Nikon D50 vs Pentax Optio WG-2

In this comparison, we will evaluate the Nikon D50 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 D50 was introduced in July 2005 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 D50 over Pentax Optio WG-2.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax Optio WG-2 over Nikon D50.

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 D50 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 (pentamirror) Viewfinder on Nikon D50

Nikon D50 has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder. It has a 95% coverage and 0.75x (0.50x 35mm equivalent) magnification. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Pentax Optio WG-2.

Nikon D50 features a 6.1 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 D50 can take pictures up to 3008 x 2000 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 2256 x 1496, 1504 x 1000 with 3:2 aspect ratios. 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 D50 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

Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. connector for video signal output.

Battery

Nikon D50 comes with EN-EL3 battery pack and Pentax Optio WG-2 comes with D-LI92 battery pack with battery life of 260 shots.

External Storage Slots

Nikon D50 has a single SD card slot. Pentax Optio WG-2 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

Shutter

Nikon D50 has Combined mechanical and CCD electronic shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Nikon D50, and up to 1/4000 sec on Pentax Optio WG-2. Nikon D50 can shoot continuously up to 3.0 fps. Pentax Optio WG-2 can shoot continuously up to 1.0 fps.

Flash

Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 11.00 m at ISO 100 on Nikon D50 and 5.40 m on Pentax Optio WG-2. Nikon D50 also accepts external flash which can be connected via Standard ISO hot-shoe contact with safety lock provided. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/500 sec on Nikon D50.

Nikon D50 body has dimensions of 133 x 102 x 76 mm (5.24 x 4.02 x 2.99") and Pentax Optio WG-2 body has dimensions of 122 x 61 x 30 mm (4.8 x 2.4 x 1.18"). Nikon D50 weighs 620 g (1.37 lb / 21.87 oz) and Pentax Optio WG-2 weighs 192 g (0.42 lb / 6.77 oz).

Nikon D50

Pentax Optio WG-2

133 mm

102 mm

122 mm

61 mm

102 mm

61 mm

76 mm

30 mm