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Olympus SZ-30MR vs Pentax WG-2 Comparison

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Olympus SZ-30MR

16 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) CMOS Sensor

Olympus SZ-30MR
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Pentax WG-2

16 MP | 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) BSI-CMOS Sensor

Pentax WG-2
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Olympus SZ-30MR vs Pentax WG-2 Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two cameras with different body types: Olympus SZ-30MR, which was introduced in March 2011 is a Small Sensor Superzoom camera with a 16.0MP 1/2.3-inch sensor whereas Pentax WG-2, which was introduced in February 2012 is a Waterproof camera with a 16.0MP 1/2.3-inch sensor. There is only 11 months difference between SZ-30MR and WG-2 so we are expecting this to be a fair comparison regarding age and technology level.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Olympus SZ-30MR and Pentax WG-2 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Olympus SZ-30MR Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2011-03-02
  • 16MP - 1/2.3-inch CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 80 - 3200
  • 25-600 mm F3.0-6.9 Zoom Lens
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 3" Fixed Type Screen
  • 2 fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • 226g. 106 x 69 x 40 mm

Pentax WG-2 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2012-02-07
  • 16MP - 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor
  • ISO 125 - 6400
  • 28-140 mm F3.5-5.5 Zoom Lens
  • 3" Fixed Type Screen
  • 1 fps continuous shooting
  • Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution
  • 192g. 122 x 61 x 30 mm
  • Weather Sealed Body

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Olympus SZ-30MR and Pentax WG-2 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Olympus SZ-30MR over Pentax Optio WG-2
Image Stabilization
Sensor-shift vs None Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Continuous Shooting
2.0fps vs 1.0fps 1 fps faster
Focal Length - Wide
25mm vs 28mm 3 mm wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele
600mm vs 140mm 460 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom
24× vs 5× more flexible focal coverage
Max Aperture - Wide
3.00 vs 3.50 faster lens at wide


Reasons to choose Pentax Optio WG-2 over Olympus SZ-30MR
Max ISO
6.400 vs 3.200 100% higher Max ISO
Max Mech. Shutter
1/4000s vs 1/1700s faster mechanical shutter
Battery Life
260 shots vs 220 shots 40 more frames with a single charge
Weight
192 g vs 226 g 34 g lighter
Environmental Sealing
Yes vs No shoot at tough conditions
Timelapse Recording
Yes vs No creative shooting
Max Aperture - Tele
5.50 vs 6.90 faster lens at tele
Flash Coverage
5.4m vs 4.0m 1.4m longer range
Sensor Pixel Area
2.04µm2 vs 1.76µm2 15% larger pixel area

Common Strengths of Olympus SZ-30MR and Pentax Optio WG-2
Built-in Flash
Yes vs Yes Useful in low-light
Face Detection Focus
Yes vs Yes very handy for portraits
Common Weaknesses of Olympus SZ-30MR and Pentax Optio WG-2
Fixed Screen
Fixed Type vs No No flexible viewing angles
External Flash Shoe
No vs No Not suitable for flash photography
Viewfinder
None vs None No eye-level shooting option
RAW Support
No vs No Lower image quality
LCD Screen Resolution
460k dots vs 460k dots Low resolution screens
Continuous Shooting
2.0fps vs 1.0fps Slow shooting speeds
Manual Exposure
No vs No No manual exposure control
Olympus SZ-30MR vs Pentax WG-2: Physical Specs and Body features Comparison

Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, We are going to illustrate Olympus SZ-30MR and Pentax WG-2 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Olympus SZ-30MR has external dimensions of 106 x 69 x 40 mm (4.17 x 2.72 x 1.57″) and weighs 226 g (0.50 lb / 7.97 oz) (including batteries). Pentax WG-2 has external dimensions of 122 x 61 x 30 mm (4.8 x 2.4 x 1.18″) and weighs 192 g (0.42 lb / 6.77 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Olympus SZ-30MR and Pentax WG-2. Pentax WG-2 is 8mm shorter and 10mm thinner than Olympus SZ-30MR but it is also 16mm wider.

Olympus SZ-30MR vs Pentax WG-2 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Olympus SZ-30MR and Pentax WG-2 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Olympus SZ-30MR and Pentax WG-2.
Olympus SZ-30MR vs Pentax WG-2 Camera Size Comparison - Top View
Top View Comparison image of Olympus SZ-30MR and Pentax WG-2 Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Pentax WG-2 is significantly lighter (34g ) than the Olympus SZ-30MR which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Waterproof Cameras

SZ-30MR
WG-2
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Waterproof Cameras

SZ-30MR
WG-2
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Olympus SZ-30MR and Pentax WG-2's LCD screens has the same diagonal size of 3".

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.
Olympus SZ-30MR vs Pentax WG-2: Sensor Comparison

Both Olympus SZ-30MR and Pentax WG-2 have 1/2.3-inch sized 16.0 MP resolution sensors so sensor size and resolution is not a differentiator between these two cameras.

