Nikon Coolpix S100 vs Pentax Optio WG-2: A Practical Comparison for Enthusiasts and Pros

When it comes to compact cameras, choosing the right one can be surprisingly challenging - even among models that appear comparable on paper. Today, I’ll take an in-depth look at two worthy contenders from the early 2010s: the Nikon Coolpix S100 and the Pentax Optio WG-2. Both packs a 16MP 1/2.3-inch sensor and fixed 5x zoom lenses with a 28-140mm (equiv.) focal length but are targeted at very different users.

Having spent hundreds of hours testing compact cameras in real-world settings - from casual snapshots to extended field shoots - I’ll share detailed insights into how these two cameras differ across vital disciplines. Whether you’re a traveler craving versatility, a landscape shooter concerned with image quality, or an adventure photographer requiring rugged durability, this comparison is designed to answer your practical questions, not just list specs.

Let’s dive in, beginning with their physical design and ergonomics.

Size, Handling, and Build Quality: Compact Convenience vs Rugged Endurance

The first thing you’ll notice is how differently these cameras are built and sized. Here’s a side-by-side of their physical dimensions to contextualize the handling feel.

Nikon Coolpix S100: At 99 x 65 x 18 mm and just 175 grams, the S100 is a true pocketable compact. Its slim profile and light weight make it an excellent grab-and-go everyday camera. It feels pleasantly smooth and sleek in hand but lacks any pronounced grip - something you must be mindful of to avoid slippage.

Pentax Optio WG-2: By contrast, the WG-2 is chunkier at 122 x 61 x 30 mm and 192 grams, embodying a much more rugged approach. It is built to take a beating, boasting waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, crushproof, and even freezeproof construction. If you’re shooting underwater, hiking through rough terrain, or want a trustworthy companion on extreme adventures, this is the camera that inspires confidence.

From an ergonomic standpoint, the WG-2’s buttons are well-spaced and tactile enough to operate with wet hands or gloves (important for outdoor use). The Nikon’s interface features a sleek touchscreen - convenient but potentially less tactile in some outdoor conditions.

If portability and discreet carry are paramount, the S100 edges the win here. For durability and peace of mind in hostile environments, the WG-2 is the clear choice.

Control Layout and User Interface: Intuitive Touch vs Robust Button Logic

Handling controls is a big part of the user experience, especially when you need to adjust settings quickly.

The Nikon Coolpix S100 uses a combination of touchscreen input and minimal physical buttons. Its 3.5-inch organic LED touchscreen (OLED) is crisp and responsive with 820,000 dots - great for framing and playback. The reliance on touch means fewer physical controls, which speeds up casual use but can slow you down in active shooting scenarios where gloves or wet conditions prevail.

The Pentax Optio WG-2 sticks to a traditional button layout with a 3-inch TFT LCD (460k dots) that lacks touchscreen functionality. While the resolution is lower, the physical controls are thoughtfully placed and solid - ideal for tactical operation in challenging environments. A dedicated mode dial or shutter priority features are absent in both models, indicating a design towards simplicity rather than manual control.

In summary, if you prefer modern touch controls and a sleek UI, Nikon’s UX will impress. If you prioritize rugged, reliable physical buttons, go for Pentax.

Sensor and Image Quality: Same Resolution, Very Different Approaches

Both cameras utilize 16MP 1/2.3-inch sensors measuring 6.17 x 4.55 mm with an anti-aliasing filter, but there are subtle differences.

• Nikon S100: Features a CMOS sensor paired with Nikon’s Expeed C2 processor. It has a max ISO of 3200 and native ISO starting at 125. The sensor is optimized for bright daylight and casual photography.

• Pentax WG-2: Utilizes a backside-illuminated BSI-CMOS sensor offering better light-gathering efficiency, with ISO sensitivity extending up to 6400. BSI technology tends to improve low-light performance by roughly half a stop to a full stop depending on conditions.

In practical tests, the WG-2 delivered cleaner images in dim lighting situations, with noticeably less noise at ISO1600-3200. The Nikon offers slightly better color fidelity and dynamic range in well-lit conditions, attributed partly to its image processing algorithms.

Neither camera supports RAW capture, limiting post-processing flexibility - something pros might find limiting.

