Nikon A900 vs Pentax WG-2 GPS

Nikon Coolpix A900 vs. Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS: A Hands-On, Expert Comparison of Two Compact Contenders

Choosing the right compact camera these days - particularly in the mid-tier superzoom and rugged waterproof categories - demands careful consideration. While smartphones have steadily encroached on everyday point-and-shoot territory, dedicated cameras are still vital tools for enthusiasts who want optical zoom reach, ruggedness, or specific photographic flexibility not found in mobile devices. The 2016 Nikon Coolpix A900 and the 2012 Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS each stake claims in these niches. I’ve spent extensive time in the field with both to bring you a detailed comparison that dives beneath their spec sheets and marketing pitches, focusing on how each handles real-world photographic scenarios.

Both cameras are light, pocketable, and designed for ease of use - yet their target users and feature sets diverge sharply. The Nikon A900 is a superzoom compact with a dazzling 35x optical zoom range, aimed at travelers and casual zoom shooters. Meanwhile, the Pentax WG-2 GPS is a rugged, waterproof compact built to survive tough environments and capture adventures, with modest zoom but serious durability and GPS tagging. Let’s break down every aspect - from sensor tech and ergonomics to autofocus and image quality - to help you decide which one fits your photography interests and budget best.

A Tale of Two Bodies: Size, Build, and Handling

At first glance, these two cameras couldn’t be more different in their approach to construction. The Nikon A900 embraces the traditional compact superzoom style: sleek, lightweight, and with clean, minimalist lines. The Pentax WG-2 GPS shouts rugged durability - it’s chunkier, rubber-armored, and clearly designed to endure abuse.

Starting with dimensions and weight, the Pentax weighs just 198 grams, making it surprisingly pocket-friendly despite its ruggedness. The Nikon is a bit heavier at 289 grams, reflecting its more elaborate zoom lens system but still very manageable. Physically, Nikon’s slightly taller and thicker body gives better grip stability during extended shooting, while Pentax’s contoured rubberized finish provides reassurance in wet or cold environments.

In sighting ergonomics, the Nikon offers a 3-inch tilting LCD screen with 921k-dot resolution - crisp and flexible for creative angles. The Pentax’s fixed 3-inch display is lower-res at 460k dots and non-articulating, a sacrifice for waterproof sealing but a notable limitation for framing dynamic shots or macro subjects from unusual perspectives.

Looking at the control layout from the top view, you find the Nikon sports more buttons and dials for exposure compensation, mode selection, and zoom control - fitting for its more advanced manual operation. Pentax takes a minimalist, rugged approach with fewer physical controls, emphasizing simple operation under harsh conditions.

Overall, if tactile feedback, shooting comfort, and interface responsiveness are priorities, Nikon’s ergonomics edge ahead. But if you crave a camera that won’t flinch in mud, rain, or temperature extremes, Pentax’s build quality is its compelling value proposition.

Sensor and Image Quality: A Study in Compact Limitations

Both cameras use 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensors measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm (about 28 mm²), typical for compacts in their class. However, the Nikon A900 offers 20 megapixels versus 16 megapixels on the Pentax WG-2 GPS. Let’s unpack how these specifications translate to real image quality.

The Nikon’s sensor resolution of 20 MP yields higher native resolution images - 5184 x 3888 pixels, compared to 4288 x 3216 pixels in the Pentax. This resolution gain is meaningful for landscape shooters or anyone wanting to crop tightly without severe detail loss.

In testing, Nikon’s sensor delivers cleaner ISO performance at base ISO 80, with decent high-ISO noise control up to ISO 1600 and usable results at ISO 3200. The Pentax sensor’s minimum ISO starts at 125, and noise starts creeping in earlier given sensor design and older image processing. Pentax’s max ISO is 6400, but noise at that level is very pronounced, making it more of a gimmick than practical.

Dynamic range is broadly similar - both cameras have limited latitude due to small sensor size, but the Nikon A900’s newer sensor and processing yield slightly better preservation of shadow detail and highlight roll-off, useful for landscapes or contrasty scenes.

Pentax offers multiple aspect ratios (1:1, 4:3, 16:9) versus Nikon’s 4:3 only, catering to different compositional preferences, although changing aspect ratio typically crops the sensor and doesn’t improve final resolution.

For color reproduction, Nikon’s color science shows punchier yet natural hues, with balanced skin tones ideal for portraits. Pentax tends to produce more subdued colors, which may require post-processing for vibrancy.

In sum, for image quality, Nikon’s newer sensor and higher resolution earn the verdict. Pentax sacrifices raw image fidelity for environmental toughness.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Autofocus (AF) is critical in real-world shooting, particularly when photographing wildlife, sports, or street action where split-second focus precision counts.

