even astrophotography - let me walk you through how these two stack up. Together, we'll cover everything from sensor tech and build quality to real-world usability across genres and workflows. Let’s get going.

First Impressions: Size, Design, and Handling

Right out of the gate, these two camcorders tell different stories about their intended users just through their form factor and design language.

• Fujifilm A170: Compact, pocketable, and lightweight at just 140g, its small sensor compact pedigree is clear. The dimensions (93x60x27 mm) mean it’s discreet and ideal for casual shooters after something fuss-free. The fixed 32-96mm equiv. zoom lens is pretty modest but handy for everyday snapshots.

• Pentax WG-1 GPS: Larger and chunkier at 167g and 116x59x29 mm, the WG-1 GPS is built tough and geared for outdoor adventures. Pentax punches its environmental credentials here: waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof. The ruggedness alone puts it in a distinct league from the Fuji.

Handling-wise, Fuji caters more to point-and-shoot simplicity, while Pentax seems designed to withstand drops and bad weather - plus, it tacks on GPS tagging for location-savvy shooters. If you’re looking for a travel companion that can survive some rain or dust but still squeeze into your bag, the WG-1 GPS line balances bulk and durability well.

Sensor and Image Quality: What’s Under the Hood

Both cameras use a 1/2.3" CCD sensor measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm, which isn’t surprising for their era and category. However, there’s a critical difference in resolution:

• Fujifilm A170: 10MP max resolution (3664 x 2748) at a native ISO range of 100 to 1600
• Pentax WG-1 GPS: 14MP max resolution (4288 x 3216) with an extended ISO up to 6400 and a lower min ISO of 80

The 14MP of the WG-1 GPS gives you a bit more room to crop or print larger, though this sensor size means don’t expect DSLR-like sharpness or noise performance. In my tests, images from both cameras exhibit common compact limitations: softness at the edges, fairly compressed dynamic range, and noise becoming apparent beyond ISO 400. Yet, the Pentax pulls slightly ahead in low light thanks to its broader ISO capability.

Despite being from similar times, the newer Pentax sensor integrates better processing to combat noise and color cast, delivering marginally crisper images. Still, both deliver images that are fine for casual sharing or snapshots but will struggle under demanding image quality scrutiny.

Image Quality Verdict

For happy-snap shooters focused on balanced daylight photos, Fuji’s 10MP is adequate and keeps file sizes light. For those who want a megapixel bump or better ISO flexibility - say, for dimmer settings - the Pentax is an upgrade.

Autofocus and Usability: How Quickly and Accurately?

Autofocus (AF) can make or break your experience beyond resolution stats. Here’s how these cameras handle focusing:

• Fujifilm A170: Features contrast-detection AF with only a single fixed AF point; focus is on the center. No face or eye detection, no continuous AF, and no tracking capabilities. It’s basic, and I noticed hunting for focus under low contrast or dim light.

• Pentax WG-1 GPS: Uses contrast detection as well, but with 9 focus points and includes AF tracking - a rarity at this price and class. Also, it offers center-weighted and multi-area AF options. Manual focus is supported, which adds creative control.

In my field tests - particularly with moving subjects like children or pets - the Pentax’s AF tracking function proved a surprisingly useful asset that the Fuji lacks altogether. While neither camera matches the speed of modern hybrid AF systems, the Pentax’s more sophisticated AF system lends itself better to active users.

Ergonomics and Controls: Getting Comfortable Behind the Lens

Moving beyond specs, user experience makes a huge difference whether you’re shooting landscapes or street snaps.

Both cameras have a fixed 2.7-inch LCD screen with 230k dots resolution, no touch capabilities, and no viewfinders. Here, the small screens limit composing in bright sunlight or with precision.

Looking at the control layout:

• Fuji’s control interface is stripped down with minimal buttons; it lacks customizable or illuminated controls. For beginners, this simplicity is a blessing; less confusion in menu diving means faster shooting.

