Panasonic GH2 vs Pentax WG-2: An Expert Comparison Across Photography Genres

In the world of photography gear, cameras rarely get compared across such distinct categories as the Panasonic Lumix GH2 and the Pentax WG-2. One is an advanced mirrorless camera oriented towards enthusiast and professional photographers, with a Micro Four Thirds sensor and extensive manual controls; the other is a rugged, compact waterproof camera designed for adventure and harsh environmental use. How do these two cameras perform when judged side-by-side?

I’ve personally tested thousands of cameras and after spending thorough hands-on time with both the Panasonic GH2 and Pentax WG-2, this comprehensive analysis breaks down their strengths and weaknesses across a full range of photographic disciplines, performance metrics, and real-world usability factors. Every aspect - from sensor technology and autofocus to ergonomics and video capabilities - is examined to help you decide which camera might suit your unique needs.

Let’s dive in.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Ergonomics

Before any photo is taken, how a camera handles in your hands profoundly impacts the shooting experience. The Panasonic GH2, released in 2011, adopts an SLR-style mirrorless design with a solid polycarbonate and magnesium alloy body that feels sturdier and more substantial than a typical compact.

The Pentax WG-2, a 2012 waterproof compact, is no slouch either, boasting robust environmental sealing that withstands water, dust, shock, freeze, and crush. However, its pocket-friendly size and thickness make it noticeably smaller and lighter.

Physically measuring 124x90x76mm and weighing in at 442g (body only), the GH2 is heavier and bulkier but offers a traditional DSLR-style grip ergonomics. This translates to better shooting stability, especially with longer lenses. On the other hand, the WG-2’s diminutive 122x61x30mm size and 192g weight make it perfect for travel, hiking, or situations where discretion and portability are paramount.

While the GH2 fits well in medium to large hands with easy thumb and finger placement on well-damped controls, the WG-2’s compact body may feel cramped for extended shooting. Nevertheless, its ruggedized buttons and strong build quality excel in demanding outdoor conditions.

Verdict: GH2 wins ergonomics for comfort and control; WG-2 shines in portability and durability.

Control Layout and Interface

A camera’s user interface can quickly become a deal-breaker or maker for photographers juggling settings in the field.

The GH2 sports a well-laid-out control set - exemplified by the familiar DSLR-like top dials and rear buttons that allow quick access to ISO, shutter speed, aperture, white balance, and menu navigation. Exposure modes include manual, aperture priority, and shutter priority, catering to enthusiasts who want creative control.

Conversely, the WG-2’s controls are minimalistic, focusing on basic point-and-shoot operation with limited manual override. It supports custom white balance but lacks exposure compensation, manual exposure modes, or shutter/aperture priority modes.

The GH2’s top-mounted mode dial and dedicated buttons bring immediate responsiveness when tweaking settings under a range of shooting scenarios. I found this intuitive after a short familiarization.

The WG-2, aligned with its rugged purpose, offers simplicity: fixed aperture control (F3.5-5.5), a zoom rocker, and a few function buttons. While not conducive to granular exposure tweaks, its interface caters to quick operation, especially under harsh conditions where fiddling with menus isn’t feasible.

Verdict: GH2 nails the control layout for creative flexibility; WG-2 limits complexity in favor of rugged simplicity.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

A critical point of divergence between these two cameras is their sensor format and resultant image quality potential.

The GH2 employs a Four Thirds-sized CMOS sensor with dimensions of 17.3x13mm and 16 megapixels resolution (4608x3456 pixels), paired with the Venus Engine FHD processor. Despite being older technology, this sensor size is sizable enough to provide solid image quality, decent dynamic range, and manageable noise performance at moderate ISO settings.

The WG-2’s sensor is a much smaller 1/2.3” BSI-CMOS measuring 6.17x4.55mm with 16 megapixels at a slightly lower max resolution of 4288x3216 pixels. The tiny sensor, typical of rugged compacts, limits dynamic range and noise handling, especially in low light.

Based on DxOMark data, the GH2 scores an overall 60 points with strong color depth (21.2 bits) and dynamic range (11.3 EV) metrics. Its native ISO range spans 160 to 12800, offering flexibility for varied lighting.

The WG-2 lacks formal DxOMark benchmarking, but its small sensor area (28.07 mm² vs. GH2’s 224.9 mm²) inevitably restricts performance, particularly under low-light conditions where noise proliferates quickly.

In practical testing, the GH2 delivers crisp images with good tonal gradation and color fidelity up to ISO 1600. Beyond that, noise becomes noticeable but remains manageable with careful post-processing.

The WG-2, intended as a grab-and-go camera, produces acceptable daylight images but struggles with noise even at ISO 200 or 400 in dim environments.

Verdict: GH2 offers superior image quality and low-light usability; WG-2 is adequate for casual or opportunistic shooting but limited by sensor size.

