Panasonic Lumix DC-G100 vs Pentax WG-10: A Tale of Two Cameras from Different Worlds

When it comes to choosing a camera, the vast universe of options can be dizzying. Today, I’m spotlighting two markedly different cameras - the Panasonic Lumix DC-G100 and the Pentax WG-10. They come from distinct segments: one a mirrorless “entry-level” model aimed at creators and enthusiasts, the other a rugged compact designed for adventure and harsh environments. Comparing them is like placing a precision watch alongside a robust field compass - each shines in its own context.

But as someone who’s tested thousands of cameras across genres and conditions, I’m here to guide you through the specs, real-world performance, design philosophies, and who should consider each model. By the end, you’ll know which camera best suits your photographic life and why.

Let’s dive in.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

Physically, these cameras couldn’t be more different. The Panasonic G100 is a mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses and a larger sensor, while the Pentax WG-10 is a compact waterproof digicam built tough for outdoor use.

The G100 weighs 352 grams and measures about 116 x 83 x 54mm, offering a substantial grip and an SLR-style body. Its larger form factor means it fits more controls and commands - a boon for photographers who want tactile feedback and thoughtful button placement.

Contrast that with the WG-10 at 167 grams and just 116 x 59 x 29mm. This pocketable size and streamlined build immediately communicate its waterproof, dustproof, and shockproof ruggedness. The WG-10’s fixed lens design also keeps it trim.

What does this mean ergonomically? The G100 offers more traditional camera handling with a decent grip and plenty of physical buttons, while the WG-10 is ultra-portable with minimal controls, geared towards quick snaps in adventurous settings.

The obvious takeaway: If you prioritize comfort and traditional handling for longer shoots or manual control, the G100 wins. If you need a camera that can take a beating and fit in your pocket, go WG-10.

Looking Over the Controls: Design and Interface

Ergonomics wouldn’t be complete without checking out control layout and interface design. Here’s a top-down glance:

The G100’s top deck sports a mix of dials and buttons, including a mode dial, exposure compensation, dedicated record button, and a hot shoe for flashes or external microphones. This level of control is a hallmark of mirrorless cameras catering to enthusiasts and vloggers alike.

In contrast, the WG-10’s top view is simpler: a shutter release button and zoom rocker primarily. No mode dial, no hot shoe. The controls are minimalist, emphasizing durability and ease of use over advanced settings.

These design choices reflect their intended users: Panasonic G100 aims at creators wanting quick access to exposure modes, while Pentax targets outdoor explorers seeking a waterproof, no-fuss point-and-shoot.

The Heart of the Matter: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Here we reach an important and revealing difference - sensor size and capabilities.

The Panasonic G100 sports a 20MP Four Thirds CMOS sensor measuring 17.3 x 13mm, which is roughly 225mm² in area. This sensor size is roughly half the size of a full-frame but significantly larger than typical compact cameras.

Pentax WG-10, on the other hand, features a 14MP 1/2.3" CCD sensor - vastly smaller at just 6.17 x 4.55mm (about 28mm²). This is typical for rugged compacts but results in inherent limitations.

In real-world terms:

• The G100’s sensor delivers better image quality, particularly in low light and high dynamic range scenarios. Its higher pixel density and modern CMOS architecture mean cleaner images with less noise and greater color depth.
• The WG-10’s sensor, being smaller and CCD-based, restricts image quality to daylight or well-lit shooting. Noise performance degrades quickly at ISO above 400, and dynamic range is limited.

Additionally, the G100’s support for RAW capture offers enormous post-processing flexibility, whereas the WG-10 only handles JPEGs - another limitation for serious photographers.

In portraits, landscapes, or any scenario demanding quality, the G100’s sensor is a clear winner. The WG-10’s sensor is adequate for casual snapshots but can’t compete technically.

Viewing and Framing: Displays and Viewfinders

Another crucial element for user experience - how you compose and review your shots.

The G100 employs a 3-inch fully articulating touchscreen at 1.84 million dots resolution, ideal for vlogging, selfies, or shooting at tricky angles. Touch sensitivity and menu navigation are smooth and responsive.

In comparison, the WG-10 has a fixed 2.7-inch LCD with only 230k dots. Its screen is without touch, smaller, and less sharp - a compromise likely for waterproof sealing and reduced cost.

Importantly, the G100 offers an electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 3.68 million dots and 100% coverage, vital for bright light environments and traditional shooting comfort. The WG-10 has no viewfinder, so you must rely solely on the LCD.

