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Pentax WG-1 GPS

 
Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS front
 
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Display
  • ISO 80 - 6400
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 28-140mm (F3.5-5.5) lens
  • 167g - 116 x 59 x 29mm
  • Released August 2011
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
93
Imaging
37
Features
31
Overall
34

Pentax WG-1 GPS overview

Pentax WG-1 GPS is Pentax's Waterproof camera originally launched on August of 2011. It uses a 14 MegaPixel, CCD 1/2.3" sized sensor and has a peak resolution of 4288 x 3216.

The WG-1 GPS is scored #56 out of 75 in Waterproof cameras and all-around #962 out of 1465 for cameras in our collection. You can test our Smart camera finder to see camera listings based on your customized criteria.

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Below is a diagram of specific criteria used in the scoring system.

Pentax WG-1 GPS family

The Pentax WG-1 GPS comes with a history of related cameras. Listed below, you can take a look at all past and current models along with important features.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Pentax-WG-3 front thumbnailPentax WG-3
WG-1 GPS vs WG-3
25-100mm
F2.0-4.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
Pentax-WG-3-GPS front thumbnailPentax WG-3 GPS
WG-1 GPS vs WG-3 GPS
25-100mm
F2.0-4.9
16MP1/2.3"2013
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Pentax-WG-10 front thumbnailPentax WG-10
WG-1 GPS vs WG-10
28-140mm
F3.5-5.5
14MP1/2.3"2013
Pentax-Optio-WG-2 front thumbnailPentax WG-2
WG-1 GPS vs WG-2
28-140mm
F3.5-5.5
16MP1/2.3"2012
Pentax-Optio-WG-2-GPS front thumbnailPentax WG-2 GPS
WG-1 GPS vs WG-2 GPS
28-140mm
F3.5-5.5
16MP1/2.3"2012
Pentax-Optio-WG-1-GPS front thumbnailPentax WG-1 GPS28-140mm
F3.5-5.5
14MP1/2.3"2011
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Pentax-Optio-WG-1 front thumbnailPentax WG-1
WG-1 GPS vs WG-1
28-140mm
F3.5-5.5
14MP1/2.3"2011
Pentax-Optio-W90 front thumbnailPentax W90
WG-1 GPS vs W90
28-140mm
F3.5-5.5
12MP1/2.3"2010
Pentax-Optio-WS80 front thumbnailPentax WS80
WG-1 GPS vs WS80
35-175mm
F3.8-4.7
10MP1/2.3"2009
Pentax-Optio-W60 front thumbnailPentax W60
WG-1 GPS vs W60
28-140mm
F3.5-5.5
10MP1/2.3"2009
Pentax-Optio-W80 front thumbnailPentax W80
WG-1 GPS vs W80
28-140mm
F3.5-5.5
12MP1/2.3"2009
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Pentax WG-1 GPS Pros and Cons

Below is a selection of good and bad points of the Pentax WG-1 GPS based on aspects which are often seen as important in a camera.

built-in flash
environment proofing
fairly wide (28mm)
features tracking autofocus
great min ISO (80)
has manual focus
in built lens has zoom (28-140mm 5.0 x zoom)
includes HDMI out
megapixel count good (14MP)
display isn't selfie friendly
has no phase detect autofocus
has no RAW files
lack of external microphone support
lack of headphone support
lack of shutter priority mode
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
low resolution screen (230 thousand dots)
manual mode not possible
max frames per second low (1.0 frames per second)
no aperture priority
no external flash support
no image stabilization
screen is fixed
sensor is tiny (1/2.3")
slow at tele end (f5.5)
sluggish max aperture (f3.5)
small screen (2.7")
video resolution low (1280 x 720 resolution)
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Pentax WG-1 GPS Sensor specifications

The spec of the sensor on the Pentax WG-1 GPS is 6.17mm x 4.55mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor is able to resolve 4288 x 3216 pixels .

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The CCD sensor boasts 14MP and supports a native ISO range of 80 to 6400. Unfortunately, RAW format is not supported therefore you have less room to maneuver in post.

The graphic underneath illustrates the WG-1 GPS's sensor dimensions in comparison to other common sizes. The WG-1 GPS sensor comes with a crop factor of 5.8 and is presented in green.

Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS sensor size Peek Behind the Lens of 'Photographer' and Their Go-To Cameras

To get an understanding of specific aspect ratios, you should refer to the visual below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Pentax WG-1 GPS dimensions

Pentax WG-1 GPS is 0.37 lbs (167 grams / 5.89 oz) and features external measurements of 116mm x 59mm x 29mm (4.6" x 2.3" x 1.1"). The weight of general Waterproof camera is 195 grams and the Pentax WG-1 GPS is lighter when compared with its competitors.

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Underneath is a picture of the Pentax WG-1 GPS next to a softdrink so you can have a feel for its scale.

Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS dimensions scale

The top view just below will show you the button design on the WG-1 GPS.

Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS topview buttons dials

Pentax WG-1 GPS Lens specifications

The WG-1 GPS comes with a built-in lens providing a focal range of 28-140mm making it a 5.0 x zoom which is not at all great nevertheless it will definitely be very helpful in a few circumstances.

At the widest 28mm, it will have an aperture of f3.5 which is fairly slow and not very good in low light conditions and you may find it difficult to capture good bokeh. You could also have to up the ISO setting producing noisy photographs. On the tele end, 140mm comes at f5.5 making it fairly sluggish and you will need to go with slow shutter speeds.

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Pentax WG-1 GPS Connectivity

The WG-1 GPS has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • Wireless Yes
  • HDMI Yes
  • GPS Yes

Cameras that consist of NFC and Bluetooth connectivity are able to be used wirelessly by smartphones. You can easily copy photos and usually change camera settings with no need to connect directly to the camera.

Some applications even give a Liveview and press the shutter when you aren't close to the camera. If the camera comes with a HDMI out, it can easily be attached to an external monitor. Almost all cameras enable you to charge the battery through the USB socket.

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Pentax WG-1 GPS Video specifications

The highest video resolution on the Pentax WG-1 GPS is 1280 x 720 and it can capture in Motion JPEG format. 720p is low by today's standards. You really should go for a minimum 1080p resolution for decent video. The camera doesn't include a mic and headphone port which means that you have got no control over your audio. It is probably best to take a look at an alternative model if you need decent audio in your video clips.

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Pentax WG-1 GPS Weather Sealing

Pentax WG-1 GPS has environment sealing which makes it a excellent candidate to use during tricky climates. This can be particularly handy in case you are not sure about the elements you might encounter during outdoor photography.

Pentax WG-1 GPS Display and Viewfinder

The Pentax WG-1 GPS houses a 2.7 inch fixed screen boasting a resolution of 230 thousand dots.

Unfortunately the screen is not a touch screen.

Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS screen and viewfinder Google AI Gemini Could Enhance iPhone Experience, Talks Suggest

The View Finder details regarding Pentax WG-1 GPS are as follows:

  • ViewFinder None

In those sunny outdoor situations which make the camera screens washed out and tricky to view, viewfinders can be particularly useful.

Pentax WG-1 GPS Shutter specifications

Pentax WG-1 GPS continuous shooting rate is 1.0 frames per second. The max shutter speed is 1/1500 seconds.

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Pentax WG-1 GPS Flash and Hot shoe specifications

Pentax WG-1 GPS boasts only integrated flash lacking external flash ability.

Pentax WG-1 GPS Autofocusing specifications

Pentax WG-1 GPS boasts just Contrast Detect AF and does not have Phase Detect AF. Phase Detection autofocusing is a lot more snappier & exact when compared with Contrast Detect autofocusing.

It boasts 9 focus points to select from. It also has Tracking AF for subjects on the move. Pentax WG-1 GPS has got manual focus if required during low light scenarios or you need to have more accurate control on focus.

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Pentax WG-1 GPS Battery life

The battery power (D-LI92) for the Pentax WG-1 GPS is fashioned to last for 260 shots with respect to the CIPA specifications making it similar to its competitors. The typical Waterproof camera battery life is 275. Olympus TG-4 has the highest (380) battery life within this class of cameras.

Listed below is a number of Waterproof cameras that have the best battery life:

Pentax WG-1 GPS for varying kinds of photography

The following graph gives a overview of the Pentax WG-1 GPS for varying kinds of photography. To check out more, go to the specific paragraph underneath.

Pentax WG-1 GPS Portrait photography features

The Pentax WG-1 GPS receives a rating of 35 which is awful, and means the camera is not suitable to use for portrait images. Photographing portraits favors greatly towards sensor size, support for RAW files & option to work with external flash.

