Panasonic ZS40 vs Pentax WG-1

Its time to look a little more in depth at the Panasonic ZS40 versus Pentax WG-1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Waterproof by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a big gap among the resolutions of the ZS40 (18MP) and WG-1 (14MP) but they come with the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The ZS40 was manufactured 2 years after the WG-1 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting in to a more detailed comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the ZS40 scores versus the WG-1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 and Pentax Optio WG-1. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic ZS40 Gallery and Pentax WG-1 Gallery.

If you're intending to travel with your camera, you will need to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS40 features external measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs) and the Pentax WG-1 has specifications of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic ZS40 versus Pentax WG-1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the ZS40 and the WG-1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS40 and WG-1 is 90 and 93 respectively.

More often than not, it can be hard to visualise the gap in sensor dimensions only by viewing a spec sheet. The pic below will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS40 and WG-1.

As you can see, both cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but not the same MP. You should anticipate the Panasonic ZS40 to result in greater detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop images a little more aggressively. The fresher ZS40 will have an advantage in sensor technology.