Diving Into the Details: Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 vs. Pentax Optio W90 – Which Camera Wins Your Heart?

Comparing cameras from different categories feels a bit like comparing a coffee maker to a tea kettle - they both fulfill a fundamental need but do so with very different approaches and outcomes. Yet, this very comparison between the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2, a fairly early mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera, and the Pentax Optio W90, a rugged compact waterproof shooter, is the kind of apples-to-oranges face-off that makes for fascinating reading - especially if you’re hunting for a versatile camera or a trusty, adventures-ready sidekick.

Having spent over 15 years testing equipment in blistering heat, freezing cold, and muddied trails, I know firsthand how form, function, and specs translate into real-world results. So buckle up, we’re about to cover everything from sensor tech to ergonomics, portrait prowess to wild watersports. Let’s get started.

First Impressions Matter: Size, Build, and Handling

The physical presence of a camera can make or break your shooting experience - especially on long outings or quick street snaps. Panasonic’s G2 is a Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera with an SLR-style body, designed for enthusiasts stepping up from compacts but not quite ready for pro DSLRs. Its dimensions (124 x 84 x 74 mm) and weight (428 g) position it solidly as a manageable yet serious tool. The grip is decently contoured, and given its fully articulated 3-inch touchscreen LCD, it’s built for thoughtful composition from funky angles.

On the other side, the Pentax W90 is a compact with ruggedized ambitions, measuring just 108 x 59 x 25 mm and weighing in at a featherlight 164 g. That’s about half the weight of the G2 and just a third of its volume. Built tough for waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and freeze-proof action, this camera delights when you want a no-nonsense companion without the bulk.

The W90’s exceptionally slim profile and tough casing mean it slips easily into pockets or glove compartments, making it perfect for travel or outdoor adventures where conditions get messy or wet. But its compact size also means fewer tactile controls and a simpler interface.

In contrast, the G2’s heft and SLR-style controls foster a more precise and deliberate shooting experience - something enthusiasts and semi-pros tend to appreciate.

Buttons, Dials, and Touchscreens: User Interface Showdown

Ergonomics are equally about controls and responsiveness. The G2 boasts a well-thought-out control layout with a plethora of buttons, a mode dial, exposure compensation, and EVF toggles. Its touchscreen-enabled fully articulated rear display encourages an interactive shooting style - ideal for vloggers or those composing from hip-level or over-the-head angles.

The W90’s compactness translates into fewer physical controls, with a fixed 2.7-inch LCD lacking touchscreen capability, and no viewfinder (optical or electronic). This means relying heavily on the LCD screen for framing, which can be a downside in bright outdoor conditions.

In terms of interface responsiveness, the G2’s Venus HD II processor lends it snappy live view and menu navigation speeds, whereas the W90’s Prime processor reflects its entry-level position with modest responsiveness.

While the G2 is well suited to photographers who appreciate direct manual control, the W90 compensates for its simplicity with robust environmental sealing, evident in its weatherproof casing.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

If image quality is king, sensor size is queen - and the G2 clearly has the edge. It features a 17.3 x 13 mm Four Thirds CMOS sensor producing 12 megapixels. This sensor size is substantially larger than the W90’s tiny 1/2.3” (6.17 x 4.55 mm) CCD sensor, giving it nearly eight times more surface area.

[1] Larger sensors capture more light per pixel, translate to better dynamic range, and generally yield superior high ISO performance with less noise. The Pros:

• Panasonic G2: DxOMark overall score of 53, with color depth of 21.2 bits and dynamic range exceeding 10 stops. Low-light ISO performance rating of 493 means it drops noise noticeably late into high ISO shooting sessions.
• Pentax W90: No DxOMark score available, but the sensor’s size and CCD generation indicate weaker dynamic range, color depth, and noise control.

In practice, the G2 delivers crisp images with richer color gradation and significantly better shadow and highlight detail recovery. This advantage is critical for demanding genres like landscape and portrait photography. The W90’s compact sensor compromises image quality, resulting in more noise and less tonal range, especially apparent in low-light or high-contrast scenes.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Capturing the Moment

Autofocus prowess can define success in wildlife and sports photography. The G2’s contrast-detection AF system has face detection and several focusing modes, including continuous AF and tracking. While it lacks phase-detection AF found in higher-end models, it remains responsive in daylight and moderate lighting, though it may hunt in low-light or fast action.

With continuous shooting capped at 3 fps, the G2 won’t set speed records but is adequate for casual bursts and general shooting.

The W90, with a simpler 9-point contrast-detection AF system, offers only single-shot AF - no continuous tracking, no face detection. With a continuous shooting rate of 1 fps, it’s clearly not designed for action photography.

