Pentax WG-2 GPS vs Canon G16 Comparison

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Pentax WG-2 GPS

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

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Canon G16

12 MP | 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) BSI-CMOS Sensor

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Pentax WG-2 GPS vs Canon G16 Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two cameras with different body types: Pentax WG-2 GPS, which was introduced in February 2012 is a Waterproof camera with a 16.0MP 1/2.3-inch sensor whereas Canon G16, which was introduced in November 2013 is a Small Sensor Compact camera with a 12.0MP 1/1.7-inch sensor. There is 22 months difference between WG-2 GPS and G16 so we don't expect to see a huge technology difference between these two cameras but it would still give an advantage to younger G16, especially in sensor tech.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Pentax WG-2 GPS and Canon G16 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Pentax WG-2 GPS 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

1.0fps continuous shooting

Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution

Built-in GPS

198g. 122 x 61 x 30 mm

Weather Sealed Body

Canon G16 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2013-11-25

12MP - 1/1.7-inch BSI-CMOS Sensor

ISO 80 - 12800

28-140 mm F1.8-2.8 Zoom Lens

Optical Image Stabilization

3" Fixed Type Screen

Optical (tunnel) viewfinder

12.0fps continuous shooting

Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution

240fps High-Speed Video

Built-in Wireless

356g. 109 x 76 x 40 mm

Replaced Canon PowerShot G15 Compare

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Pentax WG-2 GPS and Canon G16 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS over Canon PowerShot G16

GPS	BuiltIn vs None	track your location
Max Sensor Resolution	16 MP vs 12 MP	33% more pixels
Weight	198 g vs 356 g	158 g lighter
Environmental Sealing	Yes vs No	shoot at tough conditions

Reasons to choose Canon PowerShot G16 over Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS

Wireless Connection	Built-In vs Eye-Fi Connected	Better connectivity
Image Stabilization	Optical vs None	Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
External Flash Shoe	Yes vs No	Better for flash photography
Viewfinder	Optical vs None	Better framing and control
RAW Support	Yes vs No	Better image quality
Max ISO	12.800 vs 6.400	100% higher Max ISO
LCD Screen Resolution	922k dots vs 460k dots	100% higher resolution screen
Continuous Shooting	12.0fps vs 1.0fps	11 fps faster
Battery Life	360 shots vs 260 shots	100 more frames with a single charge
Manual Exposure	Yes vs No	better exposure control
Max Aperture - Wide	1.80 vs 3.50	faster lens at wide
Max Aperture - Tele	2.80 vs 5.50	faster lens at tele
Flash Coverage	7.0m vs 5.4m	1.6m longer range
Sensor Pixel Area	3.46µm² vs 2.04µm²	69% larger pixel area
AE Bracketing	Yes vs No	Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR
Smartphone Remote	Yes vs No	Remote control your camera with a smartphone

Common Strengths of Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS and Canon PowerShot G16

Built-in Flash	Yes vs Yes	Useful in low-light
Face Detection Focus	Yes vs Yes	very handy for portraits
Manual Focusing	Yes vs Yes	both have manual focusing modes
Timelapse Recording	Yes vs Yes	creative shooting

Common Weaknesses of Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS and Canon PowerShot G16

Fixed Screen	Fixed Type vs No	No flexible viewing angles

Pentax WG-2 GPS vs Canon G16: 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 Pentax WG-2 GPS and Canon G16 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Pentax WG-2 GPS has external dimensions of 122 x 61 x 30 mm (4.8 x 2.4 x 1.18″) and weighs 198 g (0.44 lb / 6.98 oz) (including batteries). Canon G16 has external dimensions of 109 x 76 x 40 mm (4.29 x 2.99 x 1.57″) and weighs 356 g (0.78 lb / 12.56 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Pentax WG-2 GPS and Canon G16. Pentax WG-2 GPS is 15mm shorter and 10mm thinner than Canon G16 but it is also 13mm wider.

Comparison image of Pentax WG-2 GPS and Canon G16 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Pentax WG-2 GPS and Canon G16.

Comparison image of Pentax WG-2 GPS and Canon G16 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Pentax WG-2 GPS and Canon G16.

Top View Comparison image of Pentax WG-2 GPS and Canon G16 Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Pentax WG-2 GPS is significantly lighter (158g ) than the Canon G16 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

WG-2 GPS

G16

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

WG-2 GPS

G16

Min

Average

Max

Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Pentax WG-2 GPS and Canon G16'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.

Pentax WG-2 GPS vs Canon G16: Sensor Comparison

Pentax WG-2 GPS has a 16.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor . On the other hand, Canon G16 has a 12.0MP 1/1.7-inch (7.44 x 5.58 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor and features Digic 6 processor.

