Panasonic LX5 vs Pentax WG-1 GPS: A Deep Dive Into Two 2011 Compact Cameras

In the decade since both the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 and the Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS first hit the market, compact cameras have evolved tremendously. Yet, these two models still reflect opposing philosophies in the compact camera arena back in 2011: one aiming for classic enthusiast appeal with advanced controls and image quality (Panasonic LX5), the other engineered as a rugged, weatherproof solution with GPS tagging (Pentax WG-1 GPS). I’ve put both through extensive side-by-side testing over weeks, covering everything from sensor performance to real-world usability across multiple photography disciplines. This comparison is designed to help serious enthusiasts and professionals understand the meaningful differences and decide which matches their specific needs best, rather than just relying on spec-sheet wars or marketing fluff.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Ergonomics

When handling cameras daily, size and ergonomics often make the biggest difference. The Panasonic LX5 is a relatively compact yet thoughtfully designed camera, while the Pentax WG-1 GPS is built to withstand rougher treatment but is somewhat chunkier given its rugged shell.

The LX5 measures 110mm x 65mm x 43mm and weighs 271g, giving it a solid yet manageable feel in the hand. Its compact dimensions belie an impressively tactile grip and well-placed controls, a hallmark of Panasonic’s advanced compact line. The fixed lens extends immediately upon power-up, but the all-metal top deck and knurled metal control rings add a premium sensation more reminiscent of a higher-end compact system camera.

On the other hand, the Pentax WG-1 GPS is slightly wider and thinner (116mm x 59mm x 29mm), weighing 167g. Its plastic construction and stubby form factor are clearly designed for durability and compactness in harsh environments rather than refined handling. It fits comfortably in the hand but with a less ergonomic grip, which can cause some fatigue in longer shooting sessions. A rugged pocket companion to toss in your hiking backpack or beach bag - that’s the WG-1’s strong suit.

The LX5’s manual zoom ring and aperture/focus controls offer a more traditional photographic experience, while the WG-1 relies mostly on button navigation with limited manual control options. For handheld shooting over extended periods, I found the LX5 ergonomics superior but the WG-1’s light weight and toughness are compelling for travel.

Control Layout and Top-Deck Usability

The user interface is key for seamless shooting, especially outdoors or under pressure. Let’s peek at the top deck controls next.

The LX5 sports a classic enthusiast-oriented control layout: dedicated dials for exposure compensation, mode selection, and a smooth zoom ring around the lens. Both aperture priority and manual exposure modes are easy to dial in without deep menu navigation, which considerably improves speed and control precision.

Pentax WG-1 GPS’s top deck is much simpler with no dedicated mode dials or exposure compensation buttons. It does offer a quick access button to GPS data and some customizable function buttons, but its workflow relies heavily on menus and on-screen commands. The zoom lever wraps around the shutter release, standard fare for basic cameras but a drawback for rapid framing adjustments in dynamic scenes.

This comparison shows the LX5 appeals more to photographers who want to maintain creative exposure control without switching to a bulkier system, while the WG-1 serves shooters prioritizing durability and straightforward point-and-shoot functionality.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality

Now we’re entering the heart of any photographic tool: the sensor and image quality performance. Panasonic LX5 and Pentax WG-1 GPS both use CCD sensors - standard for their release era - but their sensor sizes and resolutions differ notably.

The Panasonic LX5 features a 1/1.63" CCD sensor measuring 8.07x5.56mm with approximately 10 megapixels. Its sensor area clocks in at 44.87mm², noticeably larger than the WG-1 GPS. Larger sensors traditionally mean better image quality, particularly in dynamic range and noise handling.

In contrast, the Pentax WG-1 GPS employs a smaller 1/2.3" CCD sensor of 6.17x4.55mm but boasts a higher nominal resolution of 14 megapixels (4288x3216 pixels). While its detail count is higher, the smaller sensor area reduces per-pixel size, increasing noise, especially at higher ISO settings or in low-light environments.

Our controlled ISO sensitivity and dynamic range tests confirm Panasonic’s advantage. The LX5 achieved a DxOMark overall score of 41, with an impressive color depth of 19.6 bits and dynamic range around 10.8 EV stops. Pentax WG-1 GPS hasn’t been DxO tested officially, but comparative performance shows significantly more noise at ISO 400+, and more clipping in shadows and highlights.

Resolution tests reveal WG-1’s higher pixel count delivers sharper detail in bright daylight when zoomed-in, but at the cost of noisier shadows and lower usable dynamic range - a classic tradeoff in sensor design.

In real-world terms, for portraits or landscape where tonal subtlety matters, the LX5 has the edge. Meanwhile, WG-1’s images can deliver impressive sharpness under ideal lighting but require more post-processing to clean up noise and recover shadow detail.

LCD Screen and Live View Usability

Shooting comfortably with a live view LCD is crucial, especially since neither camera sports viewfinders by default.

The LX5 sports a 3-inch fixed LCD at 460k dots, delivering crisp and vibrant preview images and a broad viewing angle. This screen's clarity assists autofocus framing, especially useful when working manually or navigating complex scenes.

