Olympus OM-D E-M10 vs. Pentax Optio WG-2: A Detailed Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing the right camera is a nuanced decision shaped not only by specs on paper but by how each model performs across diverse photography genres and real-world shooting conditions. In this comprehensive comparison, we pit the Olympus OM-D E-M10 - an entry-level mirrorless system camera - against the rugged, waterproof Pentax Optio WG-2 compact, a device designed for adventurous shooters needing resilience over interchangeable-lens versatility. Both cameras, though from different segments and design philosophies, compete at overlapping price points making them contenders for a variety of photography interests.

Drawing from extensive hands-on testing of hundreds of cameras over 15 years - as well as a deep technical evaluation of sensor technology, autofocus systems, ergonomics, and value proposition - this article dissects their capabilities from portraiture to professional workflow suitability. We aim to provide photography enthusiasts and professionals a clear, evidence-based overview enabling informed purchasing decisions.

First Impressions: Design, Build, and Usability

Olympus OM-D E-M10: Classic Mirrorless Handling Meets Agile Portability

The Olympus E-M10, announced in March 2014, adheres to the classic SLR-style mirrorless body shape with a solid build weighing 396 grams and measuring 119x82x46 mm. While compact for a mirrorless, its dimensions allow a comfortable grip for extended shooting sessions, complemented by a well-designed button layout accessible without excessive hand stretching.

It incorporates a 3-inch tilting touchscreen LCD that’s a significant asset for creative angles and intuitive touch AF, alongside a 1440-resolution electronic viewfinder offering 100% field coverage with 0.58x magnification. These features highlight Olympus’ attention to ergonomics and usability for both newcomers and skilled users who expect tactile controls and versatile framing options.

Pentax Optio WG-2: Compact Ruggedness for the Trail

In stark contrast, the Pentax WG-2 embodies the “point-and-shoot” compact archetype optimized for harsh environments, weighing just 192 grams at 122x61x30 mm, noticeably slimmer and smaller than the E-M10.

This splash- and shock-proof marvel boasts full environmental sealing including waterproofing up to 12 meters, dustproofing, shockproofing from 1.5 meters drops, crushproof to 100 kgf, and freeze-proof down to -10°C. However, this toughness comes with ergonomic concessions - there’s no electronic viewfinder, only a fixed 3-inch LCD screen with comparatively low 460k-dot resolution and no touch sensitivity, limiting tactile control flexibility.

While the WG-2’s compact format appeals to travelers and outdoor photographers prioritizing durability and portability, its control scheme is less nuanced, reflecting its entry-level compact intentions.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Micro Four Thirds vs. 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS

A critical performance foundation lies in the sensor and image processing pipeline, dictating resolution, dynamic range, noise handling, and color fidelity.

Olympus OM-D E-M10’s Four Thirds Sensor: A Step Above Entry-Level

The E-M10 uses a 16-megapixel Four Thirds CMOS sensor, measuring 17.3 x 13 mm with a total sensor area of 224.9 mm² - significantly larger than smaller compact sensors. This sensor taps into Olympus’s TruePic VII processor for image rendering, yielding decent image quality with respectable color depth (22.8-bit measured by DxO), dynamic range (12.3 EV stops), and low-light ISO performance (ISO 884 noise threshold).

This combination manifests in sharp details, natural skin tones, and good highlight retention, particularly beneficial for portrait and landscape work where subtle tonal gradations matter.

Noticeably, the E-M10 retains the anti-aliasing filter to reduce moiré at the expense of maximal sharpness - an expected trade-off in this segment.

Pentax WG-2’s 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS: Compact Convenience at a Cost

The WG-2 features a 16 MP 1/2.3” backside-illuminated CMOS sensor sized just 6.17 x 4.55 mm (28.07 mm²), roughly 8 times smaller surface area than the Olympus sensor. The considerable size difference tightly confines light-gathering capabilities, reducing dynamic range and increasing noise at higher ISO sensitivity.

Pentax does not officially provide DxO benchmarks for this sensor, but experience with this sensor format in similar compacts reveals acceptable results for well-lit, daylight conditions but rolling off sharply in low-light or high-contrast scenes.