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manual focus
decent megapixels (14MP)
manual mode not possible
external flash not possible
sensor is tiny (1/2.3")
lack of RAW support

Street photography with Pentax WG-1 GPS

Having a average rating of 54, the Pentax WG-1 GPS is relatively appropriate to buy for street photography. A good street photography camera provides a good balance of picture quality and portability.

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weather proof
screen is fixed
no image stabilization
very small sensor (1/2.3")
does not have RAW files

Pentax WG-1 GPS as a Sports photography camera

A awful sports photography points tally of 37 means the Pentax WG-1 GPS is not suitable for photographing sports. A camera needs fantastic tracking plus shutter speeds for sports photography.

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decent sensor resolution (14MP)
includes tracking focus
environment proof
slow fps (1.0 frames per second)
no shutter priority
does not have image stabilization
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
does not have phase detect auto focus

Pentax WG-1 GPS as a Travel photography camera

Size is really critical when buying a travel camera. All things considered, the Pentax WG-1 GPS gets a very good 71 as a travel camera which is a very decent fit to purchase for your trips.

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weather sealing
megapixel count good (14 megapixels)
has built in flash
fairly wide (28mm)
display isn't selfie friendly
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.5)

Pentax WG-1 GPS Landscape photography information

For anyone who is looking to purchase a digital camera for landscape photos, the biggest factor will be image quality. The Pentax WG-1 GPS and it's awful rating of 42 for a landscape camera is not suitable within the current marketplace.

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has manual focus
rather wide (28mm)
decent sensor resolution (14MP)
environment proof
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.5)
screen is small (2.7 inch)
no manual exposure
lack of image stabilization
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
lacks RAW format

Vlogging with Pentax WG-1 GPS

A vlogging camera should really posses a articulating display, mic input and preferably IBIS. Considering every thing, the Pentax WG-1 GPS is not suitable for vlogging as it delivers a awful score of 25.

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quite wide (28mm)
slow max aperture (f3.5)
doesn't posses selfie friendly display
lack of image stabilization
low quality video (1280 x 720 pixels)
no microphone support

Pentax WG-1 GPS Alternatives

If you are in the market for alternatives to the WG-1 GPS, below is a collection of the highest scored cameras which fall within the category of Waterproof.

The diagram just below will give you a bird's eye view of the WG-1 GPS vs it's highest ranked rivals mentioned previously.

Following are additional cameras you might consider as alternative options. To read through a comprehensive comparison, simply click the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Brand
Pentax
Model
Pentax Optio WG-1 GPS
Type
Waterproof
Released
2011-08-16
Physical type
Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CCD
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor measurements
6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor surface area
28.1mm²
Sensor resolution
14MP
Anti aliasing filter
Full resolution
4288 x 3216
RAW files
Max native ISO
6400
Min native ISO
80
Autofocusing
Focus manually
AF touch
Continuous AF
AF single
AF tracking
AF selectice
AF center weighted
AF multi area
Live view AF
Face detect AF
Contract detect AF
Phase detect AF
Number of focus points
9
Lens
Lens mount
fixed lens
Lens focal range
28-140mm (5.0x)
Highest aperture
f/3.5-5.5
Macro focus range
1cm
Focal length multiplier
5.8
Screen
Display type
Fixed Type
Display size
2.7"
Resolution of display
230 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch capability
Display tech
TFT color LCD with Anti-reflective coating
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type
None
DXO scores
DXO All around score
not tested
DXO Color Depth score
not tested
DXO Dynamic range score
not tested
DXO Low light score
not tested
Features
Lowest shutter speed
4 seconds
Highest shutter speed
1/1500 seconds
Continuous shooting rate
1.0 frames per sec
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Set WB
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash range
3.90 m
Flash modes
Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft
Hot shoe
AEB
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Video resolutions
1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps)
Max video resolution
1280x720
Video data format
Motion JPEG
Microphone support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless
Eye-Fi Connected
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
BuiltIn
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight
167 gr (0.37 lb)
Physical dimensions
116 x 59 x 29mm (4.6" x 2.3" x 1.1")
Other
Battery life
260 pictures
Type of battery
Battery Pack
Battery model
D-LI92
Self timer
Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse recording
Type of storage
SD/SDHC/SDXC card, Internal
Card slots
1
Retail cost
$350