Olympus E-PL8 vs Pentax WG-1

The following is a comprehensive analysis of the Olympus E-PL8 versus Pentax WG-1, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Waterproof by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the E-PL8 (16MP) and the WG-1 (14MP) is very similar but the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and WG-1 (1/2.3") posses different sensor measurements.

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The E-PL8 was revealed 5 years after the WG-1 which is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax WG-1 being a Compact camera.

Before diving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short summation of how the E-PL8 scores against the WG-1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL8 & Pentax Optio WG-1. The full galleries are available at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery & Pentax WG-1 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to travel with your camera often, you'll have to factor its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-PL8 has physical measurements of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") with a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) whilst the Pentax WG-1 has measurements of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-PL8 versus Pentax WG-1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have at that time. Underneath is a front view measurements comparison of the E-PL8 vs the WG-1.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the E-PL8 and WG-1 is 86 and 93 respectively.

In many cases, it is very hard to visualize the difference between sensor dimensions only by going over specs. The image below will help give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the E-PL8 and WG-1.

All in all, both of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The E-PL8 having a larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF simpler and the Olympus E-PL8 will offer you greater detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics way more aggressively. The fresher E-PL8 provides an edge with regard to sensor innovation.