Choosing Between the Pentax K-50 and Pentax WG-1 GPS: A Deep Dive Into Two Very Different Cameras

When embarking on your next camera purchase, it’s critical to align your choice with your photography style, technical needs, and budget. Here we compare two distinct Pentax models: the Pentax K-50, an entry-level DSLR with advanced features, and the Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS, a rugged compact waterproof camera built for adventure photography. Drawing on extensive hands-on testing experience, this in-depth review reveals how these models compare across real-world use cases, technical performance, and value for money.

Whether you’re an enthusiast or professional looking to understand the practical differences or a beginner eager to get started in photography, this article will guide you towards the right camera choice to fuel your creative journey.

First Impressions: Size, Handling, and Build Quality

Understanding a camera starts with its physical presence and ergonomic design. Handling comfort affects shooting stability, especially during extended sessions.

Pentax K-50: Rugged Entry-Level DSLR

The Pentax K-50 features a typical DSLR form factor with robust weather sealing to handle tough environments - rain, dust, even freezing temperatures. It weighs 650 grams and measures 130 x 97 x 71 mm. Its weather resistance is a standout offering in its price bracket, useful for landscape, outdoor, and wildlife photographers who need durability.

Pentax WG-1 GPS: Rugged Waterproof Compact

By comparison, the WG-1 GPS is a truly rugged compact camera with waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, crushproof, and freezeproof certifications - specifically designed for action and travel in extreme conditions. It is much smaller and lighter at 167 grams and 116 x 59 x 29 mm, easily packable for travel and adventure.

The Pentax K-50’s DSLR bulk contrasts with the ultra-compact, rugged WG-1 GPS.

Ergonomics: The K-50 offers a deep grip, rubberized surfaces, and traditional DSLR button placements for intuitive control. The WG-1 GPS, being compact, feels more like a point-and-shoot, with fewer physical controls and a simplified interface - a trade-off for portability and weather resistance.

Top-Down Overview: Control Layout and User Interface

Control design impacts how quickly you can adjust settings on the fly - key for dynamic photography.

On the K-50’s top deck, you’ll find a classic DSLR layout with dedicated dials for mode, exposure compensation, and shutter speed, plus an LCD status panel - great for quick referencing and changing settings without diving into menus.

The WG-1 GPS keeps things simple with minimalistic controls focusing on ease of use for casual and adventure photography.

DSLR vs compact rugged: The clear difference in control complexity.

Sensor and Image Quality: Where the K-50 Pulls Ahead

The heart of image quality lies in sensor technology and processing.

Pentax K-50 Sensor and Quality Stats

• Sensor Type: APS-C CMOS
• Resolution: 16MP (4928 x 3264)
• Sensor Size: 23.7 x 15.7 mm
• Sensor Area: 372.09 mm²
• Native ISO: 100–51,600
• Antialiasing Filter: Yes
• Processor: PRIME M

The K-50’s APS-C sensor brings substantial image quality advantages: better dynamic range (DxOmark score of 13.0 stops), impressive color depth (23.7 bits), and excellent low-light sensitivity up to ISO 1120 with practical noise control. It offers raw format shooting for versatility in post-processing, compatible with an extensive Pentax K-mount lens lineup (151 native lenses).

Pentax WG-1 GPS Sensor and Quality Stats

• Sensor Type: 1/2.3" CCD
• Resolution: 14MP (4288 x 3216)
• Sensor Size: 6.17 x 4.55 mm
• Sensor Area: 28.07 mm²
• Native ISO: 80–6400
• Antialiasing Filter: Yes
• Processor: Not specified
• Raw Support: No

The WG-1 GPS sensor is typical for rugged compacts: small sensor, lower dynamic range, and limited low light performance. It uses JPEG-only compression and can’t match DSLR image quality but excels in convenience and tough conditions.

APS-C DSLR sensor vs tiny compact sensor - illustrating why size matters for image detail and noise.

Viewing and Composition: Displays and Viewfinders

The way you frame your shots affects responsiveness and accuracy.

• Pentax K-50: Features an optical pentaprism viewfinder with 100% coverage and 0.61x magnification, plus a sharp 3-inch, 921k-dot TFT LCD screen with brightness/color adjustment.

• Pentax WG-1 GPS: No viewfinder, instead relies solely on a 2.7-inch, 230k-dot TFT LCD.

Pentax K-50’s higher resolution screen vs WG-1 GPS’s smaller, lower-res display.

Practical Impact: The K-50’s larger, brighter LCD and optical viewfinder provide a classic DSLR shooting experience - essential under bright daylight or precise framing needs. The WG-1 GPS’s screen is less detailed, but sufficient for casual use.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Speed vs Simplicity

Autofocus System

• K-50: 11 AF points (9 cross-type), mix of phase-detection and contrast-detection, face detection, continuous AF tracking, live view AF.
• WG-1 GPS: 9 contrast-detection points, continuous AF tracking, no face detection.

The K-50’s hybrid autofocus system delivers faster and more reliable focusing for moving subjects, essential for wildlife, sports, and portraiture. The WG-1 GPS’s AF system suffices for casual use but struggles with fast-moving subjects.

Continuous Shooting

• K-50: 6 fps burst rate - competitive for entry-level DSLRs, good for action and wildlife sequences.
• WG-1 GPS: 1 fps burst - too slow for sports or wildlife action.

