Olympus E-P1 vs Pentax WG-2 GPS

In this write-up, we are analyzing the Olympus E-P1 vs Pentax WG-2 GPS, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Waterproof by rivals Olympus and Pentax. There is a noticeable difference between the resolutions of the E-P1 (12MP) and WG-2 GPS (16MP) and the E-P1 (Four Thirds) and WG-2 GPS (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-P1 was revealed 3 years prior to the WG-2 GPS and that is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax WG-2 GPS being a Compact camera.

Before getting through a more detailed comparison, below is a short introduction of how the E-P1 scores vs the WG-2 GPS with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus PEN E-P1 & Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-P1 Gallery & Pentax WG-2 GPS Gallery.

In case you're going to lug around your camera regularly, you will need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus E-P1 offers exterior dimensions of 121mm x 70mm x 36mm (4.8" x 2.8" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 355 grams (0.78 lbs) while the Pentax WG-2 GPS has sizing of 122mm x 61mm x 30mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-P1 vs Pentax WG-2 GPS in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have during that time. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the E-P1 versus the WG-2 GPS.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the E-P1 and WG-2 GPS is 86 and 91 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's hard to see the difference between sensor measurements only by going over a spec sheet. The photograph here might give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-P1 and WG-2 GPS.

Clearly, both cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-P1 having a larger sensor will make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Pentax WG-2 GPS will offer more detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics far more aggressively. The older E-P1 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.