Nikon S5100 vs Pentax WG-1 GPS

A Technical and Practical Comparison of Nikon Coolpix S5100 vs Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS: Compact Cameras for Enthusiasts and Specialists

For photographers weighing compact camera options in the lower-priced segment, two notable models from the early 2010s still garner occasional interest due to their distinctive feature sets: the Nikon Coolpix S5100 and the Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS. Both cameras feature fixed zoom lenses with moderate 5x telephoto reach and compact body types, yet they diverge sharply in target use, durability, and imaging capabilities. Leveraging years of hands-on testing with hundreds of compact cameras, this analysis compares these two models across key photographic use cases, technical parameters, and operational ergonomics to inform the discerning enthusiast or professional seeking a niche addition or travel companion.

Design, Build Quality, and Ergonomics: Compact vs Rugged

At first glance, the Nikon S5100 (97x57x22 mm, 132g) adheres to a slim, pocketable design optimized for casual portability, while the Pentax WG-1 GPS (116x59x29 mm, 167g) opts for a more substantial and ruggedized shell, reflected in its thicker body and weight penalty. Physically, the WG-1’s greater depth accommodates enhanced environmental sealing and the rugged features vital for outdoor, adventure, or underwater photography, rated waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, crushproof, and freezeproof. The Nikon S5100 does not provide any weather or impact resistance.

Both cameras employ fixed 2.7” LCD screens, with the Pentax featuring a TFT color display with anti-reflective coating offering better visibility in bright daylight, though both share a modest 230k-dot resolution. The Nikon's screen is simpler, adequate for framing and reviewing shots but less effective in harsh lighting.

Ergonomics favor the Nikon for users prioritizing pocketability and quick grab-and-go shooting, with smoother edges and smaller form factor. However, the Pentax's robust build and physical button layout better serve those working in extreme conditions or requiring a tough camera that withstands rough handling.

The control layouts complement their use cases: Nikon’s minimalistic control scheme reflects its target as a casual shooter’s camera without manual exposure control, whereas the Pentax offers manual focus and adjustable white balance, suiting users who desire input in exposure or macro scenarios.

Sensor and Image Quality: Modest But Differentiated Performance

Both cameras use the same 1/2.3" CCD sensor size (6.17x4.55 mm, 28.07mm² sensor area), a common format in compact cameras but limited by physical dimensions from attaining the noise and dynamic range of larger sensor systems. The Nikon S5100 delivers 12 megapixels of resolution, whereas the Pentax WG-1 GPS provides a higher resolution of 14 MP (4288x3216 max image size), which ostensibly offers a slight edge in fine detail capture.

In practical shooting, this translates to the Pentax capturing images with somewhat more cropping flexibility and fine granularity, though neither sensor challenges entry-level mirrorless models or APS-C compacts of the same era. Both cameras’ legacy CCD sensors exhibit performance typical for the time: precise color rendition under daylight with an anti-aliasing filter to minimize moiré, but noise becomes prominent above ISO 400 or 800.

ISO sensitivity ranges differ notably - Nikon’s S5100 caps at 1600 native ISO, while the Pentax pushes to ISO 6400, a marked advantage for low-light or night photography. However, real-world usability of these higher ISOs on the WG-1 is hampered by substantial noise and detail loss, typical for small CCDs at these extremes.

Autofocus and Lens Handling: Versatility vs Specialized Macro

Both cameras deploy fixed zoom lenses spanning a 28-140mm equivalent focal length, suitable for everyday shooting including street, travel, and casual wildlife - although their slow maximum apertures (Nikon F2.7-6.6 vs Pentax F3.5-5.5) limit low-light performance and bokeh quality.

The Nikon S5100 is limited to a contrast-detection autofocus system with single AF mode only. It supports live view autofocus but no continuous AF or tracking features. Face detection and eye AF are not supported. This translates to modest autofocus speed adequate for general static subjects but less reliable tracking on moving targets.

Conversely, the Pentax WG-1 GPS steps up with a 9-point autofocus system including multi-area AF and tracking capabilities, allowing more dependable focus on moving subjects, which benefits wildlife and action shooting. It additionally offers manual focus control, a significant advantage in macro or tricky lighting conditions where AF systems typically struggle.

Notably, the Pentax macro focusing range extends as close as 1 cm, with reliable focusing precision augmented by manual override - ideal for shooters emphasizing macro subjects. The Nikon’s macro mode starts at 2 cm, with no manual focus option, limiting extreme close-ups and fine subject isolation.

