Pentax WG-2 Review

Name: Pentax Optio WG-2
Brand: Pentax

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Main Features

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

192g. 122 x 61 x 30 mm

Weather Sealed Body

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Pentax WG-2 Overview

Launched in February 2012 , Pentax Optio WG-2 is a 16.0MP Waterproof camera with a 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor, weather sealed body and 5.0x zoom 28-140 mm F3.5-5.5 lens.

Pentax WG-2 Review - Click for Table of Contents

Overview
Pros and Cons
Sensor and Photography Features
Physical Specs
LCD and Viewfinder
Connectivity, Storage and Battery
Video
Other Features
Lens
Photography Type Scores
Alternatives
Popular Comparisons
Frequently Asked Questions
Detailed Specifications

Pentax WG-2 is a member of Pentax's Waterproof class cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this class and how their main specs have changed with each new model.

Pentax Waterproof Series History

Model	Release Date	Sensor	Max FPS	Dimensions	Weight
Pentax WG-3 GPS Compare	2013	16.0MP - 1/2.3-inch	fps	125 x 64 x 33mm	238g
Pentax WG-3 Compare	2013	16.0MP - 1/2.3-inch	10.0 fps	124 x 64 x 33mm	230g
Pentax WG-10 Compare	2013	14.0MP - 1/2.3-inch	0.7 fps	116 x 59 x 29 mmmm	167g
Pentax WG-2	2012	16.0MP - 1/2.3-inch	1.0 fps	122 x 61 x 30mm	192g
Pentax WG-2 GPS Compare	2012	16.0MP - 1/2.3-inch	1.0 fps	122 x 61 x 30mm	198g

Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series side by side:
Pentax WG-3 GPS vs WG-3 vs WG-10 vs WG-2 vs WG-2 GPS

Pentax WG-2 PROs and CONs Review

Now let's get in to more details of our Pentax WG-2 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

PROs

Water Proof

Shock Proof

Crush Proof

Freeze Proof

Full HD Video

Face Detection Focusing

1/4000s High Shutter Speed

192g Light Body

Manual Focusing

Environmental Sealing

Timelapse Recording

Report a correction

Buy Pentax WG-2 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO

CONs

No Wireless Connection

No Image Stabilization

No Articulating Screen

No External Flash Shoe

No Touch Screen

No Built-in Viewfinder

No RAW Shooting

Only 9 Focus Points

Low Screen Resolution ( 460kdots )

Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps

Low Battery Life: 260 shots

No Manual Exposure

Slow Lens at Wide: f3.50

Slow Lens at Tele: f5.50

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Pentax WG-2 Physical Specs

Pentax WG-2 weighs 192 g (0.42 lb / 6.77 oz) and has external dimensions of 122 x 61 x 30 mm (4.8 x 2.4 x 1.18″). Considering that the average weight of Compact type cameras is 188g, its weight is about average in its class. With a thickness of 30mm, it also has an average thickness.

Weight Comparison

Compact Cameras

Pentax WG-2

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Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Compact Cameras

Pentax WG-2

Min

Average

Max

Here is the front and top view image of Pentax WG-2 with the dimensions:

Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Pentax WG-2 Camera Body

In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Pentax WG-2, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.

Physical size of the Pentax WG-2 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Pentax WG-2 with its main competitors:

Pentax WG-2 Size Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Weight	vs WG-2	Thickness	vs WG-2
Ricoh WG-70 Compare	193g	1g heavier	30mm	equal thickness
Pentax WG-3 GPS Compare	238g	46g heavier	33mm	3mm thicker
Ricoh WG-50 Compare	193g	1g heavier	30mm	equal thickness
Ricoh WG-20 Compare	164g	28g lighter	28mm	2mm thinner
Olympus TG-6 Compare	253g	61g heavier	32mm	2mm thicker
Ricoh WG-M1 Compare	190g	2g lighter	89mm	59mm thicker
Canon SL2 Compare	453g	261g heavier	70mm	40mm thicker
Olympus TG-4 Compare	247g	55g heavier	31mm	1mm thicker

Weather Sealing

Pentax WG-2 has environmental sealings (waterproof, shockproof, dustproof, freezeproof)

Pentax WG-2 Lens

Pentax WG-2 features a 28-140 mm F3.5-5.5 5× zoom lens. Lens has a good wide angle capability starting at 28mm and 140mm reach on tele gives a lot of flexibility and satisfy most of your needs.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

WG-2

Widest - Olympus TG-850 iHS

Average

Telezoom

Compact Cameras

WG-2

Longest - Canon SX520 HS

Average

With a max aperture of f3.50 at 28mm, we can not consider this lens fast on wide end and neither at tele end with its f5.50.

