Panasonic FZ200 vs Pentax WG-1

In this article, we will be reviewing the Panasonic FZ200 and Pentax WG-1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Waterproof by companies Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the FZ200 (12MP) and the WG-1 (14MP) is pretty comparable and they possess the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The FZ200 was introduced 18 months later than the WG-1 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FZ200 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax WG-1 being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a detailed comparison, below is a simple summation of how the FZ200 matches up vs the WG-1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 & Pentax Optio WG-1. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FZ200 Gallery & Pentax WG-1 Gallery.

When you are aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you'll have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FZ200 provides outside dimensions of 125mm x 87mm x 110mm (4.9" x 3.4" x 4.3") with a weight of 588 grams (1.30 lbs) whilst the Pentax WG-1 has dimensions of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FZ200 and Pentax WG-1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are using at the time. Underneath is the front view size comparison of the FZ200 against the WG-1.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the FZ200 and WG-1 is 65 and 93 respectively.

In many cases, its hard to imagine the difference in sensor measurements just by checking out a spec sheet. The graphic here might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the FZ200 and WG-1.

Clearly, both of those cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit different resolution. You can expect the Pentax WG-1 to produce more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more modern FZ200 provides an edge in sensor technology.