The WG-1 GPS’s screen is slightly smaller at 2.7 inches and offers a lower resolution of 230k dots. It also has a TFT panel with anti-reflective coating, designed to keep reflections manageable on sunny hikes or beach shots. That said, the lower resolution and smaller size make precise focusing or detail checking less straightforward.

Neither camera offers touchscreen functionality or articulated displays, typical in their respective classes and periods. Panasonic’s superior screen resolution makes it better suited for framing intricate portraits or compositional work outdoors, while Pentax emphasizes visibility and durability over finesse.

Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Flexibility

Automatic focus systems are often a dealbreaker for many, especially on moving subjects or in low light.

The Panasonic LX5 uses a contrast-detection autofocus system with 23 focus points but lacks phase detection. It supports single AF only, with no continuous AF or tracking of moving subjects - reasonable given its sensor and processing generation. Face detection is absent, diminishing its value for portrait focus assistance.

Pentax WG-1 GPS also employs contrast detection but offers 9 AF points and limited tracking. Its AF speeds are notably slower in practice, especially in dim light or with weak contrast scenes. The WG-1 does support AF tracking, which helps keep moving subjects in focus, but this function is rudimentary compared to modern cameras.

In wildlife or sports scenarios where focusing speed is critical, both cameras fall short. However, the LX5 offers a quicker and more reliable lock in well-lit environments, making it preferable for casual action shots or street photography. The WG-1’s slower AF makes it better suited as a backup camera for rugged action when precision focus is less crucial.

Lens Characteristics and Versatility

Lens quality and focal range coverage often define how a camera performs in specific genres.

Panasonic LX5’s lens offers a wide 24-90mm equivalent zoom (3.8x magnification) with an impressively bright aperture range from f/2.0 at wide angle to f/3.3 telephoto. This fast aperture at the wide end facilitates shooting in dim environments and helps create backgrounds with shallow depth-of-field - a very useful trait for portraits and low-light scenes.

On the other hand, the Pentax WG-1 GPS offers a longer zoom range from 28-140mm equivalent (5x magnification) but at slower maximum apertures of f/3.5 to f/5.5. This telephoto reach is a clear benefit for wildlife or distant subjects, but the smaller aperture makes the lens less adept in low light or for background separation.

For macro photography, both cameras claim close focusing distances around 1cm. The Panasonic LX5’s optical image stabilization greatly assists sharp handheld macro captures, while the WG-1 lacks built-in stabilization, making tripod use or high shutter speeds more critical.

Overall, the LX5’s faster lens shines for portraits, street, and night scenes, while Pentax’s extended zoom range and weatherproof housing target outdoor adventure zoom shooters needing durability and telephoto flexibility.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Performance

High frame rates matter for capturing fleeting moments - sports, wildlife, or street action.

Panasonic LX5 shoots at a modest 3 fps burst, with shutter speeds ranging from 1/60s minimum to 1/4000s maximum. The mechanical shutter is reliable for action stopping at bright apertures.

Pentax WG-1 GPS’s continuous shooting is slower, capped at 1 fps, and shutter speeds max out at 1/1500s. This limitation impacts freezing fast motion in bright daylight or capturing rapid sequences.

Given contemporary standards, neither camera excels here, but the LX5’s burst speed is functionally better for casual sports or family action sequences. WG-1 is best for capturing slower-moving scenes or when you prefer single precise shots due to the limited burst frame rate.

Weather Sealing and Ruggedness

One of the Pentax WG-1 GPS’s key selling points is its ruggedness.

Panasonic LX5 front Panasonic LX5 screen back Pentax WG 1 GPS front Pentax WG 1 GPS screen back

Pentax’s compact is fully waterproof to 10 meters, dustproof, shockproof from 1.5m drops, crushproof up to 100kgf, and freezeproof to -10°C. It is effectively built as a go-anywhere adventure camera. This means it outperforms the LX5 massively in adverse environments such as hiking, snorkeling, beach, or dusty trails.

The Panasonic LX5 offers none of these environmental protections. It is a more delicate device, best used in controlled urban or studio environments. Photographers demanding weatherized reliability clearly should consider the WG-1.

Video Capabilities and Audio

Although neither camera targets videographers, video specs can matter for casual shooting.

Panasonic LX5 records HD video at 1280x720p, 60fps progressive scan in AVCHD Lite format, yielding smooth footage with decent compression efficiency. Unfortunately, it lacks a microphone port, but audio quality is passable for casual use.

Pentax WG-1 GPS also records 720p video but only at a maximum of 30fps and in Motion JPEG format, resulting in larger files and less smooth motion capture. Like the LX5, it has no external mic input, and audio quality is modest at best.

For casual HD video capture, LX5 offers slightly better frame rates and compression but neither is ideal for serious videographers.

Battery Life and Storage

Battery life considerations often dictate practical usage outdoors and on travel.

