Pentax WG-2 vs Sony HX1

In this write-up, we are contrasting the Pentax WG-2 and Sony HX1, former is a Waterproof while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Pentax and Sony. There exists a considerable gap between the sensor resolutions of the WG-2 (16MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the WG-2 (1/2.3") and HX1 (1/2.4") come with totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The WG-2 was brought out 2 years after the HX1 which is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Pentax WG-2 being a Compact camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go straight into a thorough comparison, below is a brief overview of how the WG-2 matches up against the HX1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax Optio WG-2 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The entire galleries are viewable at Pentax WG-2 Gallery & Sony HX1 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to consider its weight and size. The Pentax WG-2 has got exterior dimensions of 122mm x 61mm x 30mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") having a weight of 192 grams (0.42 lbs) whilst the Sony HX1 has specifications of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") and a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

See the Pentax WG-2 and Sony HX1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. Below is the front view measurements comparison of the WG-2 vs the HX1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the WG-2 and HX1 is 91 and 67 respectively.

Quite often, its hard to envision the difference between sensor sizes only by reviewing specifications. The image here will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the WG-2 and HX1.

To sum up, both of those cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The WG-2 because of its larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF easier and the Pentax WG-2 will offer more detail having its extra 7MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images a little more aggressively. The newer WG-2 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.