Panasonic ZS1 vs Pentax WG-2 GPS

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic ZS1 and Pentax WG-2 GPS, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Waterproof by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a substantial difference between the sensor resolutions of the ZS1 (10MP) and WG-2 GPS (16MP) and the ZS1 (1/2.5") and WG-2 GPS (1/2.3") have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The ZS1 was launched 3 years prior to the WG-2 GPS which is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before delving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the ZS1 scores against the WG-2 GPS in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1 & Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS1 Gallery & Pentax WG-2 GPS Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera often, you're going to have to take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS1 comes with exterior measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Pentax WG-2 GPS has sizing of 122mm x 61mm x 30mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") and a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic ZS1 and Pentax WG-2 GPS in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Underneath is a front view measurement comparison of the ZS1 compared to the WG-2 GPS.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the ZS1 and WG-2 GPS is 91 and 91 respectively.

Often, its difficult to envision the contrast between sensor dimensions just by going over technical specs. The image below will help offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS1 and WG-2 GPS.

As you have seen, both cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The ZS1 featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field more difficult and the Pentax WG-2 GPS will offer more detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots more aggressively. The more aged ZS1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.