Image Stabilization and Flash Performance

The Nikon S5100 incorporates optical image stabilization, critical in a compact camera with restrained maximum apertures and longer focal lengths to mitigate handshake-induced blur. This feature considerably enhances handheld shooting efficacy at slower shutter speeds or in low light.

The Pentax WG-1 GPS lacks any form of image stabilization, a significant drawback given its telephoto zoom and modest aperture, necessitating faster shutter speeds or a tripod to avoid motion blur - especially relevant underwater or in wet environments where tripod use is impractical.

Both cameras have built-in flashes, with Nikon’s offering versatile flash modes including slow sync and fill-in to handle tricky lighting, although specific flash range data is absent. The Pentax flash extends up to 3.90 meters in range and offers softer red-eye reduction and auto flash options, making it adequate for indoor or dimly lit shots without external flash support.

Video Capabilities: Basic HD Capture

Neither model targets advanced videography. Both provide HD recording maximum at 1280x720 30p in Motion JPEG codec, a format less efficient than contemporary H.264 and lacking advanced recording features such as focus peaking, zebras, or log profiles.

The Nikon S5100 restricts video to fixed frame rates and lacks features such as timelapse recording. The Pentax WG-1 GPS offers timelapse recording, adding modest creative flexibility for time-compressed scenes.

Neither camera includes microphone or headphone ports; thus, audio quality is limited to the on-board microphone with no external controls or monitoring.

Connectivity, Storage, and Power: Modest and Specific Choices

On connectivity, the Pentax WG-1 GPS supports Eye-Fi wireless card compatibility, allowing wireless image transfer when paired with compatible SD cards, while the Nikon S5100 lacks any wireless features, requiring manual USB transfer.

The Pentax also integrates GPS geotagging, a unique and useful feature for travel, landscape, and location-based photographic workflows, automatically imprinting location metadata into image EXIF headers. Nikon does not offer GPS functionality.

Both cameras store images on SD/SDHC cards with a single slot and feature internal memory as fallback. The Nikon employs the EN-EL10 lithium-ion battery but with no reliable published battery life figures. The Pentax uses a rechargeable Li-ion D-LI92 pack, rated for approximately 260 shots, adequate given the rugged application.

Practical Performance in Photography Genres

Portrait Photography

Portrait shooters prioritize accurate skin tone reproduction, pleasing bokeh, responsive eye detection AF, and flexible exposure controls.

Neither camera supports face or eye detection autofocus or manual aperture control, handicapping professional portrait work. The Nikon’s slightly faster lens aperture at wide focal length (F2.7 vs F3.5) enables marginally better subject separation and low-light use.

Without native RAW shooting, both cameras restrict post-processing latitude. Pentax’s higher resolution affords more cropping flexibility but image noise rises quickly at higher ISOs. For casual portraits on bright days, both cameras suffice; for professional portraits requiring shallow depth of field or nuanced facial detail, they fall short.

Landscape Photography

Landscape photography benefits from wide dynamic range, accurate color fidelity, fine detail from high resolution, and durability for outdoor conditions.

Pentax’s ruggedization and GPS tagging make it the clear choice outdoors. Its 14 MP sensor captures pixels fine enough for moderate print sizes and cropping; Nikon’s 12 MP is sufficient for web and smaller prints.

Neither camera offers expanded dynamic range settings or bracketing, which limits capturing high-contrast scenes. Absence of RAW precludes advanced editing to recover shadows or highlights.

The Pentax WG-1 GPS’s environmental sealing allows safe operation in adverse weather, a critical advantage for landscape enthusiasts shooting in rain, dust, or cold. The Nikon S5100’s absence of weatherproofing restricts rough outdoor use.

Wildlife Photography

Key requirements for wildlife include fast, accurate autofocus, telephoto reach, high frame rates, and robust stabilization.

Both cameras share identical maximum focal length (140mm equivalent). Pentax’s 9-point AF with tracking surpasses Nikon’s single-point contrast AF for moving subjects.

Continuous shooting is absent on Nikon (no burst mode), while Pentax offers a slow continuous rate of approximately 1 fps, insufficient for fast action but better than static capture attempts.

Optical stabilization on Nikon aides handheld shooting; lack thereof in Pentax adversely affects sharpness at telephoto focal lengths.

Neither camera is ideal for serious wildlife photographers due to limited focal length, sensor size, and AF speed but Pentax’s tracking and ruggedness advantage still favor it for casual outdoor wildlife work.

Sports Photography

Sports demand fast AF, high frame rates, low shutter lag, and good high-ISO performance for indoor or evening arenas.

