Olympus SH-2 vs Pentax WG-2 GPS: Comprehensive Compact Camera Showdown for Photographers Who Demand More

Choosing between compact cameras can sometimes feel like wandering through a jungle of buzzwords and specs where only careful testing can reveal the true beasts and beasts-in-hiding. Today, I’m putting two intriguing compacts head-to-head: the Olympus Stylus SH-2, a 2015 small sensor superzoom marvel, versus the rugged, adventure-ready Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS from 2012. Both pack 16MP 1/2.3" sensors but cater to quite different photographic explorers.

Having tested thousands of cameras - from pro-level full-frame monsters to basic point-and-shoots - I’ve got a soft spot for these compact workhorses. So grab a cuppa, and let’s dig into the nitty-gritty, from sensor tech to autofocus ninja moves and how each performs - not just in specs - but out in the real world.

First Impressions and Ergonomics: Size, Feel, and Handling

Before diving into pixie-dust specs, handling dictates how much you’ll enjoy shooting day after day. The Olympus SH-2 feels... well, sturdily compact, but a bit chunkier compared to the sleeker Pentax WG-2 GPS. To get a better grasp of their physical presence:

At 109mm wide by 63mm tall and 42mm deep, and weighing 271g, the SH-2 is definitely a bit more substantial. Meanwhile, the Pentax shrinks down to 122x61x30mm and a lighter 198g. This translates to a smaller pocket footprint and easier carry for the Pentax, which is important if you’re hiking or traveling light.

But size isn’t everything. The grip and button placement also shape your shooting fluency. On that note...

The Olympus offers a richer assemblage of physical controls - something I appreciate when manual fiddling is a must. It even sports a touchscreen, which adds fluidity for focus selection and menu navigation. The Pentax sticks to a more traditional control scheme - minimalist, with no touchscreen, but with mechanical buttons that bode well for underwater use.

Ergonomically, the Olympus SH-2 feels more like a compact camera built for versatility and rich features, while the Pentax WG-2 GPS screams rugged adventure, designed to survive mud, shocks, and water without asking questions.

Sensor and Image Quality: More Than Just Megapixels

Both cameras come with 16-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensors of the same 1/2.3" size (sensor dimensions: 6.17 x 4.55 mm; sensor area about 28.07 mm²). On paper, that means similar base capability, but image quality depends hugely on sensor processing, lens optics, and software optimization.

Olympus packs the TruePic VII image processor into the SH-2, a notable step up in image refinement compared to the older Pentax processor system (which remains undocumented). This translates into better noise handling and color rendering out of the box with Olympus.

In practice: The SH-2 delivers punchier colors and noticeably lower noise at ISO 800 compared to the WG-2. The Pentax’s images feel slightly softer and show a touch more chroma noise, especially in dim conditions - a predictable result given its age and processing pipeline.

Both cameras have an optical low-pass filter (anti-alias filter), which smoothens images but can slightly reduce sharpness - an understandable tradeoff in small sensor compacts to avoid moiré.

LCD Screen and User Interface: Your Window to Creativity

Viewing and composing your shot is a tactile affair. The Olympus offers a fixed 3" touchscreen LCD with a basic 460k-dot resolution, enabling direct tap-to-focus and intuitive menu interaction. The Pentax also uses a 3" fixed LCD with similar resolution but no touchscreen and an anti-reflective coating to combat glare outdoors.

When shooting in bright sunlight, the anti-reflective treatment on the Pentax screen reduces reflections more effectively. However, the Olympus touchscreen makes quick changes and focus adjustments easier - especially valuable if you’re shooting moving subjects or want lightning-fast framing.

Neither camera has an electronic or optical viewfinder, so LCD usability is paramount. For nighttime or bright outdoor shooting, Olympus’ touchscreen responsiveness adds a nice layer of control that Pentax just can’t match here.

Zoom and Lens Performance: Reach and Versatility in Your Hand

Perhaps the most compelling feature on the Olympus SH-2 is its 25-600mm equivalent zoom - a whopping 24x telephoto zoom range. This beast lets you sneak up on wildlife or capture distant landscapes without carrying multiple lenses.

