Panasonic GF1 vs Pentax WG-2

On this page, we will be reviewing the Panasonic GF1 versus Pentax WG-2, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Waterproof by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the GF1 (12MP) and WG-2 (16MP) and the GF1 (Four Thirds) and WG-2 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor measurements.

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The GF1 was manufactured 3 years prior to the WG-2 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax WG-2 being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a detailed comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the GF1 matches up vs the WG-2 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 and Pentax Optio WG-2. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic GF1 Gallery and Pentax WG-2 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera regularly, you'll need to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GF1 has got outside measurements of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") along with a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs) and the Pentax WG-2 has proportions of 122mm x 61mm x 30mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") with a weight of 192 grams (0.42 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic GF1 versus Pentax WG-2 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are employing at the time. Underneath is a front view over all size comparison of the GF1 against the WG-2.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the GF1 and WG-2 is 85 and 91 respectively.

In many cases, it can be hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing only by going over technical specs. The graphic here will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the GF1 and WG-2.

As you can tell, both of the cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The GF1 because of its bigger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field simpler and the Pentax WG-2 will offer extra detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs more aggressively. The older GF1 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.