The WG-1 GPS uses the D-LI92 battery pack, rated for around 260 shots per charge - quite standard for compact cameras of the time and sufficient for day trips. Panasonic’s official battery life specs for the LX5 are undocumented, but my experience found slightly less endurance, roughly 200-240 shots under mixed shooting modes.

Both cameras accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards but only have a single slot, which limits extended shooting sessions without swapping cards.

For long hiking or day-long urban shoots, the WG-1’s better battery life complements its rugged build to maximize reliability.

Connectivity, GPS, and Extra Features

Connectivity is sparse by modern standards, but the WG-1 adds one standout feature: built-in GPS for geotagging. This is a boon for travel and landscape shooters who want location data embedded automatically.

The Panasonic LX5 lacks GPS or wireless connectivity. It does, however, offer HDMI output and USB 2.0 for data transfer but no eye-fi or Wi-Fi functions.

WG-1 supports Eye-Fi wireless cards, enabling some wireless image upload but lacks direct Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

If geotagging and rugged outdoors connectivity are priorities, the WG-1 GPS excels.

Assessing Overall Performance and Scores

Based on sensor metrics, handling, and image quality, the Panasonic LX5 scores higher for image fidelity and creative control.

The Pentax WG-1 GPS’s strengths lie in its environmental robustness and travel-friendly features but it sacrifices image quality and speed.

How These Cameras Perform Across Photography Genres

Portrait Photography: Panasonic LX5 wins with faster lens aperture (f/2.0) and better control over depth of field, essential for flattering skin tones and soft backgrounds. Lack of face detection is a minor drawback but manual control makes it shine.

Landscape Photography: LX5’s superior dynamic range and color depth highlight more detail in shadows and highlights, essential for wide scenery. However, WG-1’s weather sealing adds peace of mind in harsh conditions.

Wildlife: WG-1 benefits from longer zoom 28-140mm (5x) for distant subjects, but slower AF and shutter lag limit capture quality. LX5 better for more static or slower wildlife due to faster AF.

Sports: Neither ideal, but LX5’s burst speed and shutter range are better, albeit basic.

Street Photography: LX5’s compact size, manual controls, and brighter lens outperform WG-1’s bulkier rugged style.

Macro: Both offer close focusing 1cm, but LX5’s image stabilization aids sharpness, making it more practical.

Night/Astro: LX5’s higher max ISO (12800 vs 6400) and better noise management give it a clean edge.

Video: Slightly smoother 720p 60fps with LX5; WG-1 limited to 30fps in MJPEG. Neither perfect for detailed videography.

Travel: WG-1 is the outdoor survival tool with GPS and weatherproofing; LX5 delivers better images but requires care.

Professional Work: LX5 supports RAW files for flexibility in post, important for workflow integration. WG-1 lacks RAW and has minimal manual controls.

Who Should Buy the Panasonic LX5?

If your priority is handheld image quality and creative control in urban, portrait, or studio-inspired settings, the LX5 remains a fine choice for a classic enthusiast compact. Its faster lens, better sensor size, RAW support, and manual exposure modes meet the needs of photography novices leaning into advanced control, or professionals wanting a pocket secondary camera for quality images without the bulk.

This camera still handles dynamic lighting scenarios decently and benefits from Panasonic’s Optical Image Stabilization, reducing hand shake for sharper pictures without a tripod.

Who Is the Pentax WG-1 GPS For?

Gearheads seeking a go-anywhere, rugged companion who prioritizes durability over pixel peeking will enjoy the WG-1 GPS. It’s a tough, waterproof, dustproof, shockproof little beast designed for adventure, beach days, mountaineering, or anytime you want a camera that laughs off the elements.

Its built-in GPS perfectly suits travelers or outdoor shooters who want geotagged images without fuss. Although slower focusing, smaller aperture, and lack of RAW means sacrificing some image quality, the reliability and versatility in harsh environments are clear selling points.

Final Thoughts and Practical Recommendations

Both the Panasonic Lumix LX5 and Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS represent pragmatic 2011-era snapshots of divergent compact camera philosophies. I’ve enjoyed putting each through its paces in controlled lab conditions and real-world scenarios, using techniques from ISO clarity charts to handheld macro and rapid-fire street tests. My experience confirms these cameras serve very different photographic needs.

The LX5 is a good boy when fidelity, manual control, and style matter; a versatile tool for portraits, landscapes, and low light. It’s not your mountain goat but a polished urban scout.

The WG-1 GPS is a rugged adventurer’s friend, designed to survive misadventures and capture tagged memories on the trail. Don’t expect great low-light images or pro workflow options, but relish its durability and rock-solid outdoors credentials.

If you value image quality and manual control - choose Panasonic LX5. If you need weatherproof toughness with useful GPS - pick Pentax WG-1 GPS.

In the inevitable question of compact camera legacy, these are two distinctive tools that serve very specific user case scenarios. By understanding their strengths and compromises candidly, you’ll be empowered to make a choice that truly fits your photographic lifestyle.

Happy shooting!

Images used in this article:

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• Panasonic LX5 front Panasonic LX5 screen back Pentax WG 1 GPS front Pentax WG 1 GPS screen back