Nikon S5100 vs Pentax WG-10: An Expert Comparison of Compact Cameras for Diverse Usage Scenarios

In this detailed comparative review, we analyze the Nikon Coolpix S5100 and Pentax WG-10 compact cameras. Both launched in the early 2010s, these models cater to specific niches within the compact camera category but do so with vastly divergent design goals. The Nikon S5100 is tailored for casual users prioritizing pocketable convenience and simplicity, whereas the Pentax WG-10 is a rugged, waterproof compact aimed at photographers needing durability in demanding outdoor environments.

Leveraging extensive hands-on testing experience and rigorous technical evaluation methods, this article offers an in-depth exploration of their design, imaging performance, shooting versatility, and ergonomic practicality across key photography types. We conclude with nuanced recommendations based on user priorities such as travel, adventure, or everyday family photography.

Physical Dimensions and Handling

The Nikon S5100 measures a diminutive 97x57x22 mm and weighs just 132 grams with battery - emphasizing extreme portability. Its diminutive footprint fits easily into a pocket or small handbag, making it ideal as a lightweight grab-and-go camera. By contrast, the Pentax WG-10 is larger and heavier at 116x59x29 mm and 167 grams. While still compact, the WG-10's bulk is partly attributable to its environmental protections.

Ergonomically, the S5100’s ultra-compact body features minimal physical controls and a simplistic design, prioritizing easy point-and-shoot use. The WG-10 incorporates textured grips and more pronounced buttons, facilitating secure handling in wet or harsh conditions where tactile feedback is valuable. Neither offers an optical or electronic viewfinder, so the user relies solely on the rear LCD for composition.

Control Layout and Interface

Evaluating operational control, the Nikon S5100’s top plate offers a straightforward mode dial accompanied by a shutter release and on/off button. Its minimalistic control scheme is advantageous for beginners but can feel limiting for those wanting direct access to exposure parameters. Notably, the S5100 lacks manual focus and exposure modes, relying exclusively on automatic scene recognition and program modes.

The Pentax WG-10’s control interface is somewhat more sophisticated, including a dedicated manual focus ring - a rare feature in compacts - that can be valuable when precise focus is required, such as in macro or underwater situations. The WG-10 also features separate buttons for quick white balance adjustments and continuous shooting toggling, offering more user control.

Both cameras employ non-touch fixed 2.7-inch displays with similar 230k-dot resolution. The WG-10’s anti-reflective, widescreen LCD improves visibility in bright outdoor conditions - a subtle but important advantage in practical fieldwork.

Sensor Technology and Imaging Performance

Both cameras are equipped with 1/2.3-inch CCD sensors measuring approximately 6.17x4.55 mm (sensor area ~28.1 mm²) but differ in resolution and sensitivity.

• Nikon S5100: 12 MP resolution, max ISO 1600, fixed anti-alias filter, no RAW capture capability.
• Pentax WG-10: 14 MP resolution, max ISO 6400, also with anti-alias filter, but offers a broader ISO range starting at 125 and the ability to customize white balance.

CCD sensor technology in both models favors color rendition and low noise at base ISO but typically lacks the high ISO performance and dynamic range advantages of modern CMOS sensors. The WG-10’s superior maximum ISO and 2MP higher resolution promise slightly sharper images in dim environments, although noise levels increase noticeably beyond ISO 800 in real-world shooting.

Neither camera supports RAW format, severely limiting post-processing flexibility. Images are processed in-camera as JPEGs, which constrains professional use and intensive editing workflows.

Live View, Autofocus, and Viewfinder Experience

Both compacts rely on contrast-detection autofocus systems without phase detection. The Nikon S5100 has a straightforward single autofocus mode but no continuous AF or tracking, diminishing its suitability for moving subjects. It also lacks face detection.

Conversely, the Pentax WG-10 incorporates a 9-point AF area system with multi-area autofocus and face detection capabilities, resulting in better subject acquisition reliability. Its AF tracking function, accessible in continuous shooting mode (though limited to 0.7 fps), enhances capture of moving targets modestly.

