Panasonic LZ40 vs Pentax WG-2 GPS

Here is a in-depth review of the Panasonic LZ40 and Pentax WG-2 GPS, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Waterproof by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There is a significant difference between the sensor resolutions of the LZ40 (20MP) and WG-2 GPS (16MP) but both cameras provide the same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The LZ40 was revealed 24 months later than the WG-2 GPS making them a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic LZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax WG-2 GPS being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a complete comparison, here is a brief summary of how the LZ40 scores against the WG-2 GPS for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40 and Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS. The full galleries are available at Panasonic LZ40 Gallery and Pentax WG-2 GPS Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic LZ40 has physical dimensions of 126mm x 87mm x 94mm (5.0" x 3.4" x 3.7") along with a weight of 524 grams (1.16 lbs) whilst the Pentax WG-2 GPS has specifications of 122mm x 61mm x 30mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") with a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic LZ40 and Pentax WG-2 GPS in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the LZ40 against the WG-2 GPS.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the LZ40 and WG-2 GPS is 67 and 91 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to envision the difference between sensor sizing purely by checking a spec sheet. The graphic below might give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the LZ40 and WG-2 GPS.

As you can see, the 2 cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but not the same MP. You should anticipate the Panasonic LZ40 to resolve more detail because of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos more aggressively. The fresher LZ40 is going to have a benefit in sensor tech.