Max Aperture at Wide

Compact Cameras

WG-2

Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

Compact Cameras

WG-2

Fastest - Fujifilm XQ2

Average

Pentax WG-2's lens also has a Manual Focus Mode.

Pentax WG-2 Sensor and Photography Features

Pentax WG-2 has a 16.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4288 x 3216 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3 and 16:9. WG-2 has a native ISO range of 125 - 6400 but unfortunately, Pentax WG-2 doesn't have RAW file support. If you need a Compact camera with a RAW support, consider Nikon Coolpix P7800 or Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60 (Lumix DMC-TZ80) in the same price range.

Pentax WG-2 is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 with its 21.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Pentax WG-2 vs Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 or take a look at Highest resolution Waterproof cameras list.

Let's look at how the size of the Pentax WG-2's 1/2.3-inch sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

Comparison image of Pentax WG-2 Sensor Size with other standard sensors

Pentax WG-2 LCD

Pentax WG-2 has a Fixed Type 3.00-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 460k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.

Unfortunately Pentax Optio WG-2 doesn't have a Selfie friendly screen. If this feature is important for your shooting style, check here the list of Best Waterproof Cameras with Selfie Friendly LCD screen.

WG-2 doesn't have a viewfinder and no option for external viewfinder.

Pentax WG-2 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

You can connect WG-2 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

Pentax WG-2 Battery

Pentax WG-2 is powered by D-LI92 battery which provides a battery life of 260 shots according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of Compact type cameras is 255 shots, its battery life is about average in its class but it would still be wise to invest in some spare batteries for long photo trips.

Battery Life Comparison in Waterproof Cameras

Pentax WG-2

Min

Average

Max

Olympus TG-4 with its 380shots is the model with longest battery life among Waterproof cameras. Check the comparison of Pentax WG-2 vs Olympus TG-4 or take a look at Longest Battery Life Waterproof cameras list.

Pentax WG-2 Features Compared to Main Competitors

Model	Max Video	Battery Life	Wi-fi	Bluetooth	NFC
Ricoh WG-70 Compare	1920 x 1080	300shots	No	No	No
Pentax WG-3 GPS Compare	1920 x 1080	240shots	No	No	No
Ricoh WG-50 Compare	1920 x 1080	300shots	No	No	No
Ricoh WG-20 Compare	1280 x 720	260shots	No	No	No
Olympus TG-6 Compare	3840 x 2160	340shots	Yes	No	No
Ricoh WG-M1 Compare	1920 x 1080	350shots	Yes	No	No
Canon SL2 Compare	1920 x 1080	650shots	Yes	Yes	Yes
Olympus TG-4 Compare	1920 x 1080	380shots	Yes	No	No

Pentax WG-2 Video Features

With Pentax WG-2, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 30 fps and save in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats. Full HD resolution of Pentax WG-2 will be adequate in most of the situations. But if you are after the highest resolution videos available, see our list of Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Video.

WG-2 has a built-in Mono microphone and a Mono speaker. On the other hand, Pentax WG-2 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a Compact camera with external microphone connectivity, consider Nikon Coolpix P7800 or Nikon Coolpix P7100 in a similar price range.

Pentax WG-2 Other Features

Max Shutter speed

Pentax WG-2 can shoot continuously at max speed of 1 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/4000 sec.

Flash

Unfortunately WG-2 doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.

Focusing

Pentax WG-2 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system. The AF system has 9 points to choose from.

Pentax WG-2 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

What type of Photography is Pentax WG-2 Good for?

In this section, we review and score Pentax WG-2 in 5 different photography areas.

Pentax WG-2 for Portrait Photography

Pentax WG-2 has a score of 22 for Portrait Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait We strongly recommend you to check our Top Waterproof Cameras for Portrait Photography list and consider these alternatives over theWG-2.

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 of how we scored Pentax WG-2 for Portrait Photography

Pentax WG-2 for Street Photography

Pentax WG-2 has a score of 42 for Street Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Street is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Waterproof Cameras for Street Photography list.

Manual Focus Mode
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small Body

No Built-in Viewfinder
No Image Stabilization
No RAW shooting capability
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor

Read the details of how we scored Pentax WG-2 for Street Photography

Pentax WG-2 for Sports Photography

Pentax WG-2 has a score of 20 for Sports Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Sports We strongly recommend you to check our Top Waterproof Cameras for Sports Photography list and consider these alternatives over theWG-2.