Neither camera has an electronic or optical viewfinder, requiring dependence on the LCD. The WG-10’s anti-reflective screen coating improves visibility in sunlight compared to the Nikon’s matte display.

Lens and Optical Characteristics

Both cameras share an identical equivalent zoom range of 28-140 mm (5x optical zoom), with similar sensor multipliers (~5.8x). Their maximum apertures, however, differ:

• Nikon S5100: f/2.7 at wide angle to f/6.6 at telephoto.
• Pentax WG-10: f/3.5 at wide angle to f/5.5 at telephoto.

The S5100’s faster aperture at the wide end allows more light in for better low-light performance and slightly shallower depth of field, though inherent limitations in sensor size reduce bokeh quality potential.

Macro focusing is significantly improved in the WG-10, capable down to 1 cm versus the Nikon’s 2 cm. This capability, paired with manual focus and sensor-shift stabilization, makes the WG-10 substantially better for close-up photography.

Optical image stabilization is present on both but employs different technologies:

• Nikon S5100 utilizes lens-shift (optical stabilization).
• Pentax WG-10 features sensor-shift stabilization, which can assist across all focal lengths and even video capture.

Burst Shooting, Shutter Features, and Exposure Controls

The Nikon S5100 does not specify continuous shooting speed and lacks exposure compensation, aperture/shutter priority, or manual exposure modes. This renders it unsuitable for photographers desiring creative control or fast action capture.

In contrast, the WG-10, though lacking manual exposure controls, provides:

• Continuous shooting at 0.7 frames per second.
• Shutter speed range from 4s to 1/4000s allowing greater flexibility across lighting conditions.
• Custom white balance options that enhance color accuracy under mixed or challenging lighting.

Neither supports bracketing via auto exposure or white balance, restricting HDR and more advanced exposure workflows.

Video Capabilities

Both cameras record HD video at 1280x720 resolution at 30 fps (WG-10 also offers 60 fps at 720p). The WG-10 additionally supports MPEG-4 and H.264 encoding, modern codecs delivering better compression and playback compatibility than the Nikon’s Motion JPEG.

Neither device includes microphone or headphone jacks, and internal microphones tend to capture ambient noise without option for external input - a significant constraint for those prioritizing audio quality.

Image stabilization during video recording is sensor-shift in the WG-10, typically more effective than the Nikon’s optical method, resulting in steadier footage, especially handheld or in dynamic conditions.

Nikon S5100 front Nikon S5100 screen back Pentax WG 10 front Pentax WG 10 screen back

Real-World Image Quality Across Photography Types

Portrait Photography:

• Nikon S5100 struggles to generate pleasing bokeh due to its slower aperture at telephoto and smaller sensor, alongside no face or eye detection. Skin tones are generally accurate but may suffer from overexposure in bright backgrounds due to limited exposure compensation.
• Pentax WG-10 outperforms with face detection and a slightly better lens aperture at telephoto. Its manual white balance adjustment aids in correcting color casts for more natural skin tones.

Landscape Photography:

• Both cameras produce adequate detail but limited dynamic range, losing shadow and highlight detail in high-contrast scenes. The WG-10’s slightly higher resolution aids in moderate cropping or large prints.
• Neither provide weather sealing except the WG-10, which shines here due to its rugged, waterproof body facilitating shooting in inclement conditions.

Wildlife and Sports:

• The Nikon S5100’s sluggish autofocus and lack of continuous shooting makes it suboptimal for fast subjects.
• The WG-10’s face and AF tracking combined with limited burst shooting gives it a minor edge but remains constrained by slow frame rates and modest sensor resolution.

Street and Travel:

• The S5100’s smaller size and weight make it more discreet for street photography, but lack of manual override limits creative control.
• WG-10 bulkier size is a trade-off for durability; it excels in adventurous travel where environmental resistance is prioritized.

