Panasonic ZS200 vs Pentax WG-1

The following is a thorough overview of the Panasonic ZS200 vs Pentax WG-1, former is a Large Sensor Compact while the other is a Waterproof by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizable difference among the resolutions of the ZS200 (20MP) and WG-1 (14MP) and the ZS200 (1") and WG-1 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The ZS200 was revealed 7 years after the WG-1 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS200 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Pentax WG-1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go through a step-by-step comparison, below is a short highlight of how the ZS200 grades against the WG-1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 & Pentax Optio WG-1. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS200 Gallery & Pentax WG-1 Gallery.

In case you're intending to travel with your camera often, you should factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS200 provides exterior measurements of 111mm x 66mm x 45mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.8") and a weight of 340 grams (0.75 lbs) while the Pentax WG-1 has measurements of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

See the Panasonic ZS200 vs Pentax WG-1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you use during that time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the ZS200 compared to the WG-1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the ZS200 and WG-1 is 86 and 93 respectively.

Often, it's hard to visualise the gap in sensor dimensions just by researching specs. The image here may give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS200 and WG-1.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The ZS200 having a larger sensor will make getting shallow depth of field easier and the Panasonic ZS200 will render extra detail because of its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics far more aggressively. The fresher ZS200 is going to have an edge in sensor innovation.