If you prefer a robust, flexible viewing experience, especially outdoors or for video framing, the G100 excels. For basic picture-taking, WG-10’s screen suffices.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: How Quickly Can They Capture the Moment?

Speed and focus accuracy are pivotal for many photography genres - wildlife, birds, sports, even street photography.

The Panasonic G100 uses contrast-detection autofocus with 49 focus points and face detection, including eye detection, for improved portrait shooting. It supports continuous autofocus tracking and can shoot at up to 10 frames per second in burst mode.

The Pentax WG-10, however, has a much simpler system: just 9 focus points, no face or eye detection, and single-shot autofocus. Continuous shooting is limited to approximately 0.7 frames per second - quite slow even for casual use.

In practice, the G100 locks focus faster and tracks moving subjects better. For portraits, the eye detection improves your keep rate significantly. The WG-10 is suitable for relaxed shooting of paused subjects and less dynamic situations.

Built to Endure? Weather-Sealing and Durability

Pics outdoors? You’ll want to think about environment sealing.

This is where the WG-10 really stands out: it is waterproof (up to 10 meters), dustproof, shockproof (up to 1.5m drops), freezeproof (down to -10°C), and crushproof (up to 100kg of pressure). A rugged champ for adventures.

The G100, despite its many virtues, lacks any environmental sealing. It’s best kept dry and safe - typical for entry-level mirrorless cameras.

If you plan to shoot at the beach, hiking, or anywhere where rain or dust is a threat, the WG-10’s durability is non-negotiable.

Mastering Different Genres: How Do These Cameras Perform Across Photography Types?

Let me walk through how each camera handles key photographic disciplines, fleshing out suitability and shortcomings.

Portrait Photography

The Panasonic G100 shines here with its larger sensor providing smooth skin tones and nice background separation - thanks to the Four Thirds sensor size and lens options. Its eye-detection autofocus keeps subjects crisp and focused, vital for candid or studio-type portraits. Articulated touch display aids framing diverse angles.

Pentax WG-10, with smaller sensor and no eye detect, renders flatter images and struggles in anything but bright daylight. Bokeh is minimal, given its fixed zoom lens and small sensor. It’s more a snapshot tool than a portrait specialist.

Landscape Photography

Landscape benefits hugely from sensor dynamic range and resolution. The G100 offers 20MP resolution, excellent for large prints or cropping, plus an array of compatible lenses, including wide-angles for dramatic vistas.

Weather sealing is missing, so caution is advised in harsh weather, but the sensor’s quality and manual controls make the G100 a very capable landscape camera.

WG-10’s small sensor limits dynamic range dramatically, blowing out skies or shadow detail easily. Its waterproof feature can be helpful, but image quality trade-offs are significant. If you want casual landscape memories on the go, WG-10 suffices; otherwise, G100 is superior.

Wildlife Photography

Wildlife demands swift autofocus, fast burst rates, and a telephoto reach. The G100’s continuous AF with tracking at 10 fps, plus Micro Four Thirds mount compatibility with telephoto lenses (with 2.0x crop factor) makes it versatile.

WG-10’s zoom tops at 140mm equivalent (small sensor), autofocus is slow, and burst is negligible.

For serious wildlife photography, the G100 wins hands down. WG-10 suits casual observations or underwater macro shots in its protection zone.

Sports Photography

Fast autofocus, tracking, and frame rates define sports shooting. The G100 again offers superior 10 fps burst and better AF tracking, adequately handling many sports scenarios under good light.

WG-10’s sluggish shutter and AF limit sports usability to very casual, slow action.

Street Photography

Street is all about portability, discreteness, and stealth.

WG-10’s compact waterproof body is light and discreet but limited by image quality and lack of viewfinder.

G100 is bulkier but still manageable for street shoots. Its EVF and articulating screen help in varied shooting angles. Low light autofocus is better too.

Preference depends on your priority - portability (WG-10) or image quality and control (G100).

Macro Photography

For close-ups, the WG-10’s 1cm macro focus range and sensor-shift stabilization give it an edge in underwater or rugged environments.

G100 lacks built-in stabilization but Micro Four Thirds lenses compensate. Manual focus and focus stacking modes are advantages.

If you shoot detailed macro work indoors or studio, G100 suits best. For adventure macros or underwater, WG-10 is the go-to.

Night and Astrophotography

Higher native ISO and sensor size matter here.

G100’s ISO up to 25600 and clean noise handling enable night shooting. Manual exposure modes and low-light autofocus add to the value.