Environmental Sealings
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
Manual Focus Mode
140 mm Tele Lens
Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
9 Focus Points
Poor Battery Life: 260 shots

Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
No Manual Exposure Mode
No Built-in Viewfinder
No External Flash Shoe
No Image Stabilization
No RAW shooting capability

Read the details of how we scored Pentax WG-2 for Sports Photography

Pentax WG-2 for Daily Photography

Pentax WG-2 has a score of 57 for Daily Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Daily is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Waterproof Cameras for Daily Photography list.

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 of how we scored Pentax WG-2 for Daily Photography

Pentax WG-2 for Landscape Photography

Pentax WG-2 has a score of 26 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Waterproof Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theWG-2.

Manual Focus Mode
28 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Environmental Sealings
Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP

No Manual Exposure Mode
No RAW shooting capability
Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor

Read the details of how we scored Pentax WG-2 for Landscape Photography

Pentax WG-2 Alternatives

In this section, we analyse how Pentax WG-2 compares with other Compact cameras within a similar price range.

Read a more detailed analysis of Pentax WG-2 alternatives.

Popular Comparisons of Pentax WG-2

Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Pentax WG-2 amongst Camera Decision readers.

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Pentax WG-2 Alternatives in Cameras

It would also be interesting to compare Pentax WG-2 with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Pentax WG-2's price range.

Pentax WG-2 Conclusion and Scores

Currently, Pentax WG-2 has an Overall Score of 46/100 which is based on our evaluation of 69 different technical parameters. Our scores are dynamically updated whenever a new camera is added to our database or when we change our ranking algorithm and the maximum score is always 100. Pentax Optio WG-2 is ranked #97 out of 629 in Compact cameras (Top 20 Waterproof), and ranked #576 out of 1233 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

#576 out of 1233 in All Cameras
#97 out of 629 in Waterproof Cameras
#26 out of 75 in Waterproof Cameras.
#141 out of 738 in Small Sensor Sensor Cameras.

Main Scores

Imaging

Features

Value for Money

Portability

Overall Score

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Frequently Asked Questions about Pentax WG-2

Does the Pentax WG-2 have Image Stabilization?
Does the Pentax WG-2 have RAW support?
Does the Pentax WG-2 have Weather Sealing?
Does the Pentax WG-2 have built-in GPS?
What is the Max ISO of Pentax WG-2?
What is the Sensor Size of Pentax WG-2?
is the Pentax WG-2 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
Does the Pentax WG-2 have Touch Screen?
Does the Pentax WG-2 have built-in Wireless?
What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Pentax WG-2?
What is the Weight of Pentax WG-2?
What are the Dimensions of Pentax WG-2?

Pentax Optio WG-2 Detailed Specifications

General
Brand	Pentax
Model	Pentax Optio WG-2
Announced	2012-02-07
Body Type	Compact
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens
Number of Lenses
Lens Focal Range	28-140 mm (5×)
Max Aperture	F3.5-5.5
Macro Focus Range	1cm
Screen
Screen Type	Fixed Type
Screen Technology	Widescreen TFT color LCD with anti-reflective coating
Screen Size	3"
Screen Resolution	460k dots
Live View
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	None
Viewfinder Resolution	no electronic viewfinder
Viewfinder Coverage	n/a
Viewfinder Magnification	n/a
Photography Features
Min Shutter Speed	4s
Max Mechanical Shutter Speed	1/4000s
Continuous Shooting	1.0 fps
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Exposure Compensation	n/a
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	5.40 m
Flash Modes	Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Soft
External Flash
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Exposure Modes
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
DxO Sensor Scores
DxO Overall Score	not tested
DxO Color Depth	not tested
DxO Dynamic Range	not tested
DxO Low Light ISO	not tested
	Report a correction

Sensor
Sensor Type	BSI-CMOS
Sensor Size	1/2.3-inch
Sensor Dimensions	6.17 x 4.55 mm
Sensor Area	28.07mm²
Sensor Resolution	16 megapixels
Max Image Resolution	4288 x 3216
Max Native ISO	6,400
Min Native ISO	125
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
Number of Cross Focus Points	Unknown
Video Features
Video Resolutions	1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps)
Max Video Resolution	1920 x 1080
Video Formats	MPEG-4, H.264
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	Eye-Fi Connected
HDMI
USB	USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Water Proof
Dust Proof
Shock Proof
Crush Proof
Freeze Proof
Weight	192g
Physical Dimensions	122 x 61 x 30mm
Battery Life	260 shots
Battery Type	Battery Pack
Battery Model	D-LI92
Other Features
Self Timer	Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None
Storage Type	SD/SDHC/SDXC card, Internal
Storage Slots	1