Panasonic G85 vs Pentax WG-2 GPS

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic G85 and Pentax WG-2 GPS, one being a Advanced Mirrorless and the latter is a Waterproof by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the G85 (16MP) and the WG-2 GPS (16MP) is pretty well matched but the G85 (Four Thirds) and WG-2 GPS (1/2.3") have totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The G85 was released 4 years later than the WG-2 GPS and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic G85 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax WG-2 GPS being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a thorough comparison, here is a simple summary of how the G85 matches up versus the WG-2 GPS with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G85 and Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic G85 Gallery and Pentax WG-2 GPS Gallery.

In case you're planning to lug around your camera frequently, you're going to have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic G85 provides physical measurements of 128mm x 89mm x 74mm (5.0" x 3.5" x 2.9") having a weight of 505 grams (1.11 lbs) while the Pentax WG-2 GPS has proportions of 122mm x 61mm x 30mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic G85 and Pentax WG-2 GPS in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you choose at that time. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the G85 against the WG-2 GPS.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the G85 and WG-2 GPS is 69 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, it's hard to visualise the contrast between sensor measurements only by looking at specs. The graphic below might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the G85 and WG-2 GPS.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras provide the same megapixel count albeit not the same sensor measurements. The G85 has the bigger sensor which will make achieving shallow depth of field simpler. The more modern G85 will have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.