Pentax WG-2 GPS vs Panasonic ZS40 Comparison

Camera to replace

Change

Pentax WG-2 GPS

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

CHECK PRICE

Change

Panasonic ZS40

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

CHECK PRICE

Pentax WG-2 GPS vs Panasonic ZS40 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 Panasonic ZS40, which was introduced in January 2014 is a Small Sensor Superzoom camera with a 18.0MP 1/2.3-inch sensor. There is 23 months difference between WG-2 GPS and ZS40 so we don't expect to see a huge technology difference between these two cameras but it would still give an advantage to younger ZS40, especially in sensor tech.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Pentax WG-2 GPS and Panasonic ZS40 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

Panasonic ZS40 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2014-01-06

18MP - 1/2.3-inch CMOS Sensor

ISO 100 - 3200 ( expands to 6400)

24-720 mm F3.3-6.4 Zoom Lens

Optical Image Stabilization

3" Fixed Type Screen

200k dot Electronic viewfinder

10.0fps continuous shooting

Full HD - 1920 x 1080 video resolution

Built-in Wireless

Built-in GPS

240g. 111 x 64 x 34 mm

Also known as Lumix DMC-TZ60

Replaced Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS35 Compare

Panasonic ZS40 was replaced by Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45. You may also be interested in these comparisons:
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45 vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 (Lumix DMC-TZ60)
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45 vs Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Pentax WG-2 GPS and Panasonic ZS40 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 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40

Max ISO	6.400 vs 3.200	100% higher Max ISO
Max Mech. Shutter	1/4000s vs 1/2000s	faster mechanical shutter
Weight	198 g vs 240 g	42 g lighter
Environmental Sealing	Yes vs No	shoot at tough conditions
Timelapse Recording	Yes vs No	creative shooting
Max Aperture - Tele	5.50 vs 6.40	faster lens at tele
Sensor Pixel Area	2.04µm² vs 1.56µm²	30% larger pixel area

Reasons to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 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
Viewfinder	Electronic vs None	Better framing and control
RAW Support	Yes vs No	Better image quality
Max Sensor Resolution	18 MP vs 16 MP	12% more pixels
Number of Focus Points	23 vs 9	14 more focus points
LCD Screen Resolution	920k dots vs 460k dots	100% higher resolution screen
Continuous Shooting	10.0fps vs 1.0fps	9 fps faster
Battery Life	300 shots vs 260 shots	40 more frames with a single charge
Manual Exposure	Yes vs No	better exposure control
Focal Length - Wide	24mm vs 28mm	4 mm wider coverage
Focal Length - Tele	720mm vs 140mm	580 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom	30× vs 5×	more flexible focal coverage
Max Aperture - Wide	3.30 vs 3.50	faster lens at wide
Flash Coverage	6.4m vs 5.4m	1m longer range
AE Bracketing	Yes vs No	Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR
NFC Connection	Yes vs No	Easy wireless connectivity with compatible devices
Smartphone Remote	Yes vs No	Remote control your camera with a smartphone

Common Strengths of Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40

Built-in Flash	Yes vs Yes	Useful in low-light
GPS	Built-in vs Built-in	track your location
Face Detection Focus	Yes vs Yes	very handy for portraits
Manual Focusing	Yes vs Yes	both have manual focusing modes

Common Weaknesses of Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40

Fixed Screen	Fixed Type vs No	No flexible viewing angles
External Flash Shoe	No vs No	Not suitable for flash photography

Pentax WG-2 GPS vs Panasonic ZS40: 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 Panasonic ZS40 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). Panasonic ZS40 has external dimensions of 111 x 64 x 34 mm (4.37 x 2.52 x 1.34″) and weighs 240 g (0.53 lb / 8.47 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Pentax WG-2 GPS and Panasonic ZS40. Pentax WG-2 GPS is 3mm shorter and 4mm thinner than Panasonic ZS40 but it is also 11mm wider.

Comparison image of Pentax WG-2 GPS and Panasonic ZS40 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Pentax WG-2 GPS and Panasonic ZS40.

Comparison image of Pentax WG-2 GPS and Panasonic ZS40 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Pentax WG-2 GPS and Panasonic ZS40.

