Olympus E-PL5 vs Pentax WG-1

In this write-up, we are analyzing the Olympus E-PL5 and Pentax WG-1, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Waterproof by brands Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the WG-1 (14MP) is very similar but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and WG-1 (1/2.3") possess different sensor sizes.

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The E-PL5 was introduced 20 months after the WG-1 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-PL5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax WG-1 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a short summation of how the E-PL5 scores vs the WG-1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL5 & Pentax Optio WG-1. The whole galleries are available at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery & Pentax WG-1 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL5 features external dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") having a weight of 325 grams (0.72 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-PL5 and Pentax WG-1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are using at the time. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the E-PL5 vs the WG-1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-PL5 and WG-1 is 88 and 93 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to picture the difference between sensor sizes just by reviewing specifications. The pic here will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the E-PL5 and WG-1.

To sum up, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E-PL5 with its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF easier and the Olympus E-PL5 will deliver more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop images far more aggressively. The fresher E-PL5 should have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.