The WG-2’s native ISO maxes at 6400, but usable quality typically remains in the 125–400 ISO range. The fixed F3.5-5.5 28-140mm equivalent lens covers versatile zoom but with limited aperture breadth beyond its native range.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Precision and Speed

Given that autofocus (AF) consistency is mission-critical for fast-moving and high-stakes photography such as wildlife or sports, a thorough examination here identifies where each model excels or falters.

Olympus E-M10: Contrast-Detection AF with 81 Points and Eye Detection

Olympus’s E-M10 utilizes a contrast-detection AF system enhanced by 81 selectable focus points across the sensor area. While it lacks phase-detection autofocus present in some mirrorless peers, the technology delivers accurate focus across static and moderate-motion subjects.

Notably, eye detection autofocus included aids portrait work by automatically prioritizing subjects’ eyes for tack-sharp focus - a feature missing in the Pentax WG-2, and rare among contemporaries then.

Continuous AF tracking supports subjects moving within the frame reliably up to moderate speeds, and burst shooting peaks at 8 fps, adequate for casual action or wildlife sequences.

Pentax WG-2: Basic 9-Point Contrast AF Suited for Static Composition

The WG-2’s AF system is a simpler affair, with only 9 focus points centered mostly at the screen’s center. Autofocus relies on contrast detection, lacks continuous AF, and while it offers face detection, it does not incorporate eye tracking or subject recognition sophistication.

This AF simplicity emphasizes the compact’s role for casual snapshots rather than demanding action photography, enforced by a single-frame per second shooting speed that limits capturing fast sequences reliably.

Viewfinder and Screen: Composing the Shot

Olympus OM-D E-M10’s EVF and Tilting Touchscreen: Flexibility in Framing

The E-M10’s 1440-dot EVF offers a bright, lag-free composing experience with full frame coverage, invaluable for bright outdoor shooting where LCD application is challenging. Its 0.58x magnification is modest but effective in enhancing scene detail interpretation.

Complementing the EVF is a 3" 1037k-dot tilting touchscreen LCD, enabling versatile angles for shooting low or high up and facilitating intuitive focus point positioning via touch - a real-world usability improvement for street, macro, or video shooting.

Pentax WG-2’s Fixed Widescreen LCD: Durable but Limited

The WG-2 supplies a 3" LCD of 460k dots, fixed in position and lacking touch sensitivity; while coated with anti-reflective treatment for outdoor visibility, it cannot rival the sharpness and adaptability of the Olympus screen.

Absent an EVF, composing can become challenging in direct sunlight or fast-moving scenes, ostensibly restricting framing precision for certain genres like sports or wildlife.

Lens Ecosystem and Zoom Capability

Olympus: Vast Micro Four Thirds Lens System for Every Genre

One of the E-M10’s greatest strengths is its compatibility with over 100 native Micro Four Thirds lenses from Olympus, Panasonic, and third-party makers, spanning ultra-wide primes to super-telephoto zooms, fast apertures to macro optics.

This extensive ecosystem empowers photographers seeking genre flexibility, from shallow depth of field portraits (with apertures as fast as f/1.2) to ultra-wide landscapes and detailed macro work. The camera’s 2.1x focal length multiplier is standard for the system - terrain some photographers may factor when selecting lenses for wide-angle or telephoto needs.

Pentax WG-2: Fixed Lens with Moderate 5x Zoom

Equipped with a built-in 28-140mm (35mm equivalent) f/3.5-5.5 zoom lens, the WG-2 emphasizes practical travel and underwater photography rather than optical excellence. Its minimum focusing distance of 1 cm supports macro shots, but prime equivalence or specialized lenses are unavailable.

This fixed lens limits creative control over depth of field and bokeh, although it covers a useful focal length range for generalist shooting.

Image Stabilization and Shutter Range

The E-M10 offers sensor-based image stabilization, a decisive advantage for hand-held shooting, particularly in low light or macro photography, effectively compensating for camera shake up to several stops. Its shutter speed spans 60 seconds to 1/4000 second, including multiple flash sync modes suited for creative lighting scenarios.