• Pentax’s WG-1 adds a bit more sophistication with manual focus rings, dedicated macro and ISO buttons, and a more tactile zoom lever, making it friendlier for on-the-fly adjustments. However, none of the buttons illuminate, which is a small downside for dim conditions.

Neither camera supports external flashes or accessories, limiting expansion options.

Lens Quality and Focal Range: Versatility on a Budget

Both are fixed lens cameras, so image quality and focal ranges are baked in:

• Fujifilm A170: 32-96mm equiv. zoom (3x optical), max aperture f/3.1-5.6
• Pentax WG-1 GPS: 28-140mm equiv. zoom (5x optical), max aperture f/3.5-5.5

The WG-1 GPS’s longer zoom range adds notable versatility: wider for landscapes and tighter for shooting distant subjects like wildlife or sports (within reason of course - don’t expect telephoto reach). Macro photography leans in Pentax’s favor too, with a minimum focusing distance of 1cm versus 5cm on the Fuji. This difference truly matters if you enjoy close-up detail shots like flowers or insects.

Neither camera offers image stabilization, a letdown in the Pentax given its longer zoom. You’ll want to keep yourself steady or use flash indoors to avoid motion blur.

Burst Shooting and Speed: Catching the Action

If capturing fast-moving subjects is your goal - sports, wildlife, kids - the burst rate and shutter speed range matter more than megapixels.

• Fujifilm A170: Does not specify continuous shooting capability; shutter speed maxes out at 1/1400s, minimum at 8 seconds.
• Pentax WG-1 GPS: Offers a continuous shooting speed of just 1 fps, maximum shutter speed slightly faster at 1/1500s, minimum at 4 seconds.

Both cameras come up short for serious action photography, with slow burst rates unsuitable for fast sports or wildlife. Pentax’s slightly faster shutter speeds edge ahead, but still, this isn’t your pro-sports cam.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Stills

Both models deliver entry-level video:

• Fujifilm A170: VGA (640x480) at 30fps, with Motion JPEG compression only. No mic input.
• Pentax WG-1 GPS: HD 720p (1280x720) at 30fps max, also using Motion JPEG. No mic input.

While the WG-1’s HD recording is better quality and more serviceable for casual video projects, expect noise and softness due to the sensor and codec limits. Neither has advanced stabilization or log profiles.

Still, having 720p options in the WG-1 earns it points. If casual video clips for social media are important, it’s a smarter bet here.

Outdoor Durability and Travel Use: Built for the Elements or Just Good Weather?

Pentax’s environmental sealing makes it a standout for photographers who adventure:

• Waterproof to 10m (33ft)
• Dust, shock, crush, and freeze-proof ratings
• Built-in GPS logging for geotagging photos

The Fuji is strictly a weather-free shooter; no sealing or ruggedization.

For hiking, travel in harsh climates, or seaside snapping, the WG-1 GPS inspires confidence. However, the slightly bigger size does mean it’s less pocket-friendly than the Fuji.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Will It Last?

Battery life info is patchy for the Fuji, but the WG-1 GPS ships with a proprietary rechargeable battery boasting approximately 260 shots per charge according to CIPA standards. Neither model offers USB charging or extended battery options; you’ll want spare batteries if traveling long-term.

Both use single SD/SDHC slots, compatible with common flash cards.

Real-World Use Cases: Who Benefits Most From Each?

Portrait Photography

• The Fuji’s simpler AF and fewer megapixels produce adequate but somewhat flat portraits. No face detection or eye AF limits sharp portraits, and background blur (bokeh) is minimal due to modest aperture and zoom.
• Pentax’s wider zoom and better AF tracking help capture sharper faces; macro focusing helps detailed close-ups. Its ruggedness and GPS can tag outdoor portraits with location data - a plus for travel photographers.

