Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Pentax WG-1

In this write-up, we are reviewing the Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Pentax WG-1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Waterproof by companies Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and the WG-1 (14MP) is very similar but the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and WG-1 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor measurements.

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The XZ-2 iHS was released 23 months later than the WG-1 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a short introduction of how the XZ-2 iHS matches up against the WG-1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Pentax Optio WG-1. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery and Pentax WG-1 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera regularly, you'll need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS offers exterior dimensions of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") and a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) while the Pentax WG-1 has measurements of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check out the Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Pentax WG-1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. Here is the front view proportions comparison of the XZ-2 iHS against the WG-1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the XZ-2 iHS and WG-1 is 85 and 93 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor measurements merely by reading specifications. The photograph underneath will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the XZ-2 iHS and WG-1.

Plainly, both of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The XZ-2 iHS due to its larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF simpler and the Pentax WG-1 will deliver more detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The newer XZ-2 iHS is going to have a benefit in sensor technology.