Pentax WG-2 vs Sony QX1

Here, we will be reviewing the Pentax WG-2 and Sony QX1, one is a Waterproof and the latter is a Lens-style by rivals Pentax and Sony. The resolution of the WG-2 (16MP) and the QX1 (20MP) is pretty similar but the WG-2 (1/2.3") and QX1 (APS-C) have totally different sensor sizes.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The WG-2 was unveiled 3 years earlier than the QX1 which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Pentax WG-2 being a Compact camera and the Sony QX1 being a Lens-style camera.

Before going into a in depth comparison, here is a brief view of how the WG-2 matches up versus the QX1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax Optio WG-2 and Sony Alpha QX1. The full galleries are provided at Pentax WG-2 Gallery and Sony QX1 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to travel with your camera often, you should think about its weight and dimensions. The Pentax WG-2 comes with outside measurements of 122mm x 61mm x 30mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") having a weight of 192 grams (0.42 lbs) and the Sony QX1 has dimensions of 74mm x 70mm x 53mm (2.9" x 2.8" x 2.1") having a weight of 216 grams (0.48 lbs).

Look at the Pentax WG-2 and Sony QX1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have chosen during that time. Here is a front view size comparison of the WG-2 compared to the QX1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the WG-2 and QX1 is 91 and 90 respectively.

Typically, it is hard to envision the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by reviewing technical specs. The picture below might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the WG-2 and QX1.

As you can tell, both of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The WG-2 using its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF more difficult and the Sony QX1 will offer more detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots way more aggressively. The more aged WG-2 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.