Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Pentax WG-2 GPS

Lets examine more in depth at the Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Pentax WG-2 GPS, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Waterproof by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. There is a big difference among the image resolutions of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and WG-2 GPS (16MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and WG-2 GPS (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The XZ-2 iHS was brought out 11 months later than the WG-2 GPS so they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving through a detailed comparison, below is a concise overview of how the XZ-2 iHS scores versus the WG-2 GPS in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS. The entire galleries are available at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery and Pentax WG-2 GPS Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera often, you're going to have to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS enjoys outer measurements of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") having a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) and the Pentax WG-2 GPS has sizing of 122mm x 61mm x 30mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs).

Compare the Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Pentax WG-2 GPS in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have attached during that time. Here is the front view dimension comparison of the XZ-2 iHS compared to the WG-2 GPS.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the XZ-2 iHS and WG-2 GPS is 85 and 91 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to see the gap in sensor sizing simply by looking through technical specs. The visual here may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the XZ-2 iHS and WG-2 GPS.

As you can tell, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The XZ-2 iHS featuring a bigger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Pentax WG-2 GPS will render more detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots far more aggressively. The younger XZ-2 iHS is going to have a benefit in sensor technology.