Olympus E-PL1 vs Pentax WG-2

Following is a detailed analysis of the Olympus E-PL1 versus Pentax WG-2, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Waterproof by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. There exists a huge gap between the sensor resolutions of the E-PL1 (12MP) and WG-2 (16MP) and the E-PL1 (Four Thirds) and WG-2 (1/2.3") offer different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL1 was unveiled 21 months before the WG-2 which makes them a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax WG-2 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the E-PL1 scores versus the WG-2 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus PEN E-PL1 and Pentax Optio WG-2. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL1 Gallery and Pentax WG-2 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry around your camera, you're going to have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL1 features exterior measurements of 115mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") along with a weight of 334 grams (0.74 lbs) whilst the Pentax WG-2 has measurements of 122mm x 61mm x 30mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") and a weight of 192 grams (0.42 lbs).

Examine the Olympus E-PL1 versus Pentax WG-2 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using at that moment. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the E-PL1 and the WG-2.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL1 and WG-2 is 86 and 91 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to picture the difference between sensor sizes just by checking specs. The pic here may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL1 and WG-2.

All in all, both cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E-PL1 using its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Pentax WG-2 will give you greater detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more aged E-PL1 is going to be behind in sensor technology.