Autofocus Performance and Accuracy

Autofocus (AF) systems are a major differentiator, especially when capturing fast-moving subjects or precision focus is needed.

The Panasonic GH2 features a contrast-detection AF system with 23 focus points and face detection capabilities. It supports continuous autofocus and tracking modes, making it versatile for dynamic subjects. In my tests, the GH2’s AF was reliable for stills and video, though contrast-detection autofocus inherently lags behind modern hybrid and phase detection systems in speed.

The Pentax WG-2 uses a simpler 9-point contrast AF system with live view but no continuous AF or advanced tracking. It supports face detection but lacks more sophisticated subject recognition features.

In real-world practice, the GH2’s autofocus system performed very well for portraits and slow to moderate-moving subjects with accurate eye detection. Burst AF tracking was decent, though its modest 3 fps continuous shooting speed limits capturing peak action.

The WG-2’s AF works satisfactorily for static subjects but can hunt and lag considerably with movement or low light. Its single-shot AF operation constrains its capacity to capture fleeting moments.

Verdict: GH2 clearly takes the lead in AF speed and accuracy; WG-2’s system fits casual snapshots only.

LCD and Viewfinder Experience

Composition and review comfort are essential, especially outdoors or in bright light.

The GH2 boasts a 3-inch fully articulating TFT LCD touchscreen with 460,000 dots resolution, allowing versatile framing from awkward angles - very handy for video or macro photography. Its electronic viewfinder (EVF) offers 100% coverage, though lacks resolution data, with approximately 0.71x magnification, providing clear framing even in bright daylight.

The WG-2 has a 3-inch fixed TFT LCD with anti-reflective coating and the same 460,000 dots resolution. It lacks any kind of EVF, meaning composition must solely rely on the LCD.

In bright outdoor shooting, the WG-2’s LCD is reasonably visible owing to its anti-reflective technology but cannot match the clarity and framing precision of an EVF.

The GH2’s articulating screen is very flexible and useful for low or high angle shots, while its EVF is invaluable in bright conditions, such as snow or direct sunlight, reducing glare and improving composition accuracy.

Verdict: GH2 offers superior viewing options and flexibility; WG-2’s fixed screen limits compositional convenience.

Handling Across Photography Genres: Which Excels Where?

Now let me break down how these cameras fare across major photographic disciplines based on real field tests.

Portrait Photography

The GH2’s larger sensor delivers richer skin tones, smoother tonal transitions, and pleasing bokeh with compatible lenses thanks to its Micro Four Thirds mount. Its 23-point AF combined with face and eye detection helps maintain sharp focus on eyes - critical for portraits.

The WG-2, with fixed lens and smaller sensor, produces images with less depth separation and limited background blur. Additionally, AF limitations can hinder perfect focus on eyes, an essential element in portraiture.

Winner: Panasonic GH2 for nuanced portrait work and focus accuracy.

Landscape Photography

Landscape photographers crave high resolution and dynamic range to capture details across highlights and shadows.

The GH2’s sensor size and 16MP resolution, combined with manual exposure controls and raw support, provide the tools to capture stunning landscapes with expansive tonal range. Its lack of environmental sealing, however, requires cautious use in inclement weather.

The WG-2’s weatherproofing shines for rugged landscapes and outdoor adventures. It’s waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and freezeproof, so you can shoot confidently in harsh conditions. Yet, its smaller sensor and JPEG-only format limit image quality, especially in complex lighting.

Winner: GH2 for image quality and tonal performance; WG-2 for ruggedness and all-weather reliability.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

These genres demand fast and accurate autofocus, high continuous shooting speeds, and telephoto reach.

The GH2’s contrast AF tracking is capable of following moderately moving wildlife and sports subjects, but with a modest 3 fps burst rate, it can struggle with rapid action bursts. The Micro Four Thirds lens ecosystem offers a good selection of telephoto lenses for wildlife.

The WG-2’s fixed 28-140mm equivalent lens offers moderate zoom but slower AF and only 1 fps burst, limiting action capture potential.

Winner: Panasonic GH2 for AF and telephoto flexibility, but neither is ideal for professional-level sports/wildlife action.

Street Photography

Street shooters often want lightweight, discreet cameras with quick startup and unobtrusive operation.

The compact weight and size of the WG-2 make it naturally stealthy and easy to carry during urban exploration. Its rugged design adds peace of mind when shooting in dynamic street environments.

The GH2 is larger and more noticeable, and less suited to candid street shooting due to size. However, its articulated screen is handy for shooting from unconventional angles inconspicuously.

Winner: Pentax WG-2 for portability and tough build; GH2 for versatility if size is not a concern.

Macro Photography

Macro work demands precise focus control and often specialized lenses.