Below you can see the WG-2 GPS and G16 sensor size comparison.

Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Pentax WG-2 GPS and Canon G16 Cameras

As seen above, Canon G16 has a 1.5x Larger sensor area than Pentax WG-2 GPS. Larger sensors give photographer more control on the depth of field and blurry background compared to smaller sensor when shot in same focal length and aperture.

Pentax WG-2 GPS vs Canon G16 Lens Specs Comparison

Pentax WG-2 GPS features a 28-140 mm F3.5-5.5 5× zoom lens whereas Canon G16 features a 28-140 mm F1.8-2.8 5× zoom lens.

Both cameras have a wide angle coverage of 28mm. On the other hand, with a max aperture of f1.80, Canon G16 is faster than Pentax WG-2 GPS at this focal length. Both cameras have a tele angle reach of 140mm. However, with a max aperture of f2.80, Canon G16 is faster than Pentax WG-2 GPS at this focal length.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

WG-2 GPS

G16

Widest - Ricoh WG-M1

Average

Telezoom

Compact Cameras

WG-2 GPS

G16

Longest - Canon SX520 HS

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

WG-2 GPS

G16

Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV

Average

Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

WG-2 GPS

G16

Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6

Average

What types of Photography are Pentax WG-2 GPS and Canon G16 Good for?

In this section, we rank and compare Pentax WG-2 GPS and Canon G16 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.

Pentax WG-2 GPS for Portrait Photography

POOR

Canon G16 for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE

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

Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Pentax WG-2 GPS for Street Photography

AVERAGE

Canon G16 for Street Photography

EXCELLENT

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

Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Fast Lens at Wide: f1.80
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor
Read the details

Pentax WG-2 GPS for Sports Photography

POOR

Canon G16 for Sports Photography

POOR

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

Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
External Flash Shoe
Optical Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Fast Continuous Shooting: 12.0fps
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
Wireless Connection
Fast Lens at Tele: f2.80
140 mm Tele Lens
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
9 Focus Points
Read the details

Pentax WG-2 GPS for Daily Photography

AVERAGE

Canon G16 for Daily Photography

GOOD

Compact Body
Environmental Sealings
198g
5.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details

RAW shooting capability
Compact Body
5.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor
356g
Body Thickness 40mm
Read the details

Pentax WG-2 GPS for Landscape Photography

POOR

Canon G16 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Manual Focus Mode
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Environmental Sealings
Built-in GPS
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

Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/1.7" (7.44 x 5.58 mm) sensor
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Pentax WG-2 GPS vs Canon G16: 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 Pentax WG-2 GPS and Canon G16, 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 Pentax WG-2 GPS and Canon G16 scores compare:

Pentax WG-2 GPS

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #97 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #570 out of 1226 in all Cameras

Canon G16

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #7 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #275 out of 1226 in all Cameras

Canon G16 is the overall winner of this comparison. It has a higher Overall Score and beats Pentax WG-2 GPS in all criteria except one: Portability.
If small size and light body is a big priority for you, choose Pentax WG-2 GPS. Otherwise, Canon G16 is the better camera overall.

Canon G16 vs Pentax WG-2 GPS Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications

General	Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS	Canon PowerShot G16
Brand	Pentax	Canon
Announced	2012-02-07	2013-11-25
Body Type	Compact	Compact
Sensor
Type	BSI-CMOS	BSI-CMOS
Size	1/2.3-inch	1/1.7-inch
Dimensions	6.17 x 4.55 mm	7.44 x 5.58 mm
Area	28.07mm²	41.52mm²
Megapixels	16 megapixels	12 megapixels
Max Resolution	4288 x 3216	4000 x 3000
Max Native Light sensitivity	6,400 ISO	12,800 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity	125 ISO	80 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	9	9
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens	fixed lens
Lens Focal Range	28-140 mm (5×)	28-140 mm (5×)
Max Aperture	F3.5-5.5	F1.8-2.8
Macro Focus Range	1cm	1cm
Screen
Type	Fixed type	Fixed type
Size	3"	3"
Resolution	460k dots	922k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	None	Optical (tunnel)
Viewfinder Coverage	n/a	80%
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter	1/4000s	1/4000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization	No	Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	5.40 m	7.00 m
Max Flash Sync	n/a	1/2000s
External Flash
Continuous Shooting	1.0 fps	12.0 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, H.264	MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	Eye-Fi Connected	Built-In
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight	198g	356g
Dimensions	122 x 61 x 30mm	109 x 76 x 40mm
Battery Life	260 shots	360 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS	Built-in	Optional
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score	not tested	54
DxO Color Depth	not tested	21.0
DxO Dynamic Range	not tested	11.7
DxO Low Light ISO	not tested	230
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