Screen and Live View: OLED Brilliance vs Functional LCD

Display quality and usability are crucial for composing and reviewing images.

The Nikon’s 3.5-inch OLED screen dazzles with deeper blacks and vibrant colors. At 820k dots, it’s sharp enough for confident focusing and checking image details.

The Pentax’s 3-inch LCD performs well in bright light thanks to an anti-reflective coating, but it’s less vivid and detailed. Without touchscreen support, navigation relies on buttons.

For those shooting mostly outdoors with bright sun, the WG-2’s anti-reflective coating and better physical controls balances out its lower resolution. Indoors or shaded scenarios favor Nikon’s OLED brilliance.

Autofocus Performance: Eye Detection, Tracking, and Speed

Autofocus is critical, especially for fast-paced photography.

• Nikon S100: Employs contrast-detection AF with face and eye detection, plus some AF tracking support. However, it does not offer continuous AF during video or burst shooting and has a limited number of focus points.

• Pentax WG-2: Also uses contrast-detection AF with face detection. It features nine focus points but no eye detection or touch AF.

In my hands-on testing, the Nikon’s eye detection performed reliably for portraits in good light, delivering consistently sharp eyes - a plus for casual portrait shooters. The WG-2’s AF was slower and more prone to hunting in low light but was sufficiently accurate for its niche.

Neither camera is suitable for demanding wildlife or sports photography autofocus-wise. Still, if portrait or street photography is your primary concern, the Nikon’s eye AF gives it the edge.

Lens and Optical Performance: Similar Range, Different Apertures

Both cams share a 5x optical zoom covering 28-140 mm equivalent focal length.

• Nikon S100: Maximum aperture of f/3.9 to f/4.8

• Pentax WG-2: Slightly faster aperture range of f/3.5 to f/5.5

The Nikon lens delivers slightly better sharpness across the zoom range, especially wide open at 28mm. The Pentax lens is good but a touch softer at telephoto edges. Optical distortion and chromatic aberrations are well controlled on both, though the WG-2 has a marginal edge in macro focusing at 1 cm distance.

Interestingly, the Pentax offers a 'soft' flash mode for gentler portrait lighting, a thoughtful addition missing on the Nikon.

Burst and Shutter Speeds: Fast Enough for Casual Action, Not Sports

Here’s where both cameras reveal their casual shooting nature.

• Nikon S100: 6 fps burst shooting with maximum shutter speed 1/2000s.

• Pentax WG-2: Single FPS burst rate; max shutter speed 1/4000s.

Neither supports manual shutter or aperture control - no shutter or aperture priority either.

The Nikon’s 6 fps burst suffices for casual street photography or child snapshots, but the WG-2’s relatively slow 1 fps burst limits action sequences.

Video Capabilities: Full HD, But Limited Pro Features

Video specs:

• Nikon S100: Full HD at 1920x1080/30p, also 720p and VGA options; MPEG-4 and Motion JPEG codecs; no microphone jack.

• Pentax WG-2: Also supports 1080p/30p, plus 720p at 60p and lower resolutions; MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs; no mic input.

Neither camera offers 4K or higher frame rate slow motion. Both use electronic image stabilization (EIS) to reduce handheld shake, but the Nikon’s optical stabilization helps more in video clarity.

In general, video on both cameras is fine for casual capture but won’t satisfy pros or content creators seeking manual controls or external audio options.

Battery Life and Storage: More Endurance in the Outdoors

• Nikon S100: Rated at 150 shots per charge; uses the EN-EL12 battery.

• Pentax WG-2: Rated at 260 shots per charge; uses D-LI92 battery.

The WG-2 almost doubles the Nikon on battery life, a big consideration on extended trips without recharging. Both cameras take standard SD/SDHC/SDXC cards, but Pentax supports internal memory as a backup.

Connectivity and Extras: Basic but Sufficient

• Nikon S100: HDMI output, USB 2.0, no wireless connectivity.

• Pentax WG-2: HDMI, USB 2.0, plus Eye-Fi card compatibility for wireless transfer.

Pentax’s Eye-Fi integration allows for a limited wireless workflow, which may appeal to casual travelers who want quick sharing capabilities without the latest Wi-Fi/Bluetooth built-in. Nikon’s lack of wireless is a minus but understandable given its era.