The GH2 benefits from an extensive Micro Four Thirds lens lineup, including several dedicated macro lenses and manual focus aids like focus peaking for pixel-perfect close-up shots.

The WG-2 offers a fixed lens with close focus down to 1cm, surprisingly good for casual macro, but without raw output or focus bracketing options.

Winner: Panasonic GH2 for professional macro capabilities; WG-2 for quick, casual close-ups.

Night and Astro Photography

Low-light ability hinges on sensor performance, ISO range, and exposure flexibility.

The GH2’s sensitivity up to ISO 12800, raw support, and shutter/aperture priority modes let skilled photographers capture stars and night scenes effectively, albeit with some noise above ISO 1600.

The WG-2’s small sensor and limited ISO performance up to 6400 restrict night shooting to well-lit subjects. Its fixed aperture and lack of manual exposure modes limit long exposure flexibility.

Winner: GH2 for low-light and astrophotography applications.

Video Capabilities

Videographers will appreciate the GH2’s early but still capable video specs: full HD 1080p at 24, 30, and 60 fps with AVCHD and Motion JPEG codecs, an external microphone port, and an articulating screen.

The WG-2 records 1080p at 30fps and 720p at 60fps but lacks a microphone input, limiting audio control, and offers no touchscreen for focus adjustments during recording.

Winner: Panasonic GH2 for versatile video features and manual control.

Travel Photography

Travelers require cameras balancing image quality, durability, battery life, and size.

The GH2 weighs more and is less rugged but delivers superior image quality and versatility in lens choices, ideal if careful packing is viable.

The WG-2 is ultra-portable and built tough to survive bumps, water, and dust - perfect as a companion on rugged adventures.

Battery life is similar: 330 shots for GH2 vs. 260 for WG-2.

Winner: Situational - GH2 for image quality, WG-2 for rugged travel utility.

Professional Work and Workflow Integration

Professional photographers need raw files, reliable performance, and compatibility with editing workflows.

The GH2 offers raw support, manual exposure controls, and solid build, suiting semi-pro workflows.

The WG-2’s lack of raw capability, limited controls, and small sensor restrict professional applicability.

Technical Deep Dive: Build, Connectivity, and Price-to-Performance

• Build Quality: The GH2 lacks weather sealing, requiring care; the WG-2 is fully sealed and shockproof.
• Lens Ecosystem: GH2’s Micro Four Thirds mount enjoys hundreds of lenses from Panasonic, Olympus, and third parties; WG-2’s fixed lens is limited but covers useful zoom range.
• Battery: GH2 uses proprietary battery with c. 330 shots/charge; WG-2 slightly less at 260 shots.
• Connectivity: GH2 offers USB 2.0 and HDMI out; WG-2 adds Eye-Fi wireless connectivity (for compatible cards) but no mic input.
• Storage: Both accept SD cards; WG-2 includes internal memory.
• Price: GH2 retails around $999; WG-2 around $350 - significant budget difference.

Image Samples and Performance Ratings

To visualize their capabilities side by side, here are sample images taken under controlled conditions and in the field.

Panasonic GH2 front Panasonic GH2 screen back Pentax WG 2 front Pentax WG 2 screen back

Although the WG-2 handles daylight scenes well, the GH2’s images show richer tonality and detail, especially in shadows and highlights.

Overall camera scores based on professional tests:

Genre-specific performance highlights:

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

The Panasonic GH2 and Pentax WG-2 cater to very different user needs and use cases. Choosing between them depends heavily on your priorities.

• Choose the Panasonic GH2 if you:

  • Value superior image quality with a larger sensor and raw file support
  • Need manual control over exposure for creative photography
  • Shoot portraits, landscapes, macro, or video seriously
  • Have patience for carrying a larger, less rugged system
  • Want access to a broad Micro Four Thirds lens selection

• Choose the Pentax WG-2 if you:

  • Need a compact, rugged camera to survive harsh conditions (waterproof, shockproof)
  • Desire simplicity over manual complexity for casual snapshots and travel
  • Want a lightweight camera to throw in a backpack or pocket
  • Shoot outdoors in weather and want reliable operation without fuss
  • Have a limited budget

While the GH2 is the stronger all-around photographic tool, the WG-2 is a niche ranger capable of capturing memories in places few cameras dare to go.

Wrapping Up

Evaluating cameras across such different categories reminds us that the “best” camera is as much about environment and use-case as specs. The GH2 is a thoughtful, versatile mirrorless system offering substantial creative freedom and image quality, shaped by over a decade of Panasonic's Micro Four Thirds evolution.

Meanwhile, the Pentax WG-2 thrives where robustness and simplicity matter most - a reminder that sometimes less is more, especially when your camera must face the elements.

I hope this detailed comparison guides your choice well, matching your shooting style and demands to the camera that fits best.

Happy shooting!

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