In contrast, the WG-2 lacks any form of image stabilization, a critical shortfall especially for telephoto or macro shoots. Its shutter speed limits range from 4 seconds to 1/4000 sec, with slower minimums precluding certain night or astrophotography endeavors.

Video: Recording Capabilities in Real Use

Both models provide Full HD 1080p video recording at 30 fps, adequate for casual filming.

• Olympus E-M10 outputs H.264 and Motion JPEG formats without mic or headphone ports for professional sound monitoring but thanks to in-body stabilization, delivers steadier footage - a major benefit for handheld video.
• Pentax WG-2 offers multiple frame rates (including 720p at 60 fps), great for smooth slow-motion, but lacks image stabilization and external audio inputs, limiting its appeal for serious videographers.

Neither supports 4K or 6K video, a restriction common for cameras released in their respective years.

Battery Life and Storage

The Olympus E-M10’s BLS-5 battery delivers approximately 320 shots per charge, slightly edging the WG-2’s D-LI92 battery rated for 260 shots - a reflection of mirrorless camera power needs balanced by efficient hardware.

Both cameras utilize SD/SDHC/SDXC cards for storage with a single card slot, a standard configuration sufficient for enthusiasts but possibly restrictive for professionals seeking fail-safe redundancy.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Olympus’s inclusion of built-in Wi-Fi enables instant image transfer and remote control via mobile apps, a feature lacking in the WG-2’s wireless provision which is limited to Eye-Fi card compatibility only. Both feature HDMI output and USB 2.0 ports, enabling tethered shooting or external display but without modern USB-C convenience.

Environmental Sealing and Durability

This is a key battleground topic.

• Pentax WG-2 shines here with comprehensive environmental sealing - waterproof up to 12 meters, shockproof, dustproof, crushproof, and freezeproof - it is built for rugged fieldwork and adventure.
• Olympus E-M10, however, lacks official weather sealing or physical durability claims, thus requiring cautious use in inclement weather or rough conditions.

Performance Ratings and Genre Suitability

The objective DxOMark scores available for the Olympus E-M10 indicate solid overall image quality (72), with color depth and dynamic range adequate for varied photography disciplines. The WG-2 awaits formal benchmarking but comparative sensor limitations imply a compromise on image fidelity.

A detailed breakdown across photography types reveals:

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right Camera for Your Needs

Why Buy the Olympus OM-D E-M10?

• Image Quality & Flexibility: Larger sensor, nuanced autofocus, and broad Micro Four Thirds lens lineup yield superior image quality and creative control across genres.
• User Interface: Ergonomic design, tilting touchscreen, and electronic viewfinder support precision and comfort.
• Hybrid Use: Suitable for serious enthusiasts and professionals needing a capable lightweight mirrorless for portraits, landscapes, and video.
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi and improved battery life boost usability during travel or shoots.

Who Should Consider the Pentax Optio WG-2?

• Extreme Durability: If you require a camera that survives water immersion, freezing temperatures, dust, drops, and crushing forces.
• Compact Convenience: Ideal for adventure photographers who prioritize portability and environmental sealing over technical image quality.
• Casual Shooting: Best suited to casual users or travelers who want a simple, rugged camera without concern for interchangeable lenses or advanced controls.
• Budget-Conscious: Lower priced with rugged features makes it a cost-effective secondary or backup body for outdoor activities.

Summary Table of Key Differences

Olympus E M10 front Olympus E M10 screen back Pentax WG 2 front Pentax WG 2 screen back

Conclusion

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 and Pentax Optio WG-2 serve vastly different photographic appetites and shooting environments despite some specification overlap. The E-M10 is a versatile entry-level mirrorless camera excelling in image quality, creative control, and usability, fitting a broad range of disciplines from portraits and landscapes to video content creation. On the other hand, the WG-2 is a niche specialist targeted at rugged adventures, excelling in durability and compact convenience but compromising heavily on image quality and autofocus sophistication.

Selecting between these cameras hinges primarily on your shooting priorities: seek the E-M10 if image quality, flexibility, and advanced features rank highest; opt for the WG-2 for an indestructible companion on rugged expeditions where the photographic challenge is environmental rather than technical.

Both hold esteemed places in their domains, reflecting the strong heritage of their manufacturers in crafting well-considered photographic tools.