• 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 125.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 14.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 140.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Panasonic DMC-FX500 advantages over Pentax WG-1 GPS

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.68 vs 1.44 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.8 vs f/3.5
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • Wider angle lens
    25 mm vs 28 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    1.8 fps vs 0.7 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Pentax WG-1 GPS advantages over Panasonic DMC-FX500

  • Waterproof
    Yes vs No
    Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Less shutter lag
    0.35 vs 0.61 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More pixels
    14.0 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Pentax WG-1 GPS

Review Excerpt

  • Weatherproof; Rugged; Built-in GPS; 5x zoom in a small size; Fast shutter lag.

  • Excessive noise processing at low ISO; Poor video quality; GPS punishes battery life; Electronic image stabilization only.

The Competition

Compared to Canon SD880 IS

Panasonic DMC-FX500
Canon SD880 IS
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Wider angle lens
  • Longer exposure
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
Pentax WG-1 GPS
Canon SD880 IS
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FX580S

Panasonic DMC-FX500
Panasonic DMC-FX580S
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • $303
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More pixels
Pentax WG-1 GPS
Panasonic DMC-FX580S
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Built-in GPS
  • $303
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Larger lens aperture
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Canon SD980 IS

Panasonic DMC-FX500
Canon SD980 IS
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Longer exposure
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $249
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
Pentax WG-1 GPS
Canon SD980 IS
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $249
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger lens aperture

Compared to Pentax W90

Panasonic DMC-FX500
Pentax W90
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Larger lens aperture
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Manual focus
Pentax WG-1 GPS
Pentax W90
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Built-in GPS
  • $330
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Faster JPEG shooting

Compared to Pentax WG-1

Panasonic DMC-FX500
Pentax WG-1
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $260
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Waterproof
  • Manual focus
Pentax WG-1 GPS
Pentax WG-1
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • $260
  • 1/2.3 inch
Compare Other Cameras?