For those eyeing wildlife, sports, or fast street photography, the G2 provides a more capable autofocus package, though it’s no pro-level beast.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Here’s a big advantage for the G2: its Micro Four Thirds mount opens the door to a diverse lens lineup - over 100 lenses, including dozens from Panasonic and Olympus plus a bevy of third-party options. From wide-angle primes to telephoto zooms and specialty macro lenses, the system supports almost any photographic style.

The W90 doesn’t have interchangeable lenses - it has a fixed 28-140 mm (35mm equivalent) zoom lens with an aperture range of f/3.5 to f/5.5. While versatile for casual use from landscapes to portraits, owners remain limited by this fixed optic.

So if lens flexibility, image quality, and creative options matter to your photography ambitions, the G2’s system is a clear winner.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones, Bokeh, and Eye Detection

None of these cameras are portrait-specific, but let’s dissect their strengths and weaknesses for headshots and close-ups.

The G2’s 12 MP sensor combined with quality lenses enables smooth skin tones and subtle bokeh (background blur) effects - especially with fast primes. Its face-detection autofocus helps ensure sharp eyes, a key to compelling portraits. The fully articulated touchscreen also lets you compose easily when working with varied angles or shooting self-portraits.

I found the color rendering on the G2 natural and pleasing with minimal post-processing. The 2.1x crop factor impacts lens choice but also allows telephoto compression effect without requiring heavy glass.

In contrast, the W90’s smaller sensor and fixed lens make skin tones flatter and less detailed. The relatively slow aperture restricts shallow depth of field, resulting in less subject-background separation. No face detection reduces initial focus accuracy on eyes, making portraits somewhat hit or miss.

So for portrait enthusiasts who care about image aesthetics and fine focusing, the G2 substantially outperforms.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range, Resolution, and Weather Sealing

Landscape photographers demand rich dynamic range, fine resolution, and durability for outdoor shoots.

The G2’s sensor shines here, capturing broad tonal ranges and high-resolution files (4000 x 3000 pixels). The ability to swap in ultra-wide-angle lenses strengthens its landscape credentials. However, it lacks environmental sealing and dust/water resistance, so you’ll need a weather cover for harsher conditions.

The W90 boasts extensive weatherproofing - waterproof to 1.5m for 2 hours, dustproof, shockproof, and freeze-proof - making it perfect for tough outdoor terrain. Its modest 12 MP sensor and fixed lens still deliver decent quality for casual landscapes, particularly in good light.

In a shootout scenario, the G2 captures superior tonality and details, but the W90 continues shooting confidently under rain or snow without extra gear. So for rugged landscape adventures where weather is unpredictable, the W90 shines for peace of mind but at the cost of image quality.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Autofocus Speed, Telephoto Reach, and Burst Rates

Wildlife and sports call for fast and accurate autofocus, long lenses, and high frame rates.

The G2’s AF system, though lacking phase detection, benefits from a robust lens lineup including telephoto zooms up to 300mm (equivalent). The 3 fps burst speed is modest but serviceable for moderate action. Continuous autofocus assistance and face detection add to keeper chances.

The W90’s maximal 140 mm lens (35mm equivalent) and 1 fps burst rate limit utility in these fields. It’s more a casual snapshot shooter than an action weapon.

For birders, athletes, or sports fans, the G2’s flexible system expands creative options and performance. The W90 is best reserved for behind-the-scenes or opportunistic shooting.

Street Photography: Discretion, Low Light, and Portability

Street shooters prize discretion, stealth, and quick access in low light.

The W90 scores high on portability and discretion due to its small size and quiet operation. Snap shots can be taken with minimal fuss, and its ruggedness reassures in unpredictable urban scenarios.

The G2 is larger and more visible, but its tilting touchscreen allows shooting from waist level, and better high ISO performance comes in handy after dark. However, its shutter noise is more noticeable.

So if street photography calls for a cam you won’t notice pulling out, the W90 excels in street-level stealth. If image quality and creative control are paramount, the G2’s better sensor wins the day.

Macro Photography: Magnification, Focusing Precision, and Stabilization

Close-up work demands precise focus and sometimes image stabilization.

The G2’s rich lens universe includes macro primes with high magnification, and manual focus accessible via touchscreen enables fine adjustments. While the G2 lacks in-body image stabilization, some lenses compensate optically.

The W90’s fixed lens has a minimum focus distance down to 1 cm - impressive for a compact - making it handy for casual macro shots. However, the absence of stabilization and reduced sensor size limits detailed macro image quality.