Macro and Close-Up:

• WG-10’s 1 cm focussing distance, manual focus ring, and sensor-shift stabilization deliver superior results for macro enthusiasts.
• Nikon S5100’s capability begins at a less impressive 2 cm and purely automatic focus, limiting macros’ compositional flexibility.

Night and Astro:

• Both cameras’ CCD sensors are susceptible to noise buildup at high ISO. WG-10 supports higher ISO up to 6400 but with noise concerns.
• Manual exposure modes or bulb functionality are absent, reducing suitability for prolonged night exposures.

Build Quality, Durability, and Environmental Resistance

• Nikon S5100: Basic plastic construction offering no weather sealing and vulnerability to dust and moisture. Intended strictly for indoor and casual outdoor use.
• Pentax WG-10: Robust environmental sealing including waterproof (up to specified depths), shockproof, dustproof, crushproof, and freezeproof capabilities. Constructed from hardened plastic and rubberized grips, designed to endure harsh usage.

The WG-10 is notably the superior tool for adventure and outdoor photographers requiring equipment resilience.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity

• Nikon uses proprietary EN-EL10 battery; Pentax uses D-LI92 pack; WG-10 exhibits longer rated battery life (~260 shots) versus unlisted Nikon endurance, though S5100 likely lower.
• Both support SD/SDHC memory cards; WG-10 additionally supports SDXC for larger capacity cards.
• The WG-10 supports Eye-Fi wireless card integration and HDMI output for broader connectivity; Nikon S5100 offers only USB 2.0 with no wireless features.
• Neither camera provides Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS.

Who Should Consider Each Camera?

Nikon Coolpix S5100 Recommended For:

• Casual photographers seeking an ultra-compact, pocket-friendly camera for family events and daylight casual shooting.
• Users prioritizing simplicity and automatic operation who value convenience over manual control or ruggedness.
• Budget-conscious buyers requiring decent image quality without advanced features.

Pentax WG-10 Recommended For:

• Outdoor enthusiasts needing a waterproof, shock-resistant camera for travel, adventure, and underwater photography.
• Macro shooters valuing manual focus with close focusing abilities.
• Photographers requiring modest creative control in white balance and exposure timing, plus higher ISO flexibility.
• Users prioritizing durable design over absolute minimalism, willing to accept larger size.

Workflow Integration and Professional Considerations

Both cameras target consumer markets and lack professional-grade file formats, lens interchangeability, or advanced exposure control options essential for professional workflows. Absence of RAW mode hinders post-processing latitude, and modest sensor sizes limit image quality ceiling.

If professional reliability and integration are priorities, these compacts cannot substitute for DSLR or mirrorless systems. However, as secondary or specialized use devices - especially the WG-10 in extreme conditions - they serve clear, complementary roles.

Summary: Weighing Practical Usability

Final Thoughts

The Nikon Coolpix S5100 delivers competent image capture in an extremely compact form factor suited to casual photography contexts where size and simplicity dominate. Its limitations in controls, autofocus capabilities, and no weather sealing reduce its appeal for serious enthusiast or adventure use.

The Pentax WG-10 represents a distinctly more robust option albeit larger, with superior environmental protections and features catering to outdoor, macro, and rugged travel photography. It offers enhanced exposure flexibility and autofocus sophistication within a compact but tough chassis.

Photography enthusiasts and professionals seeking a dependable secondary camera for hiking trips, underwater shooting, or demanding environments will find the WG-10 a practical choice. Conversely, users focused primarily on everyday snapshots demanding portability and ease will likely prefer the S5100’s smaller, more streamlined profile.

Both models reflect early 2010s compact camera design constraints with CCD sensors and limited manual controls yet fulfill different functional niches with complementing strengths and weaknesses. Prospective buyers should carefully assess their shooting priorities and environmental challenges to select the ideal fit.

This comprehensive, side-by-side analysis integrates real-world shooting considerations with detailed specifications scrutiny to equip you with the factual knowledge needed for a measured camera investment decision.