Olympus E-PL8 vs Pentax WG-2

Here is a in depth assessment of the Olympus E-PL8 vs Pentax WG-2, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Waterproof by companies Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the E-PL8 (16MP) and the WG-2 (16MP) is very similar but the E-PL8 (Four Thirds) and WG-2 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E-PL8 was brought out 4 years later than the WG-2 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-PL8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax WG-2 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a complete comparison, below is a short highlight of how the E-PL8 matches up vs the WG-2 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-PL8 & Pentax Optio WG-2. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-PL8 Gallery & Pentax WG-2 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera regularly, you will have to think about its weight and size. The Olympus E-PL8 has physical dimensions of 115mm x 67mm x 38mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 1.5") having a weight of 357 grams (0.79 lbs) whilst the Pentax WG-2 has specifications of 122mm x 61mm x 30mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") along with a weight of 192 grams (0.42 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus E-PL8 vs Pentax WG-2 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have chosen during that time. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the E-PL8 compared to the WG-2.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-PL8 and WG-2 is 86 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to visualise the difference between sensor sizing purely by going over specs. The photograph here will offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-PL8 and WG-2.

All in all, each of these cameras have got the exact same megapixels but not the same sensor sizing. The E-PL8 includes the larger sensor which is going to make achieving bokeh easier. The more recent E-PL8 will have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.