Real-World Use Cases: Who Are These Cameras For?

Let’s look at how they perform across popular photography genres.

Nikon S100 front Nikon S100 screen back Pentax WG 2 front Pentax WG 2 screen back

Portrait Photography

If you want crisp, accurate skin tones and focused eyes, the Nikon’s eye detection AF and richer OLED display help. The softer Pentax flash might be tempting indoors, but overall detail and bokeh capabilities are limited similarly on both.

Landscape Photography

With nearly identical sensors, image quality is comparable. The Nikon’s better color rendering and sharper lens make it suitable for casual landscapes; however, neither camera offers weather sealing for rugged outdoor shooting, except the Pentax’s outdoor endurance features. The WG-2’s better battery life also supports longer sessions.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

These compact cameras aren’t built for speed. The Nikon’s 6 fps burst is mildly useful for slow action, but both cameras lack professional AF and frame rates. The Pentax’s rugged build makes it better suited for outdoor animal photography under challenging conditions, but expect many missed shots.

Street Photography

The Nikon wins here with its compact, discreet form and touchscreen operation, allowing you to quickly capture spontaneous moments. The WG-2’s bulk and less stealthy design make it less ideal for casual street snaps.

Macro Photography

Both have close focus capabilities down to 1cm, but the Pentax’s sharper macro glass and splashproof shell give it an edge for nature macro outside.

Night and Astro Photography

Neither camera excels in this demanding genre. Neither shoots RAW or offers manual exposure modes essential for long exposures. The WG-2’s superior ISO reach and longer shutter speeds (up to 4 sec) help slightly, but both yield noisy, limited results.

Video Use

Basic full HD recording is available on both but lacks manual exposure, microphone input, and advanced stabilization. Nikon’s optical stabilization offers a tangible improvement in video smoothness.

Travel Photography

An area where these cameras distinctly diverge. The Nikon’s slim, lightweight design is a travel delight. Paired with responsive touchscreen controls, it’s great for quick shots in urban or casual settings.

Meanwhile, the Pentax WG-2 shines on adventure travel. Waterproof to 40 feet, shockproof from 1.5 m drops, and freezeproof to -10°C, it’s built to follow you anywhere - beaches, mountains, rainforests. Its longer battery life boosts reliability.

Professional Workflows

Neither camera supports RAW output or advanced file formats. No tethered shooting or external mic connections. They’re both strictly consumer-grade with limited workflow integration.

Overall Performance Scores by Category

To crystallize our comparison, I’ve summarized the cameras’ relative strengths in performance metrics.

In Conclusion: Which One Is Right for You?

Nikon Coolpix S100 - Best for the Everyday Enthusiast Who Wants a Sleek, Easy-to-Use Compact

If you prize a slim, stylish camera with impressive OLED display, touch operation, and better color and autofocus performance for portraits and casual shooting, the S100 delivers. It’s particularly ideal for street, portraits, and travel in urban environments. Downsides? Limited battery life, no ruggedness, and no RAW output.

Pentax Optio WG-2 - Perfect for Outdoor Adventurers and Tough Conditions

If your photography takes you underwater, hiking, or to places where a typical compact would falter, the WG-2 offers unmatched durability, solid macro focusing, and longer battery life. Its slower AF and more basic screen might frustrate fast shooters, but for rugged vacation snapshots and casual nature work, it’s a dependable asset.

Final Recommendations by Use-Case

Closing Thoughts from My Workshop Bench

In an era dominated by smartphones, compact cameras like these prove their worth by offering dedicated optics and specialized features. My testing confirmed that the right compact depends heavily on your lifestyle and shooting priorities. I’ve always appreciated that no single camera fits all needs - so choosing thoughtfully avoids buyer’s remorse.

If I was heading into city streets or family dinners, the Nikon S100 would be my pocket partner. But planning a kayaking trip or mountain hike? The Pentax WG-2’s rugged build and extended battery life would travel with me without worry.

I hope this detailed comparison arms you with clarity. Whichever model you choose, invest time in understanding what matters most in your shooting style and environment. And as always, happy shooting!

Note: For further visual references and sample image quality, please review the gallery and top view shots incorporated above.