Pentax WG-1 vs Sony QX1

Let's look more closely at the Pentax WG-1 and Sony QX1, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Lens-style by rivals Pentax and Sony. There exists a huge gap between the image resolutions of the WG-1 (14MP) and QX1 (20MP) and the WG-1 (1/2.3") and QX1 (APS-C) use totally different sensor sizes.

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The WG-1 was revealed 4 years earlier than the QX1 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Pentax WG-1 being a Compact camera and the Sony QX1 being a Lens-style camera.

Before getting through a in-depth comparison, below is a simple view of how the WG-1 matches up versus the QX1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax Optio WG-1 and Sony Alpha QX1. The full galleries are viewable at Pentax WG-1 Gallery and Sony QX1 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to lug around your camera, you have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Pentax WG-1 features outer dimensions of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Sony QX1 has measurements of 74mm x 70mm x 53mm (2.9" x 2.8" x 2.1") having a weight of 216 grams (0.48 lbs).

Check out the Pentax WG-1 and Sony QX1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have at the time. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the WG-1 against the QX1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the WG-1 and QX1 is 93 and 90 respectively.

Typically, it is very hard to visualise the gap between sensor measurements merely by going over technical specs. The graphic here might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the WG-1 and QX1.

As you can tell, both cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The WG-1 using its tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF more difficult and the Sony QX1 will offer greater detail because of its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos far more aggressively. The older WG-1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.