Olympus E-5 vs Pentax WG-1

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Olympus E-5 vs Pentax WG-1, one is a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Waterproof by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the E-5 (12MP) and the WG-1 (14MP) is pretty well matched but the E-5 (Four Thirds) and WG-1 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-5 was revealed within a month of the WG-1 so they are of a similar generation. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax WG-1 being a Compact camera.

Before getting through a in-depth comparison, below is a short summary of how the E-5 grades against the WG-1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus E-5 and Pentax Optio WG-1. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-5 Gallery and Pentax WG-1 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry around your camera, you will need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-5 features exterior measurements of 143mm x 117mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") and a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs) while the Pentax WG-1 has measurements of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-5 vs Pentax WG-1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the E-5 vs the WG-1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-5 and WG-1 is 58 and 93 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes merely by looking at technical specs. The picture here may provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-5 and WG-1.

As you have seen, both of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The E-5 having a bigger sensor will make getting shallow DOF easier and the Pentax WG-1 will resolve greater detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs a little more aggressively.