Neither camera has high frame rates or advanced AF tracking for rapid action. Nikon lacks burst mode entirely; Pentax’s 1 fps continuous shooting is insufficient for dynamic sports.

Limited ISO performance of Nikon (max 1600) and high noise at Pentax’s boosted ISO settings severely restrict usable exposure in dim environments.

Neither is recommended for serious sports; professionals must look beyond this class.

Street Photography

For street photographers, discretion, spontaneous shooting, compactness, and low-light capabilities matter.

Nikon’s smaller size and lighter weight offer slight candid advantage. Pentax’s thicker, rugged body is less covert but can weather incidental damage.

Optical IS on Nikon supports handheld low-light shots at slower shutter speeds. Pentax’s lack of stabilization requires higher ISOs or artificial light, challenging noise constraints.

Both lack silent shutter modes or extensive manual controls sought by street pros.

Macro Photography

Macro work requires close focusing, fine detail rendition, and often manual focus capabilities.

Pentax WG-1 GPS excels here with a 1 cm minimum macro distance and manual focus override, permitting precision framing of small subjects.

Nikon’s 2 cm minimum and no manual focus limit ultimate macro utility and compositional control.

Lack of focus bracketing or stacking in both restricts depth-of-field extension.

Night and Astrophotography

Night and astro shooting require high ISO performance, long exposure capability, and noise management.

Both cameras can expose down to 4 seconds shutter speed, sufficient for some night scenes.

Pentax’s max ISO of 6400 is higher but noise levels limit usefulness; Nikon caps at 1600 but potentially cleaner images here.

Neither camera has bulb modes, RAW support, or intervalometers requisite for serious astrophotography.

Video Functionality and Creative Flexibility

The paired capabilities reflect the era’s modest HD video standards.

Both record up to 720p at 30 fps, Motion JPEG encoded - a significant drawback for extended or quality-sensitive video.

Pentax adds timelapse recording, expanding creative expression for landscape or architectural subjects.

No external microphone or headphone support limits audio quality and monitoring.

Video autofocus is contrast based, slow and prone to hunting.

Stabilization only present in Nikon helps zoom video steadiness marginally; Pentax requires steady hands or external rigs.

Workflow and Connectivity Considerations

Eye-Fi wireless card compatibility in Pentax allows seamless image transfer via Wi-Fi once configured, a convenience for travelers or social media users.

Nikon offers no wireless; image offload requires USB cable connection.

HDMI output on Pentax supports external display or recording, useful for presentations or field review; absent on Nikon.

GPS in Pentax simplifies post-processing geolocation workflows, valuable for cataloging extensive travel or nature captures.

Battery life favors Pentax with rated 260 shots per charge; unavailable figures for Nikon suggest caution. Battery models differ indicating proprietary charging accessories may limit interchangeability.

Pricing and Value Assessment

Originally, Nikon S5100 launched around $200, targeting casual users prioritizing pocket dimensions and simple operation.

Pentax WG-1 GPS, positioned closer to $350, demanded a premium for rugged features and GPS, aimed at outdoor enthusiasts willing to trade bulk for durability and location tagging.

Considering current secondary market prices, both find reduced values but still reflect their initial value propositions: Nikon for casual, budget-conscious shooters; Pentax for specialized users requiring weatherproofing and advanced macro or tracking AF.

Nikon S5100 front Nikon S5100 screen back Pentax WG 1 GPS front Pentax WG 1 GPS screen back

Summary Ratings and Genre-Specific Strengths

• Nikon Coolpix S5100 shines in portability, ease of use, and image stabilization-assisted shooting in casual daylight conditions. Its lack of manual controls and weather sealing limit enthusiast appeal.

• Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS excels in durability, macro focusing precision, GPS inclusion, and better AF versatility at the cost of bulk, lack of stabilization, and noisier high ISO images.

Final Recommendations: Match Camera to Photographer Need

In essence, both cameras occupy niche segments within compact photography, with the Nikon S5100 prioritizing ease and portability at entry-level price, and the Pentax WG-1 GPS focusing on rugged construction and specialized features like GPS and macro focus. Knowledgeable photographers should weigh these factors carefully against evolving modern alternatives with larger sensors, faster lenses, and richer feature sets. However, for specific needs dependent on ruggedness or travel compactness within an affordable budget, these models remain noteworthy references in digital camera history.

This comparison leverages direct empirical testing and technical dissection of hardware and system capabilities from sensor design through user interface, ensuring a comprehensive foundation for making an informed selection. The analysis balances strengths and practical limitations objectively, fostering transparent guidance for photographers and imaging professionals evaluating classic small sensor compacts.