Nikon L21 vs Pentax WG-1 GPS
93 Imaging
31 Features
11 Overall
23
93 Imaging
36 Features
31 Overall
34
Nikon L21 vs Pentax WG-1 GPS Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 8MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.5" Fixed Display
- ISO 64 - 1600
- 640 x 480 video
- 38-136mm (F3.1-6.7) lens
- 169g - 92 x 67 x 28mm
- Released February 2010
(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
- 167g - 116 x 59 x 29mm
- Released August 2011
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In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Nikon L21 and Pentax WG-1 GPS, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Waterproof by companies Nikon and Pentax. There is a big difference between the resolutions of the L21 (8MP) and WG-1 GPS (14MP) but they use the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD CardsThe L21 was announced 18 months earlier than the WG-1 GPS which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).
Before we go in to a complete comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the L21 grades against the WG-1 GPS in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.
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This is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix L21 and Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS. The whole galleries are provided at Nikon L21 Gallery and Pentax WG-1 GPS Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon L21 over the Pentax WG-1 GPS
| L21 | WG-1 GPS |
|---|
Reasons to pick Pentax WG-1 GPS over the Nikon L21
| WG-1 GPS | L21 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Released | August 2011 | February 2010 | More recent by 18 months | |
| Manually focus | Dial precise focus | |||
| Screen sizing | 2.7" | 2.5" | Bigger screen (+0.2") |
Common features in the Nikon L21 and Pentax WG-1 GPS
| L21 | WG-1 GPS | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Screen type | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed screen | |
| Screen resolution | 230k | 230k | Same screen resolution | |
| Selfie screen | Neither features selfie screen | |||
| Touch friendly screen | No Touch friendly screen |
Nikon L21 vs Pentax WG-1 GPS Physical Comparison
If you're going to lug around your camera regularly, you should take into account its weight and size. The Nikon L21 enjoys outer measurements of 92mm x 67mm x 28mm (3.6" x 2.6" x 1.1") having a weight of 169 grams (0.37 lbs) and the Pentax WG-1 GPS has specifications of 116mm x 59mm x 29mm (4.6" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).
Analyze the Nikon L21 and Pentax WG-1 GPS in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are using at that time. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the L21 vs the WG-1 GPS.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the L21 and WG-1 GPS is 93 and 93 respectively.
Nikon L21 vs Pentax WG-1 GPS Sensor Comparison
Generally, it can be tough to visualize the difference between sensor measurements purely by reading a spec sheet. The photograph below will help give you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the L21 and WG-1 GPS.
Clearly, both of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different megapixels. You should expect the Pentax WG-1 GPS to offer extra detail with its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots a little more aggressively. The older L21 is going to be behind in sensor tech.
Nikon L21 vs Pentax WG-1 GPS Screen and ViewFinder
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Nikon L21 vs Pentax WG-1 GPS Specifications
| Nikon Coolpix L21 | Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS | |
|---|---|---|
| General Information | ||
| Make | Nikon | Pentax |
| Model type | Nikon Coolpix L21 | Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS |
| Class | Small Sensor Compact | Waterproof |
| Released | 2010-02-03 | 2011-08-16 |
| Physical type | Compact | Compact |
| Sensor Information | ||
| Powered by | Expeed C2 | - |
| Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
| Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
| Sensor measurements | 6.08 x 4.56mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
| Sensor area | 27.7mm² | 28.1mm² |
| Sensor resolution | 8 megapixels | 14 megapixels |
| Anti alias filter | ||
| Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | - |
| Highest resolution | 3648 x 2736 | 4288 x 3216 |
| Highest native ISO | 1600 | 6400 |
| Lowest native ISO | 64 | 80 |
| RAW photos | ||
| Autofocusing | ||
| Focus manually | ||
| Touch to focus | ||
| AF continuous | ||
| AF single | ||
| Tracking AF | ||
| Selective AF | ||
| Center weighted AF | ||
| Multi area AF | ||
| AF live view | ||
| Face detect focusing | ||
| Contract detect focusing | ||
| Phase detect focusing | ||
| Total focus points | - | 9 |
| Lens | ||
| Lens mount type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
| Lens zoom range | 38-136mm (3.6x) | 28-140mm (5.0x) |
| Largest aperture | f/3.1-6.7 | f/3.5-5.5 |
| Macro focusing distance | 5cm | 1cm |
| Crop factor | 5.9 | 5.8 |
| Screen | ||
| Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
| Display sizing | 2.5" | 2.7" |
| Display resolution | 230k dots | 230k dots |
| Selfie friendly | ||
| Liveview | ||
| Touch display | ||
| Display tech | - | TFT color LCD with Anti-reflective coating |
| Viewfinder Information | ||
| Viewfinder type | None | None |
| Features | ||
| Slowest shutter speed | 8s | 4s |
| Maximum shutter speed | 1/2000s | 1/1500s |
| Continuous shooting rate | - | 1.0 frames/s |
| Shutter priority | ||
| Aperture priority | ||
| Expose Manually | ||
| Change WB | ||
| Image stabilization | ||
| Built-in flash | ||
| Flash distance | - | 3.90 m |
| Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Fill-in, Slow Syncro | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft |
| External flash | ||
| AE bracketing | ||
| WB bracketing | ||
| Exposure | ||
| Multisegment metering | ||
| Average metering | ||
| Spot metering | ||
| Partial metering | ||
| AF area metering | ||
| Center weighted metering | ||
| Video features | ||
| Video resolutions | 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps) |
| Highest video resolution | 640x480 | 1280x720 |
| Video format | Motion JPEG | Motion JPEG |
| Microphone support | ||
| Headphone support | ||
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless | None | Eye-Fi Connected |
| Bluetooth | ||
| NFC | ||
| HDMI | ||
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| GPS | None | BuiltIn |
| Physical | ||
| Environment sealing | ||
| Water proofing | ||
| Dust proofing | ||
| Shock proofing | ||
| Crush proofing | ||
| Freeze proofing | ||
| Weight | 169g (0.37 pounds) | 167g (0.37 pounds) |
| Dimensions | 92 x 67 x 28mm (3.6" x 2.6" x 1.1") | 116 x 59 x 29mm (4.6" x 2.3" x 1.1") |
| DXO scores | ||
| DXO All around 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 shots |
| Type of battery | - | Battery Pack |
| Battery ID | 2 x AA | D-LI92 |
| Self timer | Yes | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
| Time lapse feature | ||
| Type of storage | SD/SDHC, Internal | SD/SDHC/SDXC card, Internal |
| Card slots | 1 | 1 |
| Retail price | $180 | $350 |