WG-10 maxes at ISO 6400 but noise and sensor size degrade results drastically.

Astro photography? G100 is clearly preferred.

Video Capabilities

Video is where the G100 was designed to impress. It records 4K (3840x1920) at 100 Mbps, 1080p up to 120fps slow motion. It has a microphone input for quality audio, fully articulating screen, and a lightweight body suitable for vlogging.

The WG-10, in contrast, maxes out at 720p HD video with no microphone input and limited frame rates, making it better suited only for casual home movies.

Travel Photography

It’s always a tradeoff between versatility and portability.

G100’s lens ecosystem and image quality make it excellent for travel - but it weighs more and needs some care.

WG-10 is rugged, fits easily in pockets, and can cope with tough environments that would risk serious damage to the G100.

If your trips are rugged or wet, WG-10 wins. For creative travel snaps and video, G100 does better.

Professional Work

Neither camera targets high-end pro use, but the G100’s RAW support, manual controls, external mic port, and Micro Four Thirds lens compatibility make it suitable for serious content creators on a budget.

WG-10 is too limited by sensor, autofocus, and fixed lens for professional workflows.

Reliability, Battery, and Connectivity

Both cameras run on proprietary battery packs with roughly similar endurance (270 shots for G100, 260 for WG-10). Notably, the G100 supports USB charging, a convenience for travel.

Storage-wise, both accept SD cards, but the G100 supports UHS-I for faster write speeds.

Connectivity favors the G100 with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allowing seamless transfer, remote control, and firmware updates. The WG-10 has its vintage “Eye-Fi” card connectivity, which is outdated and restrictive.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Panasonic G100’s Micro Four Thirds mount opens access to over 100 native lenses from Panasonic, Olympus, and third-party makers, from primes to zooms, macro to telephoto.

Meanwhile, Pentax WG-10’s fixed zoom lens (28-140mm equivalent) limits you to what’s built-in.

For creative photographers valuing flexibility, the G100 is substantially more capable.

Price-to-Performance: What Is Your Budget Getting You?

Here is a side-by-side price and overall value comparison:

• Panasonic Lumix DC-G100 launched at about $698, offering compelling features for the price in the mirrorless segment.
• Pentax WG-10, discontinued and considered an older rugged compact, has a minimal price tag (nominal or used market).

If budget is tight and you need waterproof ruggedness, WG-10 is very affordable.

If budget allows, the G100 delivers vastly superior image quality, speed, and creative control for photo and video.

Wrapping Up with Genre-Specific Scores

To crystallize the differences, here’s a genre-wise performance chart:

The G100 scores highly in portraits, landscapes, sports, wildlife, video, and night photography.

The WG-10 shines only in durability, travel ease, and some macro/outdoor niche cases.

Sample Images: Real-World Quality Showcase

A look at actual sample images illustrates the gap:

You’ll notice the Panasonic G100 photos are richly detailed, vibrant, with pleasing depth of field, and low noise.

The Pentax WG-10 produces usable but softer, less detailed JPEGs with limited dynamic range - perfectly fine for casual snapshots but not demanding projects.

Final Recommendations: Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Panasonic Lumix DC-G100 if you:

• Are an enthusiast or emerging content creator needing versatile image and video quality
• Desire interchangeable lens flexibility and modern autofocus features
• Shoot portraits, landscapes, wildlife, or video regularly
• Need a camera for controlled environments (studio, indoor, mild weather)
• Value higher-resolution touch screen, EVF, and external microphone input
• Have a moderate budget aligned with its price class

Opt for the Pentax WG-10 if you:

• Want a rugged, waterproof, and shockproof compact for outdoor adventures
• Need simple point-and-shoot versatility with minimal controls
• Have a very tight budget or require an affordable secondary camera
• Shoot casual photos in harsh environments where a larger camera risks damage
• Don’t demand high image quality or RAW flexibility
• Prioritize maximum portability and durability over features

Parting Thoughts: Can You Have It All?

In my experience, no single camera suits every need perfectly. The Panasonic G100 and Pentax WG-10 epitomize this truth.

The G100 is a capable mirrorless workhorse that handles demanding photography and video tasks with aplomb, delivering better image quality and creative control than the WG-10 could dream of.

The WG-10 is niche but invaluable for rugged conditions where electronics fear to tread.

Hopefully, with this side-by-side exploration grounded in hands-on testing insights, you can make an informed choice aligned with your photographic ambitions and lifestyle.

Remember, gear is a tool - choose the one that inspires you to create more.

Happy shooting!