Panasonic LZ40 vs Pentax WG-1 GPS

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Panasonic LZ40 and Pentax WG-1 GPS, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Waterproof by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a crucial difference between the sensor resolutions of the LZ40 (20MP) and WG-1 GPS (14MP) but they enjoy the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The LZ40 was launched 2 years after the WG-1 GPS which is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic LZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax WG-1 GPS being a Compact camera.

Before delving through a in-depth comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the LZ40 scores versus the WG-1 GPS in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40 and Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic LZ40 Gallery and Pentax WG-1 GPS Gallery.

For those who are intending to travel with your camera, you need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic LZ40 features outer measurements of 126mm x 87mm x 94mm (5.0" x 3.4" x 3.7") and a weight of 524 grams (1.16 lbs) whilst the Pentax WG-1 GPS has dimensions of 116mm x 59mm x 29mm (4.6" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic LZ40 and Pentax WG-1 GPS in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have during that time. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the LZ40 against the WG-1 GPS.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the LZ40 and WG-1 GPS is 67 and 93 respectively.

Generally, it can be tough to visualise the gap between sensor dimensions merely by reading specs. The picture below may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the LZ40 and WG-1 GPS.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same resolution. You should expect the Panasonic LZ40 to deliver greater detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The fresher LZ40 will have an edge in sensor technology.