The Nikon A900 employs a contrast-detection AF system with face detection, continuous AF, and tracking capabilities. The Pentax uses a contrast-detect AF as well, with fewer focus modes but includes face detection and a 9-point AF system.

In practice, the Nikon A900’s AF is faster, more reliable, and better at tracking moving subjects. Its AF is noticeably responsive in good light and respectable in moderate low light, thanks to refined algorithms and continuous AF capability. It also offers single, continuous, and selective AF modes to tailor focus behavior depending on shooting scenarios.

The Pentax WG-2 GPS AF is slower and hunts more noticeably, especially in lower light or with moving subjects. Its lack of continuous AF during burst shooting hampers its effectiveness in capturing sharp action shots. That single frame per second continuous shooting rate further limits sports or wildlife applications.

Both cameras support face detection, but Nikon’s is more precise and consistent, enhancing portrait shooting confidence.

The absence of phase detection AF on these compact sensors is expected but does affect speed compared to more advanced mirrorless or DSLR systems.

Zoom Lenses and Optical Performance: Reach vs. Versatility

Lens design is fundamental in deciding a camera’s shooting flexibility. The Nikon A900 offers an extraordinary 35x optical zoom range from 24–840 mm (35mm equivalent), covering ultra-wide to super-telephoto reach - almost suspiciously versatile for a compact. The aperture ranges from f/3.4 at the wide end to f/6.9 when fully zoomed.

Pentax’s WG-2 GPS provides a modest 5x zoom from 28–140 mm (35mm equivalent), at f/3.5-5.5 aperture.

For those prioritizing extreme zoom - say, shooting distant wildlife or sports events without carrying a bulky lens - Nikon’s lens reigns supreme. While image quality does soften somewhat at max zoom, especially in the periphery, it remains usable and impressively sharp in the center. Its optical image stabilization helps counter handshake, crucial at long focal lengths.

Pentax trades zoom range for ruggedness. Its shorter 5x zoom still covers most casual situations, including portraits and landscapes, but lacks telephoto punch. That said, its macro focus of 1 cm allows for close-up – and as we’ll see later, Pentax is decent in macro scenarios.

Both cameras have fixed lenses (no interchangeable lens systems), so users commit to zoom versatility upfront.

Display and Viewfinding for Composition and Review

Without an electronic viewfinder on either model, composing relies on the rear LCD.

The Nikon A900’s 3-inch, 921k-dot tilting screen greatly outperforms Pentax’s fixed 460k-dot LCD. This extra resolution means clearer framing, more accurate focus confirmation, and easier image review. The tilt mechanism is helpful for shooting at awkward angles or low perspectives, which is valuable for street and macro photography alike.

Pentax’s LCD, while wide-screen and coated with anti-reflective layers, struggles somewhat in bright sunlight and is less flexible for composing creative shots.

Neither camera offers touchscreen controls, which is a missed opportunity for intuitive focus point selection - Nikon’s younger age offers some forgiveness here.

Real-World Image Samples: What Do They Tell Us?

Capturing and comparing sample photos from both cameras in varied lighting and subject conditions is essential. In my field testing - including landscape, portrait, and street shooting - the Nikon consistently produced richer contrasted images with better color accuracy and resolution.

Pentax images, while competent in bright light, often appear duller and exhibit more noise at elevated ISO. In macro shots, Pentax’s lens showed a mild softness but notably good close-focus capability.

Daylight landscapes from Nikon demonstrate better detail retention and dynamic range in shadows and highlights, while the Pentax’s images require more post-adjustment.

Nikon A900 front Nikon A900 screen back Pentax WG 2 GPS front Pentax WG 2 GPS screen back

In crowded street scenes, the Nikon’s faster AF and higher resolution make capturing fleeting moments easier and yields crisper detail.

Performance Ratings and Strength Summary

To help quantify each camera’s overall strengths and weaknesses, I compiled a comparative scorecard based on hands-on performance testing involving technical metrics and user experience.

Nikon A900 scores highly for zoom range, autofocus responsiveness, image quality, and interface. The main knock is its lack of ruggedness and no raw image support - limitations in professional flexibility.

Pentax WG-2 GPS scores high on durability and environmental resistance but falls short in zoom versatility, AF speed, and LCD sharpness, which impacts image capture confidence.

Photography Genre Suitability: Where Does Each Camera Shine?

Different photographers pursue vastly different disciplines, so let’s analyze how these cameras fare across common genres.

Portrait photography:
Nikon’s higher resolution sensor, better face detection, and superior color reproduction make it preferable for portraits, with pleasing skin tones and decent background blur at wide focal lengths. Pentax is less refined here, with slower AF and weaker color fidelity.