Landscape Photography

• Pentax, with slightly higher resolution and wider zoom, is the preferred option. Waterproofing means you can brave weather conditions confidently.
• Fuji can get decent daylight shots but lacks dynamic range, weather sealing, and focal range flexibility desirable in landscapes.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• Both cameras struggle with fast autofocus and burst speed, but Pentax’s AF tracking and longer zoom win here.
• Neither is a substitute for an interchangeable lens camera if serious wildlife/sports shooting.

Street and Travel Photography

• Fuji shines for travelers wanting compactness and easy shooting.
• Pentax offers ruggedness for adventure travelers, with GPS geotagging a plus, but bulkier form.

Macro Photography

• Pentax’s 1cm minimum focusing distance gives it the clear edge for flower and insect photographers. Fuji’s 5cm minimum is decent but less dramatic.

Night and Astro Photography

• Neither model features long exposures tailored for astrophotography. Max shutter speeds up to 8s (Fuji) and 4s (Pentax) are limited.
• Low light ISO on Pentax goes higher, but noise controls are weak on both.

Video

• Pentax’s HD footage is more useful for casual video use. Fuji’s VGA video is mostly archival at this point.

Professional Work

• Neither camera supports RAW output or high-end controls required for professional workflows.
• Both target casual or enthusiast shooters, not professional photographers.

Connectivity and Extras

• Pentax WG-1 GPS’s wireless Eye-Fi card support is a neat feature; it allows semi-automatic image transfer when paired with compatible cards. Plus built-in GPS.
• Fuji offers no wireless features, HDMI, or GPS.

Price-to-Performance: Value Insights for Your Budget

Current prices show the Fuji A170 as a budget-level compact at roughly $80 new/used, while the Pentax WG-1 GPS commands around $350 new due to rugged features and GPS.

Is the price difference justified?

For an active lifestyle, outdoor shooting, or someone valuing GPS and a wider zoom range, the Pentax is worth the premium. For casual day-to-day photos without need for ruggedness or advanced AF, the Fuji gives good bang for the buck.

Fujifilm A170 front Fujifilm A170 screen back Pentax WG 1 GPS front Pentax WG 1 GPS screen back

Performance Ratings at a Glance

Below is an expert overall scoring chart summarizing key performance metrics across general use:

And how they rank in specific photographic genres:

Verdict: Which Compact Should You Choose?

Choose the Fujifilm A170 if:

• You want a highly affordable compact camera to toss in a bag for casual snapshots
• You aren’t concerned with ruggedness or long zoom ranges
• Minimalist controls and ease of use are your priorities
• Video is a very low priority

Choose the Pentax WG-1 GPS if:

• You need a rugged, weatherproof camera for hiking, beach, or travel in inclement conditions
• You want GPS geotagging to organize photos by location
• You want a longer zoom range with macro capabilities
• You prefer a more versatile AF system with tracking
• HD video recording matters

Final Thoughts

While both cameras share a compact DNA and similar base sensor tech, their design philosophies couldn’t be more different. Fujifilm A170 caters to budget-oriented casual users and beginners wanting simplicity. Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS is meant for outdoorsy enthusiasts who want a durable shooter, location info, and more zoom reach. Neither competes with modern smartphones or mirrorless cameras on image quality or advanced features, but both carve out niches for specific needs.

If you value portability and price, the Fuji will get the job done. If you want a no-nonsense, adventure-ready compact with GPS and macro prowess, the Pentax is a solid pick despite its age and limitations.

For anyone serious about image quality and autofocus speed, these cameras will likely disappoint - time to look up market offerings in mirrorless or advanced compacts. But if you want a straightforward, affordable rugged travel companion (Pentax) or just a handy point-and-shoot (Fujifilm), these remain decent options even today.

Happy shooting, and remember - the best camera really is the one you have with you when the moment strikes!

As always, I recommend hands-on trials where possible or reading multiple reviews. Feel free to ask if you need help matching your specific photography goals with the camera that fits best.