Below you can see the SZ-30MR and WG-2 sensor size comparison.

Olympus SZ-30MR vs Pentax WG-2 Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Olympus SZ-30MR and Pentax WG-2 Cameras


Olympus SZ-30MR and Pentax WG-2 have sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture. On the other hand, since Pentax WG-2 has 15% larger pixel area (2.04µm2 vs 1.76µm2) compared to Olympus SZ-30MR, it has larger pixel area to collect light hence potential to have less noise in low light / High ISO images.

Olympus SZ-30MR vs Pentax WG-2 Lens Specs Comparison

Olympus SZ-30MR features a 25-600 mm F3.0-6.9 24× zoom lens whereas Pentax WG-2 features a 28-140 mm F3.5-5.5 5× zoom lens.

Olympus SZ-30MR has 3mm wider coverage than the Pentax WG-2. At f3.00, it is also faster at widest end. On the tele end, Olympus SZ-30MR has 460mm longer reach than the Pentax WG-2. However, with a max aperture of f5.50, Pentax WG-2 is faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

SZ-30MR
WG-2
Widest - Ricoh WG-M1
Average
Telezoom

Compact Cameras

SZ-30MR
WG-2
Longest - Canon SX520 HS
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

SZ-30MR
WG-2
Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

SZ-30MR
WG-2
Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
Average
What types of Photography are Olympus SZ-30MR and Pentax WG-2 Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Olympus SZ-30MR and Pentax WG-2 for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Olympus SZ-30MR for Portrait Photography

POOR

Pentax WG-2 for Portrait Photography

POOR
Image Stabilization
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details
Manual Focus Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No Image Stabilization
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Olympus SZ-30MR for Street Photography

GOOD

Pentax WG-2 for Street Photography

AVERAGE
Image Stabilization
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
Read the details
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No Image Stabilization
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
Read the details

Olympus SZ-30MR for Sports Photography

POOR

Pentax WG-2 for Sports Photography

POOR
Image Stabilization
600 mm Tele Lens
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Slow Continuous Shooting: 2.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Slow Max shutter speed: 1/1700s
Unknown Focus Points
Poor Battery Life: 220 shots
Slow Lens at Tele: f6.90
Read the details
Manual Focus Mode
Environmental Sealings
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
140 mm Tele Lens
No Image Stabilization
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
9 Focus Points
Poor Battery Life: 260 shots
Read the details

Olympus SZ-30MR for Daily Photography

GOOD

Pentax WG-2 for Daily Photography

AVERAGE
Compact Body
226g
24.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Body Thickness 40mm
Read the details
Compact Body
192g
Environmental Sealings
5.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details

Olympus SZ-30MR for Landscape Photography

POOR

Pentax WG-2 for Landscape Photography

POOR
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details
Manual Focus Mode
Environmental Sealings
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Exposure Mode
Read the details

Olympus SZ-30MR vs Pentax WG-2: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Olympus SZ-30MR and Pentax WG-2, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 63 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Olympus SZ-30MR and Pentax WG-2 scores compare:

Olympus SZ-30MR
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #213 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #790 out of 1223 in all Cameras
Pentax WG-2
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #97 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #568 out of 1223 in all Cameras

Pentax WG-2 has a higher Overall Score than the Olympus SZ-30MR and would be our choice if we have to decide between these two cameras.

Olympus SZ-30MR
Olympus SZ-30MR
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Pentax WG-2
Pentax WG-2
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Pentax WG-2 vs Olympus SZ-30MR Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Olympus SZ-30MR Pentax Optio WG-2
Brand Olympus Pentax
Announced 2011-03-02 2012-02-07
Body Type Compact Compact
Sensor
Type CMOS BSI-CMOS
Size 1/2.3-inch 1/2.3-inch
Dimensions 6.17 x 4.55 mm 6.17 x 4.55 mm
Area 28.07mm2 28.07mm2
Megapixels 16 megapixels 16 megapixels
Max Resolution 4608 x 3456 4288 x 3216
Max Native Light sensitivity 3,200 ISO 6,400 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity 80 ISO 125 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points n/a 9
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens Focal Range 25-600 mm (24×) 28-140 mm (5×)
Max Aperture F3.0-6.9 F3.5-5.5
Macro Focus Range 1cm 1cm
Screen
Type Fixed type Fixed type
Size 3" 3"
Resolution 460k dots 460k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder None None
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/1700s 1/4000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization Sensor-shift No
Built-in Flash
Flash Range 4.00 m 5.40 m
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 2.0 fps 1.0 fps
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080 1920 x 1080
Video Formats MPEG-4 MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity Eye-Fi Connected Eye-Fi Connected
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 226g 192g
Dimensions 106 x 69 x 40mm 122 x 61 x 30mm
Battery Life 220 shots 260 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
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