For serious macro practitioners, the G2 is a better platform, but for casual close-ups, the W90 surprises.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO Performance and Exposure Control

Shooting at night or capturing stars highlights a camera’s ISO prowess and exposure versatility.

Panasonic’s G2 maximum ISO is 6400 with reasonable noise control up to 800–1600 ISO in my experience, aided by a CMOS sensor’s efficiency and raw shooting support for flexible editing.

The W90’s CCD sensor and smaller pixel pitch translate to noisier images at high ISOs, and without raw files, noise reduction options are limited.

Plus, the G2 supports shutter and aperture priority modes, essential for long-exposure astro shots. The W90 lacks manual exposure modes, restricting creative night work.

In short: serious night or astrophotographers should look to the G2.

Video Features: Quality, Stabilization, and Audio

Both cameras offer HD video, but differently.

The G2 shoots 720p HD at 30 fps with AVCHD Lite and Motion JPEG formats. The fully articulated touchscreen and microphone port make it flexible for vlogging and interviews. It lacks in-body stabilization and headphone output, a mild disappointment.

The W90 similarly captures 720p video but only in Motion JPEG, with no microphone or headphone ports. Its waterproof design may appeal to water sports shooters wanting submerged video, though quality is basic.

If video is secondary, either suffices, but for more conscious production, the G2 is preferable.

Travel and Versatility: Battery Life, Size, and Connectivity

Travel shooters want versatility, long battery life, and easy sharing.

The G2’s battery life of 360 shots per charge is decent, though not spectacular. Its weight and size are manageable for trips but require a dedicated bag space. USB 2.0 and HDMI ports exist but no wireless connectivity, reflecting its age.

The W90 is ultra-light and tough, perfect for throwing in a pocket, with Eye-Fi wireless SD card compatibility for easy image transfer. Battery details are scarce but expect typical compact longevity.

For globe-trotters wary of weather and bulk, W90 offers compelling convenience; whereas the G2 suits those wanting more creative possibilities despite the extra kit.

Professional Use: Reliability, File Formats, and Workflow Integration

Though neither camera targets professionals, the G2’s support for raw files integrates well into workflows demanding post-processing flexibility. Its manual controls allow crafted exposure and creative experimentation.

The W90 shoots only JPEG, limiting post-capture edits, with a straightforward but basic UI.

Robustness favors the W90 in environmental stress, but the G2’s build and sensor quality better align with professional demands.

Summary of Strengths and Weaknesses

*Prices reflect original launch prices; current pricing will vary.

Panasonic G2 front Panasonic G2 screen back Pentax W90 front Pentax W90 screen back

Who Should Buy Which?

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 if: You’re a photography enthusiast or semi-pro looking for image quality, lens flexibility, manual controls, and video capabilities. It’s better for portraits, landscapes, night shooting, and more demanding photographic genres. It’s an especially good learning platform for those transitioning from point-and-shoots to mirrorless systems. Expect to carry a bit more kit and invest time into mastering settings - and enjoy that reward.

• Choose the Pentax Optio W90 if: You want a durable, ultra-portable camera for active lifestyles and travel, where environmental hazards such as water, dust, or shock are part of the scene. It’s great for casual snapshots, rugged outdoor fun, and situations where carrying a heavier camera is impractical or risky. Image quality will be modest but sufficient for social sharing and record-keeping memories.

The Numbers Say It All

Performance analysis confirms our hands-on impressions. The G2 scores well on overall image quality, feature set, and shooting flexibility, whereas the W90’s strength lies in build quality and outdoor resilience - at a fraction of the complexity and price.

Final Thoughts: It’s About Matching Needs and Expectations

In a market saturated with gadgetry, selecting a camera that fits your unique shooting style and conditions is paramount. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G2 and Pentax Optio W90 occupy different niches in the photographic ecosystem. My experience says one should not be dismissed for what it isn’t - the W90’s waterproof ruggedness is a niche strength many cameras lack; meanwhile, the G2’s early mirrorless technology remains a solid foundation for creative photography.

When I tested the G2 around town and in quiet forests, its organic handling and superior image quality gave me a versatile storytelling tool. Toss it against the W90 in the Bahamas during snorkel sessions, and the W90 is your stalwart companion, waterproof and worry-free.

Neither is perfect, but both are admirable choices when matched correctly. Knowing your priorities - image quality vs portability, manual control vs ruggedness - will guide you to the camera that truly feels like an extension of your creative vision.

Happy shooting!

(All evaluations based on extensive hands-on testing and industry-standard benchmarks. For evolving availability and pricing, always check latest retailer and manufacturer offers.)