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Pentax WG-2 GPS vs Canon G16 Comparison

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Camera to replace
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Pentax WG-2 GPS

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

Pentax WG-2 GPS
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Canon G16

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

Canon G16
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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
  • 3.00" 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
  • 3.00" 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.


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Reasons to choose Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS over Canon PowerShot G16
GPS
BuiltIn vs None track your location
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
CHECK WG-2 GPS PRICE


Reasons to choose Canon PowerShot G16 over Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS
Wireless Connection
Built-In vs Eye-Fi Connected Better connectivity
In-built Image Stabilization
Optical vs None Sharper images at longer focal lengths and slow shutter speeds
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 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
CHECK G16 PRICE

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.

Pentax WG-2 GPS vs Canon G16 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
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.

Pentax WG-2 GPS vs Canon G16 Camera Size Comparison - Back View
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.
Pentax WG-2 GPS vs Canon G16 Camera Size Comparison - Top View
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 3.00".

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.

Pentax WG-2 GPS vs Canon 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 - Olympus TG-850 iHS
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
RAW shooting capability
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 69 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 #100 out of 477 in Compact cameras
Ranked #603 out of 1244 in all Cameras
Canon G16
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #8 out of 477 in Compact cameras
Ranked #290 out of 1244 in all Cameras

Canon G16 has a higher Overall Score thanks to its better image quality and more features compared to Pentax WG-2 GPS. On the other hand the Pentax WG-2 GPS beats Canon G16 in two significant areas: Value for Money and Compactness.
If you are a price conscious buyer and looking for a small and relatively low priced camera where you can take everywhere with you, Pentax WG-2 GPS is the right choice for you.
If you are after the better photographic performance with all the advanced features, definitely get the Canon G16

Pentax WG-2 GPS
Pentax WG-2 GPS
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Canon G16
Canon G16
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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 3.00" 3.00"
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
Built-in 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 Metering
Average Metering
Spot Metering
Partial Metering
AF-Area Metering
Center Weighted Metering
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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