Panasonic FP3 vs Pentax WG-2 GPS

Its time to look a little more closely at the Panasonic FP3 vs Pentax WG-2 GPS, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Waterproof by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the FP3 (14MP) and the WG-2 GPS (16MP) is fairly similar and they enjoy the exact same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The FP3 was brought out 3 years earlier than the WG-2 GPS which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FP3 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax WG-2 GPS being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a complete comparison, below is a short introduction of how the FP3 scores against the WG-2 GPS for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3 and Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FP3 Gallery and Pentax WG-2 GPS Gallery.

When you are planning to carry around your camera often, you will need to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic FP3 offers external dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") along with a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs) while the Pentax WG-2 GPS has specifications of 122mm x 61mm x 30mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") having a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FP3 vs Pentax WG-2 GPS in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using at that moment. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the FP3 and the WG-2 GPS.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FP3 and WG-2 GPS is 95 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to imagine the gap between sensor sizes purely by reading a spec sheet. The picture below might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the FP3 and WG-2 GPS.

Clearly, both of these cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements but different megapixels. You should anticipate the Pentax WG-2 GPS to offer greater detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos much more aggressively. The more aged FP3 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.