Pentax K-5 vs Pentax WG-1 GPS

On this page, we are reviewing the Pentax K-5 and Pentax WG-1 GPS, former being a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Waterproof and both of them are sold by Pentax. The image resolution of the K-5 (16MP) and the WG-1 GPS (14MP) is fairly comparable but the K-5 (APS-C) and WG-1 GPS (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The K-5 was announced 8 months earlier than the WG-1 GPS which means that they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax WG-1 GPS being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a full comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the K-5 matches up against the WG-1 GPS for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax K-5 & Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS. The whole galleries are available at Pentax K-5 Gallery & Pentax WG-1 GPS Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera regularly, you should consider its weight and volume. The Pentax K-5 provides external measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") along with a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs) while the Pentax WG-1 GPS has sizing of 116mm x 59mm x 29mm (4.6" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Examine the Pentax K-5 and Pentax WG-1 GPS in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the K-5 and the WG-1 GPS.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the K-5 and WG-1 GPS is 60 and 93 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing purely by checking out specs. The visual below might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the K-5 and WG-1 GPS.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The K-5 using its larger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF simpler and the Pentax K-5 will produce more detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos a bit more aggressively. The older K-5 will be behind in sensor technology.