Pentax WG-1 vs Panasonic GM1

Cameras
Compare Cameras
Pentax WG-1 vs Panasonic GM1

Leave Feedback

1/2.3 inch 28.1mm²
14.0 megapixels
28.00mm - 140.00mm (35mm eq.)

Go in depth with our full Pentax WG-1 Review.

4/3 224.9mm²
16.0 megapixels
ISO 200 - 25,600

Go in depth with our full Panasonic GM1 Review.
How does it shoot? Panasonic GM1 in the real world.
See real-world photos taken with the GM1.
Compare Panasonic GM1 image quality against competitors.
What’s the bottom line? Read our Panasonic GM1 conclusion.

Succeeded by the Pentax WG-2
Compare WG-1 vs WG-2

Succeeded by the Panasonic GM5
Compare GM1 vs GM5

Compare PENTAX WG-2 vs PANASONIC GM5

Buy From

Differences

Pentax WG-1 advantages over Panasonic GM1

Less expensive
$350 vs $750 (MSRP)
Save money for lenses or accessories
Waterproof
Yes vs No
Take photos underwater without destroying your camera!
In-Camera Image Stabilization
Yes vs No
Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds

Panasonic GM1 advantages over Pentax WG-1

Focus peaking
Peaker vs Non-peaker
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
Larger sensor
4/3 vs 1/2.3 inch
More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
Bigger pixels
~ 3.77 vs 1.44 microns
Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
Touchscreen
Touch vs No touch
Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
RAW file ability
Yes vs No
Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
Built-in Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi vs None
Share your photos wirelessly
Shoots 24p video
Yes vs No
Gives your movies a big-screen feel
More dots on screen
1037k vs 230k dots
Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
Shoots 1080p video
Yes vs No
You'll want this if you shoot video
Shoots 60p video
Yes vs No
A faster framerate can give you more editing options
Longer exposure
60 vs 4 sec
Long exposures for night shots
Faster JPEG shooting
9.9 fps vs 0.7 fps
Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
Faster shutter
1/16000 vs 1/1500 sec
Shoot wide open in bright light
Higher extended ISO
25600 vs 6400 ISO
Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

Rear display
Both provide
Review photos on the back of the camera
Internal flash
Both provide
Useful in a pinch for fill flash
Manual focus
Both provide
AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
HDMI out
Both provide
Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

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
In-camera panoramas
Neither provide
Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
Tiltable Screen
Neither provide
Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
NFC
Neither provide
Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
Built-in Bluetooth
Neither provide
Always-on wireless connectivity
Built-in GPS
Neither provide
Geotag your photos
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
Dual card slots
Neither provide
Gives you more storage flexibility
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

Buy the Pentax WG-1

Pentax WG-1

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Panasonic GM1

Kit with 12-32mm Lens

Review Excerpt

We haven’t reviewed the Pentax WG-1.
Read our Pentax WG-1 Preview

Large Four Thirds sensor is impressive for a camera this small; Shares sensor and processor of GX7; Excellent image quality with class-leading high ISO performance; Responsive all-around performer; AF system is fast and accurate; Easy to use and responsive touchscreen; Built-in Wi-Fi with remote control and sharing features; Lightweight and pocketable design makes it easy to carry everywhere.
Can be awkward to use with larger lenses; Rear dial is easy to accidentally press; Lacks a hot-shoe for EVF or external flash; Weak built-in flash; 1/50s flash sync; No 1080p60 video; No external headphone jack or mic input.
Read our Panasonic GM1 Review

The Competition

Compared to Pentax I-10

Pentax WG-1

Pentax I-10

$260
1/2.3 inch

Waterproof
HDMI out

$300
1/2.3 inch

Less expensive
Faster JPEG shooting

Compare Pentax WG-1 vs Pentax I-10

Panasonic GM1

Pentax I-10

$479
4/3

Focus peaking
Larger sensor

$300
1/2.3 inch

Less expensive
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Panasonic GM1 vs Pentax I-10

Compared to Pentax W90

Pentax WG-1

Pentax W90

$260
1/2.3 inch

Waterproof
Longer stills battery life

$330
1/2.3 inch

Faster JPEG shooting

Compare Pentax WG-1 vs Pentax W90

Panasonic GM1

Pentax W90

$479
4/3

Focus peaking
Larger sensor

$330
1/2.3 inch

Less expensive
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Panasonic GM1 vs Pentax W90

Compared to Pentax WG-1 GPS

Pentax WG-1

Pentax WG-1 GPS

$260
1/2.3 inch

$400
1/2.3 inch

Built-in GPS

Compare Pentax WG-1 vs Pentax WG-1 GPS

Panasonic GM1

Pentax WG-1 GPS

$479
4/3

Focus peaking
Larger sensor

$400
1/2.3 inch

Less expensive
Waterproof

Compare Panasonic GM1 vs Pentax WG-1 GPS

Compared to Panasonic GM5

Pentax WG-1

Panasonic GM5

$260
1/2.3 inch

Less expensive
Waterproof

$898
4/3

Focus peaking
Larger sensor

Compare Pentax WG-1 vs Panasonic GM5

Panasonic GM1

Panasonic GM5

$479
4/3

Less expensive
Internal flash

$898
4/3

Eye-level viewfinder
In-camera panoramas

Compare Panasonic GM1 vs Panasonic GM5

Compared to Panasonic GF7

Pentax WG-1

Panasonic GF7

$260
1/2.3 inch

Less expensive
Waterproof

$590
4/3

Focus peaking
Larger sensor

Compare Pentax WG-1 vs Panasonic GF7

Panasonic GM1

Panasonic GF7

$479
4/3

$590
4/3

Less expensive
In-camera panoramas

Compare Panasonic GM1 vs Panasonic GF7

Compare Other Cameras?