Panasonic GX850 vs Pentax WG-1

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic GX850 versus Pentax WG-1, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Waterproof by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the GX850 (16MP) and the WG-1 (14MP) is fairly comparable but the GX850 (Four Thirds) and WG-1 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The GX850 was released 5 years after the WG-1 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GX850 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax WG-1 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight to a full comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the GX850 matches up against the WG-1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX850 and Pentax Optio WG-1. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic GX850 Gallery and Pentax WG-1 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry around your camera, you will have to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic GX850 has got outer dimensions of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) whilst the Pentax WG-1 has specifications of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") with a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic GX850 versus Pentax WG-1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the GX850 and the WG-1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GX850 and WG-1 is 90 and 93 respectively.

Sometimes, its hard to visualise the difference in sensor sizes just by seeing a spec sheet. The image underneath will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the GX850 and WG-1.

Clearly, both the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The GX850 due to its larger sensor will make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic GX850 will show more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The newer GX850 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor technology.