Olympus E-PL5 vs Pentax WG-2

Below is a thorough comparison of the Olympus E-PL5 and Pentax WG-2, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Waterproof by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-PL5 (16MP) and the WG-2 (16MP) is very similar but the E-PL5 (Four Thirds) and WG-2 (1/2.3") provide totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL5 was launched 8 months later than the WG-2 so they are both of a similar age. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-PL5 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 brief summary of how the E-PL5 matches up against the WG-2 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL5 & Pentax Optio WG-2. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-PL5 Gallery & Pentax WG-2 Gallery.

When you are planning to lug around your camera, you need to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-PL5 offers outside measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.5") and a weight of 325 grams (0.72 lbs) while the Pentax WG-2 has proportions of 122mm x 61mm x 30mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") having a weight of 192 grams (0.42 lbs).

Look at the Olympus E-PL5 and Pentax WG-2 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. Following is a front view scale comparison of the E-PL5 compared to the WG-2.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E-PL5 and WG-2 is 88 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, it's hard to envision the gap between sensor measurements merely by reviewing specifications. The graphic below will offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the E-PL5 and WG-2.

To sum up, both cameras have the same megapixel count but not the same sensor measurements. The E-PL5 has got the larger sensor which is going to make obtaining bokeh less difficult. The more recent E-PL5 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.