Nikon AW100 vs Pentax WG-1
93 Imaging
39 Features
28 Overall
34


93 Imaging
37 Features
31 Overall
34
Nikon AW100 vs Pentax WG-1 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 125 - 3200
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 28-140mm (F3.9-4.8) lens
- 178g - 110 x 65 x 23mm
- Launched August 2011
- Updated by Nikon AW110
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 6400
- 1280 x 720 video
- 28-140mm (F3.5-5.5) lens
- 157g - 114 x 58 x 28mm
- Released February 2011

Nikon AW100 vs Pentax WG-1 Overview
The following is a thorough overview of the Nikon AW100 vs Pentax WG-1, both Waterproof cameras by companies Nikon and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the AW100 (16MP) and the WG-1 (14MP) is pretty close and they possess the exact same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

The AW100 was launched 7 months after the WG-1 so they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).
Before diving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple overview of how the AW100 scores versus the WG-1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Nikon AW100 vs Pentax WG-1 Gallery
Following is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix AW100 and Pentax Optio WG-1. The complete galleries are viewable at Nikon AW100 Gallery and Pentax WG-1 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon AW100 over the Pentax WG-1
AW100 | WG-1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | August 2011 | ![]() | February 2011 | Newer by 7 months |
Screen dimension | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Bigger screen (+0.3") |
Screen resolution | 460k | ![]() | 230k | Clearer screen (+230k dot) |
Reasons to pick Pentax WG-1 over the Nikon AW100
WG-1 | AW100 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | More exact focusing |
Common features in the Nikon AW100 and Pentax WG-1
AW100 | WG-1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Lack of selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Lack of Touch screen |
Nikon AW100 vs Pentax WG-1 Physical Comparison
In case you're planning to travel with your camera frequently, you should consider its weight and size. The Nikon AW100 provides physical dimensions of 110mm x 65mm x 23mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 0.9") and a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs) whilst the Pentax WG-1 has specifications of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).
Compare the Nikon AW100 vs Pentax WG-1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing at the time. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the AW100 versus the WG-1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the AW100 and WG-1 is 93 and 93 respectively.

Nikon AW100 vs Pentax WG-1 Sensor Comparison
Sometimes, its difficult to envision the contrast in sensor dimensions simply by viewing technical specs. The image below will help give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the AW100 and WG-1.
As you have seen, both the cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same resolution. You should expect the Nikon AW100 to render extra detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures much more aggressively. The more modern AW100 is going to have a benefit in sensor technology.

Nikon AW100 vs Pentax WG-1 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon AW100 vs Pentax WG-1 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix AW100 | Pentax Optio WG-1 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand | Nikon | Pentax |
Model type | Nikon Coolpix AW100 | Pentax Optio WG-1 |
Type | Waterproof | Waterproof |
Launched | 2011-08-24 | 2011-02-07 |
Body design | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor area | 28.1mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16 megapixels | 14 megapixels |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | - | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest Possible resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 4288 x 3216 |
Maximum native ISO | 3200 | 6400 |
Min native ISO | 125 | 80 |
RAW images | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
AF touch | ||
AF continuous | ||
AF single | ||
Tracking AF | ||
Selective AF | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
Multi area AF | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detection focusing | ||
Contract detection focusing | ||
Phase detection focusing | ||
Total focus points | - | 9 |
Cross type focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens support | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 28-140mm (5.0x) | 28-140mm (5.0x) |
Max aperture | f/3.9-4.8 | f/3.5-5.5 |
Macro focusing distance | - | 1cm |
Crop factor | 5.8 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen diagonal | 3 inch | 2.7 inch |
Screen resolution | 460k dot | 230k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Screen technology | TFT LCD | TFT color LCD with Anti-reflective coating |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 4s | 4s |
Max shutter speed | 1/2000s | 1/1500s |
Continuous shutter speed | 3.0fps | 1.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Change WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash distance | - | 3.90 m |
Flash settings | - | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1920 x 1080, 1280 x 720 (60 fps),640 x 480 (120 fps), 320 x 240 (240 fps) | 1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1280x720 |
Video data format | MPEG-4, H.264 | Motion JPEG |
Mic jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | Eye-Fi Connected |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | BuiltIn | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 178 grams (0.39 lbs) | 157 grams (0.35 lbs) |
Dimensions | 110 x 65 x 23mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 0.9") | 114 x 58 x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 260 pictures |
Type of battery | - | Battery Pack |
Battery ID | EN-EL12 | D-LI92 |
Self timer | - | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Type of storage | SD / SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Storage slots | Single | Single |
Launch price | $299 | $350 |