Olympus XZ-2 iHS vs Pentax WG-3 GPS

The following is a extended review of the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Pentax WG-3 GPS, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Waterproof by companies Olympus and Pentax. There is a considerable difference between the image resolutions of the XZ-2 iHS (12MP) and WG-3 GPS (16MP) and the XZ-2 iHS (1/1.7") and WG-3 GPS (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The XZ-2 iHS was launched 7 months prior to the WG-3 GPS which means that they are of a similar age. The two cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go in to a detailed comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the XZ-2 iHS grades versus the WG-3 GPS in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus XZ-2 iHS & Pentax WG-3 GPS. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus XZ-2 iHS Gallery & Pentax WG-3 GPS Gallery.

In case you're planning to travel with your camera, you'll need to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus XZ-2 iHS has got external dimensions of 113mm x 65mm x 48mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.9") having a weight of 346 grams (0.76 lbs) while the Pentax WG-3 GPS has measurements of 125mm x 64mm x 33mm (4.9" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 238 grams (0.52 lbs).

Compare the Olympus XZ-2 iHS and Pentax WG-3 GPS in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you use during that time. The following is the front view sizing comparison of the XZ-2 iHS against the WG-3 GPS.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the XZ-2 iHS and WG-3 GPS is 85 and 90 respectively.

Often, it is hard to visualise the gap between sensor dimensions merely by reading specifications. The image underneath may give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-2 iHS and WG-3 GPS.

To sum up, the 2 cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The XZ-2 iHS due to its bigger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field easier and the Pentax WG-3 GPS will offer you extra detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs much more aggressively. The more aged XZ-2 iHS is going to be behind in sensor technology.