Panasonic FS42 vs Pentax WG-1

Its time to look closer at the Panasonic FS42 and Pentax WG-1, one being a Ultracompact and the other is a Waterproof by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the FS42 (10MP) and WG-1 (14MP) and the FS42 (1/2.5") and WG-1 (1/2.3") possess different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The FS42 was manufactured 22 months prior to the WG-1 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax WG-1 being a Compact camera.

Before going through a full comparison, below is a quick summary of how the FS42 matches up vs the WG-1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 and Pentax Optio WG-1. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FS42 Gallery and Pentax WG-1 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to lug around your camera often, you will need to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic FS42 has got external measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) whilst the Pentax WG-1 has specifications of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FS42 and Pentax WG-1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are employing at that moment. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the FS42 versus the WG-1.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the FS42 and WG-1 is 95 and 93 respectively.

In many cases, it is tough to visualize the contrast between sensor measurements simply by reviewing technical specs. The photograph here will help give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the FS42 and WG-1.

As you have seen, both of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The FS42 due to its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field harder and the Pentax WG-1 will deliver greater detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics a little more aggressively. The older FS42 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.