Pentax WG-1 GPS vs Sony NEX-5

Following is a extended overview of the Pentax WG-1 GPS vs Sony NEX-5, one is a Waterproof and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the WG-1 GPS (14MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is very close but the WG-1 GPS (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor sizes.

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The WG-1 GPS was revealed 15 months after the NEX-5 making them a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Pentax WG-1 GPS being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving into a full comparison, here is a concise view of how the WG-1 GPS grades vs the NEX-5 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS and Sony Alpha NEX-5. The full galleries are viewable at Pentax WG-1 GPS Gallery and Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you'll have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Pentax WG-1 GPS provides external measurements of 116mm x 59mm x 29mm (4.6" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5 has dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

See the Pentax WG-1 GPS vs Sony NEX-5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you choose at the time. Here is a front view over all size comparison of the WG-1 GPS vs the NEX-5.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the WG-1 GPS and NEX-5 is 93 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it is very tough to envision the gap in sensor sizes purely by viewing specs. The pic here may give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the WG-1 GPS and NEX-5.

All in all, both cameras provide the same MP but not the same sensor sizes. The WG-1 GPS has the smaller sensor which should make getting shallow depth of field trickier. The younger WG-1 GPS will have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.