The Pentax WG-2 GPS’s zoom spans a more modest 28-140mm equivalent (5x zoom), better suited for wide-to-normal-range shooting. However, it pairs this with a much closer macro minimum focus at 1cm vs Olympus’s 3cm, great for critters, textures, or the occasional bug inspection.

Both lenses lack interchangeable mount systems, being fixed zooms designed for compact performance - but Sony, Canon, and Panasonic offer cameras with expansion options if you crave modularity.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Real-World Use

Olympus SH-2 employs contrast-detection autofocus with face detection, multi-area focus, continuous AF, and tap-to-focus via touchscreen. Thanks to the TruePic VII processor’s computing power, AF tracking is responsive and reliable on moving subjects.

Pentax WG-2 GPS relies on a contrast-detection system as well, but with less sophisticated tracking and no continuous autofocus mode - limiting its use for fast action. It boasts 9 focus points for selective AF but lacks face or eye detection.

For wildlife or sports photography, Olympus’ autofocus capabilities, especially continuous and tracking modes, give it the distinct edge. Pentax suits still subjects or slower-paced shooting scenarios better.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speeds: Catching the Decisive Moment

Burst speed gauges how well a camera can capture sequences - killer for sports or wildlife.

• Olympus SH-2 shoots at a swift 11.5 frames per second (fps), which is surprisingly fast for a small sensor compact and excellent for tracking action sequences.
• Pentax WG-2 GPS lumbers at 1 fps, suited primarily for single shots.

Shutter speed ranges also differ modestly: Olympus offers 30 seconds to 1/2000 sec, while Pentax ranges from 4 seconds to 1/4000 sec - meaning Pentax can capture faster flashes of movement, but Olympus offers better long exposure flexibility.

Image Stabilization: Keeping Shots Steady When the Action Heats Up

The SH-2 boasts sensor-shift (in-body) image stabilization, which stabilizes the sensor itself to offset camera shake. This works effectively across its zoom range, especially vital at the super-telephoto 600mm.

Pentax surprisingly lacks image stabilization - a curious omission given its rugged intentions, but perhaps a compromise to keep costs and complexity in check.

In practical terms, Olympus’s stabilization reduces blur and enhances sharpness in low light or at long zoom ranges, while Pentax demands a steadier hand or tripod.

Weather Sealing and Durability: How Hard Can You Shoot?

This is a domain where Pentax WG-2 GPS truly shines.

• It is fully waterproof (up to 12m/40ft), dustproof, shockproof (to 1.5m drops), crushproof (up to 100kgf), and freezeproof.
• Additionally, it features built-in GPS tagging.

Olympus SH-2, meanwhile, lacks any environmental sealing and isn’t designed for underwater or rugged outdoor extremes.

If you’re an outdoor adventurer or underwater shooter (snorkeling, shallow diving), Pentax’s build is a deal-maker. Olympus is better suited to controlled environments or casual outdoor use.

Video: Capability for Moving Pictures

Both cameras support Full HD video at 1920x1080.

• Olympus SH-2 delivers 60p (progressive frames per second) video in H.264, a plus for smoother motion. It also supports 720p and VGA modes.
• Pentax WG-2 GPS has 1080p at 30fps, and 720p at 60/30fps, recording in MPEG4 and H.264 formats.

Neither has external microphone inputs, headphone jacks, or 4K capabilities - not surprising given their vintage and category. Olympus’s 60fps Full HD offers more fluidity for action videos, though neither is a go-to video camera.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity: The Practical Essentials

Battery preferences and the stamina to shoot an outing matter a lot.

• Olympus SH-2 uses a Lithium-ion LI-92B battery with official life rated at 380 shots per charge.
• Pentax WG-2 GPS uses the D-LI92 battery with 260 shots per charge.

These reflect realistic compact camera values. Be mindful Olympus’s higher frame rate shooting and brighter screens may drain battery faster in real life.

Storage-wise, both rely on SD/SDHC/SDXC cards plus some internal memory (handy for emergency shots).

Connectivity:

• Olympus features built-in Wi-Fi, facilitating wireless image transfer and remote shooting via smartphone apps.
• Pentax offers Eye-Fi card compatibility (wireless SD card), but no built-in Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

Image Samples: Real-World Output Insight

Enough theory - seeing is believing.

