Olympus E-PL2 vs Pentax WG-1

Below is a comprehensive assessment of the Olympus E-PL2 vs Pentax WG-1, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Waterproof by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the E-PL2 (12MP) and the WG-1 (14MP) is relatively well matched but the E-PL2 (Four Thirds) and WG-1 (1/2.3") come with different sensor size.

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The E-PL2 was revealed around the same time to the WG-1 which means that they are both of a similar age. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax WG-1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a full comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the E-PL2 grades against the WG-1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus PEN E-PL2 & Pentax Optio WG-1. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL2 Gallery & Pentax WG-1 Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera regularly, you are going to need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL2 has got external measurements of 114mm x 72mm x 42mm (4.5" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 362 grams (0.80 lbs) while the Pentax WG-1 has proportions of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL2 vs Pentax WG-1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the E-PL2 and the WG-1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL2 and WG-1 is 85 and 93 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to visualize the gap between sensor measurements only by checking specifications. The graphic here may give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL2 and WG-1.

To sum up, both of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The E-PL2 having a bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Pentax WG-1 will give you greater detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures a little more aggressively.