Olympus XZ-1 vs Pentax WG-1

In this article, we are reviewing the Olympus XZ-1 vs Pentax WG-1, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Waterproof by competitors Olympus and Pentax. There exists a noticeable gap among the sensor resolutions of the XZ-1 (10MP) and WG-1 (14MP) and the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and WG-1 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The XZ-1 was manufactured within a month of the WG-1 and they are both of a similar age. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple view of how the XZ-1 grades versus the WG-1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus XZ-1 & Pentax Optio WG-1. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery & Pentax WG-1 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to lug around your camera, you're going to have to take into account its weight and size. The Olympus XZ-1 has got outside dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) whilst the Pentax WG-1 has specifications of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus XZ-1 vs Pentax WG-1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the XZ-1 versus the WG-1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the XZ-1 and WG-1 is 88 and 93 respectively.

Typically, it's tough to see the contrast in sensor measurements merely by viewing technical specs. The visual here should offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the XZ-1 and WG-1.

As you have seen, both the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The XZ-1 featuring a larger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF simpler and the Pentax WG-1 will render extra detail due to its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos a little more aggressively.