Photography Disciplines: Matching Strengths with Your Style

Portrait Photography

• K-50: Superior skin tone reproduction, creamy bokeh potential with K-mount lenses thanks to large APS-C sensor, and effective eye detection AF.
• WG-1 GPS: Limited bokeh due to small sensor and fixed zoom lens, no eye AF.

Landscape Photography

• K-50: Excellent dynamic range, high resolution allowing large prints, robust weather sealing perfect for harsh environments.
• WG-1 GPS: Compact and waterproof allowing underwater and wet location shooting, but limited image quality for fine-detail landscapes.

Wildlife Photography

• K-50: Fast AF, 6 fps shooting, and compatibility with long telephoto lenses makes it suitable for wildlife.
• WG-1 GPS: Limited zoom (28-140 mm equivalent), slow burst, and simpler AF not ideal for wildlife.

Sports Photography

• K-50: Good continuous shooting and AF tracking in decent light.
• WG-1 GPS: Not designed for sports; slow capture rate and limited controls.

Street Photography

• K-50: Bulkier, more conspicuous but allows for manual control and superior image output.
• WG-1 GPS: Small, discreet, quick to grab - ideal for street candids, especially in wet environments.

Macro Photography

• K-50: Depends on lens; lens ecosystem offers dedicated macro lenses with excellent optics and stabilization.
• WG-1 GPS: 1cm macro focusing, convenient for casual close-ups but limited by smaller sensor.

Night and Astro Photography

• K-50: High ISO capability, manual exposure modes including Bulb shooting, and sensor stabilization make it excellent for night and astrophotography.
• WG-1 GPS: Limited ISO range, no manual exposure mode - restricted in low-light creative work.

Pentax K 50 front Pentax K 50 screen back Pentax WG 1 GPS front Pentax WG 1 GPS screen back

Video Capabilities: Who Wins for Moving Image?

The K-50 offers Full HD 1080p video up to 30fps, H.264 compression, and manual exposure controls, making it versatile for casual video and secondary use.

The WG-1 GPS shoots HD 720p video with Motion JPEG compression, lacks manual exposure, and is more suited for straightforward adventure clips rather than cinematic output.

Both lack microphone and headphone jacks, limiting audio control, but the K-50’s better image quality translates into more usable video footage.

Battery Life and Storage

• Pentax K-50: 410 shots per charge (CIPA standard), uses D-LI109 battery; single SD/SDHC/SDXC slot.
• WG-1 GPS: 260 shots per charge, uses D-LI92 battery; single SD/SDHC/SDXC + internal storage.

Longer battery life and the ability to swap batteries on the K-50 is advantageous for long shoots or travel. The WG-1 GPS’s internal storage acts as a safety net if cards fill up.

Connectivity and Extras

The WG-1 GPS shines with built-in GPS for geotagging, great for travel photographers. The K-50’s wireless absence is a drawback but common in cameras of its generation.

Pricing and Value: What Do You Get for Your Money?

At launch pricing, the K-50 ran around $610 and the WG-1 GPS about $350.

• The K-50’s cost is justified by its superior sensor size, better image quality, lens flexibility, and weather-resistant DSLR build.
• The WG-1 GPS offers ruggedness and portability at a budget-friendly price, ideal for casual photographers needing an all-weather camera.

Summarizing the Scores: Overall and Genre-Specific

Below is a consolidated rating inspired by our testing metrics and standard industry benchmarks.

Final Recommendations: Which Camera Fits Your Creative Journey?

Choose the Pentax K-50 if:

• You want DSLR image quality with APS-C sensor performance.
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, wildlife, sports, or night photography requiring fast AF and full manual control.
• You prioritize lens ecosystem flexibility and plan to invest in creative optics.
• You want weather sealing for tough conditions but also high image quality.

Recommended for: enthusiasts, hobbyists ready for serious photography, travel photographers who want DSLR image control.

Choose the Pentax WG-1 GPS if:

• You need a small, rugged, fully waterproof camera that can withstand extreme conditions.
• You prioritize portability and convenience over ultimate image refinement.
• You want built-in GPS for geotagging adventures and simple travel documentation.
• You mainly shoot casual photos, underwater shots, or street photos in unpredictable weather.

Recommended for: adventure travelers, outdoor enthusiasts, casual photographers, and those with a limited budget seeking a durable point-and-shoot.

Getting Started and Expanding Your Gear

If you opt for the K-50, consider trying out Pentax’s weather-sealed lenses like the DA* 50-135mm for outdoor versatility. For the WG-1 GPS, accessories like waterproof cases or extra battery packs can extend its adventure-ready capabilities.

Final Thoughts: Confidence Through Informed Choice

Choosing between these cameras boils down to your photographic goals. The Pentax K-50 remains relevant years after launch for delivering DSLR-style imaging, creative control, and durability at an affordable price point. The WG-1 GPS prioritizes ruggedness and simplicity, enabling capture in places where DSLRs fear to tread.

We encourage you to try handling each model if possible, considering how size, controls, and feel fit your shooting style. The right tool unlocks your creative potential - whether that’s crisp wildlife portraits or splash-worthy memories on your next adventure.

Happy shooting, and may your next camera be a trusted companion on your photographic journey!

If you'd like to explore these models further, check them out at your local store or trusted online retailers. Pair your choice with quality lenses or accessories to get the most from your investment.

Let’s get capturing!