Olympus SH 2 front Olympus SH 2 screen back Pentax WG 2 GPS front Pentax WG 2 GPS screen back

Here, the Olympus SH-2 images impress with sharper textures and faithful skin tones in portraits, aided by intelligent noise reduction and richer dynamic range.

Pentax WG-2 GPS tends to produce softer images with muted colors but handles macro subjects especially well thanks to the closer minimum focus distance.

For landscapes, Olympus renders wider tonal gradations, while Pentax maintains solid exposure balance despite less raw tweaking ability.

Overall Performance Scores: Crunching the Numbers

Although not tested by DxOMark, let’s consider a balanced scorecard:

• Olympus SH-2 scores highly in autofocus, zoom range, burst speed, image stabilization, and video.
• Pentax WG-2 GPS excels with environmental ruggedness, macro focus, and compactness.

Genre-Specific Strengths and Weaknesses: Who Wins Where?

Now, focusing on specialized photography genres, here’s how they stack up:

• Portraits: Olympus reigns with superior color accuracy, skin tone rendering, and face detection autofocus.
• Landscape: Olympus offers better dynamic range and zoom flexibility, though Pentax’s ruggedness suits harsh environments.
• Wildlife: Olympus’s long zoom and fast burst frame rate clearly dominate.
• Sports: Olympus again outpaces with quick continuous autofocus and rapid shooting.
• Street: Pentax’s smaller size, muted colors, and discrete design make it a modest street shooter, though lack of touchscreen slows operation.
• Macro: Pentax’s 1cm macro focus shines, perfect for close-ups.
• Night/Astro: Olympus allows longer exposures and better ISO control.
• Video: Olympus's 60p mode edges ahead.
• Travel: Pentax’s rugged waterproof design will win many adventure travellers; Olympus better for sightseeing with zoom and Wi-Fi.
• Professional Use: Both are compacts and limited, but Olympus’s RAW support gives a nod for semi-pro workflow integration.

Who Should Buy the Olympus SH-2?

If you crave:

• A powerful superzoom reaching ultra telephoto lengths (600mm),
• Fast autofocus with continuous tracking,
• Image stabilization for sharper handheld shots,
• Touchscreen ease and Wi-Fi connectivity,
• Versatile shooting modes including manual exposure control and RAW shooting,
• Video capability with smooth 60p recording,

...and if you don't require rugged weather sealing, the Olympus SH-2 is a stellar buy, especially around $400 new or less used. It’s a versatile jack-of-all-trades compact, suitable for travel, wildlife, and general portrait and landscape photography.

Who Should Pick the Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS?

Alternatively, if your photography needs involve:

• Shooting in harsh environments: underwater, dusty hiking trails, freezing temperatures,
• Relentless durability with shockproof and crushproof construction,
• GPS geotagging for mapping your adventure shots,
• Simple, straightforward handling without fuss,
• Macro shooting (1cm close focus) for nature close-ups,
• A lighter, more pocketable form factor,
• And a budget-conscious price around $300,

...then the Pentax WG-2 GPS remains a rugged champ even years after release. Just temper your expectations on speed, autofocus versatility, and low-light performance.

Final Thoughts: Compact Cameras with Distinct Missions

While both cameras share a similar sensor base and compact nature, they truly serve distinct photographic missions. Olympus SH-2 is a more advanced, feature-rich pocket camera emphasizing zoom range, AF performance, and connectivity, suited to versatile photographers wanting an all-around powerhouse without interchangeable lenses.

Pentax WG-2 GPS doubles down on durability and practical use in extreme settings - ideal for outdoorsy creatives who need a foolproof shooter to go anywhere and withstand anything.

Ultimately, your choice depends foremost on shooting scenarios. Neither is perfect but each punches above their weight in their niche.

If you’re a photography enthusiast craving precision, speed, and flexibility - Olympus SH-2 delivers. But for adventurers and rugged shooters who want a camera that laughs in the face of mud and rain, you can’t go wrong with the Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS.

Ready for a deeper dive into any specific shooting genres or real-world image analysis? Drop a note - happy to share more hands-on insights. Meanwhile, keep shooting and chasing those stellar images, rain or shine!