Panasonic LX5 vs Pentax WG-1 GPS

In this write-up, we are contrasting the Panasonic LX5 and Pentax WG-1 GPS, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Waterproof by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizable difference between the image resolutions of the LX5 (10MP) and WG-1 GPS (14MP) and the LX5 (1/1.63") and WG-1 GPS (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor size.

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The LX5 was released 5 months later than the WG-1 GPS and they are both of a similar age. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a more detailed comparison, below is a simple summation of how the LX5 grades versus the WG-1 GPS in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 & Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic LX5 Gallery & Pentax WG-1 GPS Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic LX5 offers outside dimensions of 110mm x 65mm x 43mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.7") along with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) and the Pentax WG-1 GPS has measurements of 116mm x 59mm x 29mm (4.6" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

See the Panasonic LX5 and Pentax WG-1 GPS in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you select during that time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the LX5 vs the WG-1 GPS.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the LX5 and WG-1 GPS is 88 and 93 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to visualise the difference between sensor sizing purely by reading through specs. The visual below will give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the LX5 and WG-1 GPS.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The LX5 featuring a larger sensor will make achieving bokeh easier and the Pentax WG-1 GPS will resolve more detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics a little more aggressively.