Landscape photography:
Nikon’s zoom reach and better IQ give it an edge for capturing diverse scenes, while Pentax’s ruggedness is tempting for harsh environments. Still, Nikon’s lack of weather sealing may be a deal-breaker outdoors.

Wildlife photography:
The Nikon’s 35x zoom and fast continuous autofocus significantly outperform Pentax’s limited 5x zoom and slow AF. Pentax’s ruggedness might allow close-to-habitat shooting in wet conditions but with substantial limitations.

Sports photography:
Neither camera shines here, but Nikon’s 7 fps burst and better AF tracking make it more capable of action captures. Pentax’s 1 fps continuous shooting and single AF mode are limiting.

Street photography:
Pentax’s ruggedness and smaller size facilitate candid shots in unpredictable conditions, though Nikon’s more discreet profile, faster AF, and tilting screen favor dynamic urban shooting.

Macro photography:
Both have 1 cm macro focusing but Nikon’s lens stabilization and larger LCD tilt aid composition. Pentax’s fixed LCD hampers framing but holds its own on close details.

Night/Astro photography:
Neither camera is optimized here; small sensors and ISO limitations limit long-exposure capacity. Nikon’s ISO 3200 ceiling is preferable to Pentax’s ISO 6400 (noisier).

Video capabilities:
Nikon supports 4K UHD at 30p in H.264, a standout in this pairing, while Pentax tops out at 1080p. Both lack external microphone input for quality audio. Nikon has better stabilization for video.

Travel photography:
Nikon’s zoom versatility and image quality favor general travel use but with precautions to avoid harsh weather. Pentax’s ruggedness and GPS tagging are invaluable in extreme or aquatic locations but capped by image quality.

Professional work:
Neither offers raw file output or superior build requested by high-end jobs. Nikon’s JPEG performance and zoom flexibility may serve casual pro backup needs.

Technical Deep Dive: Connectivity, Battery, and Storage

Connectivity:
Nikon includes built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC for image transfer and remote shooting - the modern connectivity trifecta. Pentax only supports Eye-Fi card connectivity, which is less convenient and outdated.

Battery life:
Nikon’s EN-EL12 offers around 300 shots per charge; Pentax’s D-LI92 delivers about 260. Battery endurance is solid but not exceptional; both benefit from spare batteries for extended outings.

Storage options:
Both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, though Pentax also includes internal storage - convenient for emergency shots but limited capacity.

Price-to-Performance: Where’s the Best Value?

At $399.95, Nikon A900 commands a premium for its zoom range, screen technology, and updated sensor. Pentax WG-2 GPS at $299.95 is less expensive and justifies cost via its rugged features and GPS, addressing niche users needing a tough, weatherproof travel companion.

If you prioritize image quality, zoom reach, and video capability, Nikon delivers superior bang for the buck despite missing ruggedness. For adventure seekers requiring waterproof toughness and geotagging in a compact, the Pentax stakes a solid claim.

Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Nikon Coolpix A900 if you:

• Want maximum zoom flexibility in a compact body.
• Prioritize image quality and detailed stills.
• Shoot portraits, landscapes, travel, or street with an emphasis on image fidelity.
• Desire 4K video capabilities and modern connectivity.
• Can accommodate moderate weather conditions (carry a rain cover).

Choose the Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS if you:

• Need a rugged, truly waterproof camera for diving, hiking, or extreme travel.
• Prioritize durability and GPS geotagging over zoom range.
• Shoot mostly in bright daylight where sensor noise is minimal.
• Want peace of mind that your camera can take a beating.
• Accept trade-offs in resolution and autofocus speed.

Concluding Thoughts: Compact Cameras in a Smartphone World

After hours of shooting, side-by-side comparisons, and image analysis, the Nikon Coolpix A900 emerges as the more versatile and photo-capable compact camera - albeit without rugged weather sealing. The Pentax WG-2 GPS impresses with its rugged design and toughness but is a niche offering with compromises in autofocus, zoom, and image fidelity.

Choosing between the two comes down to understanding your shooting environment and priorities. For the average enthusiast who values zoom and image quality, Nikon is the safer bet. For rugged adventurers who need a no-holds-barred waterproof tool, Pentax pays off.

Neither camera will replace interchangeable lens systems or professional DSLRs, but both offer unique value. Knowing what compromises you can live with is key.

I encourage photographers to handle each model in person when possible, test shooting in realistic conditions, and follow this guide to align their choice with their shooting style and expectations.

This rigorous comparison draws on my years of shooting thousands of compact cameras, emphasizing practical capabilities and balanced analysis over specs alone. Armed with these insights, your next camera purchase should be a confident step toward satisfying creative photographic adventures.

Happy shooting!