Panasonic ZS5 vs Pentax WG-2

Let's look more in depth at the Panasonic ZS5 and Pentax WG-2, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Waterproof by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a huge gap among the resolutions of the ZS5 (12MP) and WG-2 (16MP) but both cameras have the same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The ZS5 was unveiled 20 months before the WG-2 which makes them a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before delving right into a full comparison, here is a quick overview of how the ZS5 scores vs the WG-2 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 and Pentax Optio WG-2. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS5 Gallery and Pentax WG-2 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to travel with your camera often, you'll have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS5 enjoys outer measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) while the Pentax WG-2 has dimensions of 122mm x 61mm x 30mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") having a weight of 192 grams (0.42 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZS5 and Pentax WG-2 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using during that time. Here is a front view over all size comparison of the ZS5 vs the WG-2.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS5 and WG-2 is 92 and 91 respectively.

Normally, its difficult to imagine the contrast in sensor dimensions simply by seeing specs. The picture below will provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS5 and WG-2.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit different MP. You should expect the Pentax WG-2 to show extra detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more aged ZS5 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.