Pentax WG-2 vs Sony W800

Below is a detailed analysis of the Pentax WG-2 versus Sony W800, one being a Waterproof and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Pentax and Sony. The sensor resolution of the WG-2 (16MP) and the W800 (20MP) is very well matched and both cameras have the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The WG-2 was announced 24 months earlier than the W800 making them a generation apart from one another. Both cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go right into a detailed comparison, here is a brief summary of how the WG-2 scores vs the W800 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax Optio WG-2 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800. The whole galleries are available at Pentax WG-2 Gallery and Sony W800 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you will have to consider its weight and size. The Pentax WG-2 enjoys external measurements of 122mm x 61mm x 30mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") and a weight of 192 grams (0.42 lbs) while the Sony W800 has specifications of 97mm x 55mm x 21mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.8") having a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

See the Pentax WG-2 versus Sony W800 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the WG-2 compared to the W800.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the WG-2 and W800 is 91 and 96 respectively.

Typically, its difficult to visualize the gap between sensor measurements simply by looking at a spec sheet. The visual underneath will give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the WG-2 and W800.

Clearly, the two cameras have the same sensor dimensions but different megapixels. You should expect to see the Sony W800 to give you extra detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The older WG-2 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.