Nikon D1H vs Pentax Optio WG-2

In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon D1H and the Pentax Optio WG-2, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

Nikon D1H was introduced in September 2001 and Pentax Optio WG-2 was introduced in February 2012. Let us first list highlights of the models.

Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Nikon D1H over Pentax Optio WG-2.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax Optio WG-2 over Nikon D1H.

We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

Screen

Nikon D1H has a 2.0" screen with 130k dot resolution and Pentax Optio WG-2 has a 3.0" screen with 460k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.

Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder on Nikon D1H

Nikon D1H has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. It has a 96% coverage and 0.80x (0.53x 35mm equivalent) magnification. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Pentax Optio WG-2.

Nikon D1H features a 2.7 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor with dimensions of 23.7 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 369.7 mm². Its native ISO range is 200 - 1,600. Pentax Optio WG-2 features a 16 megapixel 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor with dimensions of 6.17 x 4.55 mm and a total area of 20.7 mm². Its native ISO range is 125 - 6,400.

Pentax Optio WG-2 has BSI-CMOS sensor, short for Backside Illuminated Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor sensor. In traditional CMOS sensors, the wiring and circuitry are located on the front side of the sensor, which can block some of the incoming light. BSI technology flips this design by placing the photosensitive elements (pixels) on the backside of the sensor, allowing more light to reach the pixels. This significantly enhances light sensitivity and improves low-light performance. BSI-CMOS sensors are particularly effective in low-light conditions, as they can capture more light, resulting in brighter and less noisy images. This makes them well-suited for indoor and night photography. BSI-CMOS sensors deliver a higher SNR and reduced cross-talk.

Nikon D1H can take pictures up to 2000 x 1312 resolution. Pentax Optio WG-2 can take pictures up to 4288 x 3216 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4288 x 3216, 4224 x 2376, 3216 x 3216, 3072 x 2304, 3072 x 1728, 2592 x 1944, 2592 x 1464, 2048 x 1536, 1920 x 1080, 1024 x 768, 640 x 480 with 1:1, 4:3, 16:9 aspect ratios.

No Image Stabilization

The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Nikon D1H it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Pentax Optio WG-2 nothing can be done.

USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

Pentax Optio WG-2 has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) input for data transfer. connector for video signal output.

Battery

Pentax Optio WG-2 comes with D-LI92 battery pack with battery life of 260 shots.

External Storage Slots

Nikon D1H has a single CompactFlash (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA), MicroDrive card slot. Pentax Optio WG-2 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

Shutter

Nikon D1H has Charge-coupled electronic and mechanical shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/16000 sec on Nikon D1H, and up to 1/4000 sec on Pentax Optio WG-2. Nikon D1H can shoot continuously up to 5.0 fps. Pentax Optio WG-2 can shoot continuously up to 1.0 fps.

Flash

Pentax Optio WG-2 has a built-in flash with maximum range of 5.40 m. Nikon D1H has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/500 sec on Nikon D1H.

Nikon D1H body has dimensions of 157 x 153 x 85 mm (6.18 x 6.02 x 3.35") and Pentax Optio WG-2 body has dimensions of 122 x 61 x 30 mm (4.8 x 2.4 x 1.18"). Nikon D1H weighs 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz) and Pentax Optio WG-2 weighs 192 g (0.42 lb / 6.77 oz).

Nikon D1H

Pentax Optio WG-2

157 mm

153 mm

122 mm

61 mm