Top View Comparison image of Pentax WG-2 GPS and Panasonic ZS40 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 (42g ) than the Panasonic ZS40 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

WG-2 GPS

ZS40

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

WG-2 GPS

ZS40

Min

Average

Max

Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Pentax WG-2 GPS and Panasonic ZS40'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 Panasonic ZS40: 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, Panasonic ZS40 has a 18.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Venus Engine processor.

Below you can see the WG-2 GPS and ZS40 sensor size comparison.

Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Pentax WG-2 GPS and Panasonic ZS40 Cameras

Pentax WG-2 GPS and Panasonic ZS40 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 GPS has 30% larger pixel area compared to Panasonic ZS40, it has potential to collect more light on pixel level hence have less noise in low light / High ISO images.

Pentax WG-2 GPS vs Panasonic ZS40 Lens Specs Comparison

Pentax WG-2 GPS features a 28-140 mm F3.5-5.5 5× zoom lens whereas Panasonic ZS40 features a 24-720 mm F3.3-6.4 30× zoom lens.

Panasonic ZS40 has 4mm wider coverage than the Pentax WG-2 GPS. At f3.30, it is also faster at widest end. On the tele end, Panasonic ZS40 has 580mm longer telezoom reach than the Pentax WG-2 GPS. However, with a max aperture of f5.50, Pentax WG-2 GPS is faster at widest end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

WG-2 GPS

ZS40

Widest - Ricoh WG-M1

Average

Telezoom

Compact Cameras

WG-2 GPS

ZS40

Longest - Canon SX520 HS

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

WG-2 GPS

ZS40

Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV

Average

Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

WG-2 GPS

ZS40

Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6

Average

What types of Photography are Pentax WG-2 GPS and Panasonic ZS40 Good for?

In this section, we rank and compare Pentax WG-2 GPS and Panasonic ZS40 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

Panasonic ZS40 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

Very High Resolution Sensor: 18.0MP
Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No External Flash Shoe
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Pentax WG-2 GPS for Street Photography

AVERAGE

Panasonic ZS40 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
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
Read the details

Pentax WG-2 GPS for Sports Photography

POOR

Panasonic ZS40 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
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Fast Continuous Shooting: 10.0fps
23 Focus Points
Wireless Connection
720 mm Tele Lens
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
No External Flash Shoe
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Environmental Sealings
Slow Lens at Tele: f6.40
Read the details

Pentax WG-2 GPS for Daily Photography

AVERAGE

Panasonic ZS40 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
240g
30.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
Read the details

Pentax WG-2 GPS for Landscape Photography

POOR

Panasonic ZS40 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

Very High Resolution Sensor: 18.0MP
RAW shooting capability
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Built-in GPS
24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Pentax WG-2 GPS vs Panasonic ZS40: 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 Panasonic ZS40, 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 Panasonic ZS40 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

Panasonic ZS40

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #35 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #412 out of 1226 in all Cameras

Panasonic ZS40 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, Panasonic ZS40 is the better camera overall.

Panasonic ZS40 vs Pentax WG-2 GPS Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications

General	Pentax Optio WG-2 GPS	Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40
Brand	Pentax	Panasonic
Announced	2012-02-07	2014-01-06
Body Type	Compact	Compact
Sensor
Type	BSI-CMOS	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	18 megapixels
Max Resolution	4288 x 3216	4896 x 3672
Max Native Light sensitivity	6,400 ISO	3,200 ISO
Max Boosted Light Sensitivity	-	6400 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity	125 ISO	100 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	23
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens	fixed lens
Lens Focal Range	28-140 mm (5×)	24-720 mm (30×)
Max Aperture	F3.5-5.5	F3.3-6.4
Macro Focus Range	1cm	3cm
Screen
Type	Fixed type	Fixed type
Size	3"	3"
Resolution	460k dots	920k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	None	Electronic
Viewfinder Resolution	no electronic viewfinder	200k dots
Viewfinder Coverage	n/a	100%
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter	1/4000s	1/2000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization	No	Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	5.40 m	6.40 m
External Flash
Continuous Shooting	1.0 fps	10.0 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, AVCHD
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	Eye-Fi Connected	Built-In
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight	198g	240g
Dimensions	122 x 61 x 30mm	111 x 64 x 34mm
Battery Life	260 shots	300 shots
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS	Built-in	Built-in
DxO Sensor Scores
	Report a correction	Report a correction