Olympus E-400 vs Pentax Optio WG-2

In this comparison, we will evaluate the Olympus E-400 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.

Olympus E-400 was introduced in September 2006 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 Olympus E-400 over Pentax Optio WG-2.

This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax Optio WG-2 over Olympus E-400.

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

Olympus E-400 has a 2.5" screen with 215k dot resolution and Pentax Optio WG-2 has a 3.0" screen with 460k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.

Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder on Olympus E-400

Olympus E-400 has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder. It has a 95% coverage and 0.92x (0.46x 35mm equivalent) magnification. There is no built-in or optional viewfinder available on Pentax Optio WG-2.

Olympus E-400 features a 10.0 megapixel Micro Four Thirds CCD sensor with dimensions of 17.3 x 13 mm and a total area of 224.9 mm². Its native ISO range is 100 - 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.

Olympus E-400 can take pictures up to 3648 x 2736 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3200 x 2400, 2560 x 1920, 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 1024 x 768, 640 x 480 with 4:3 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 Olympus E-400 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

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

External Storage Slots

Olympus E-400 has a single Compact Flash (Type I/II), xD Picture Card card slot. Pentax Optio WG-2 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC card slot.

Shutter

Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Olympus E-400, and up to 1/4000 sec on Pentax Optio WG-2. Olympus E-400 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 10.00 m at ISO 100 on Olympus E-400 and 5.40 m on Pentax Optio WG-2. Olympus E-400 also accepts external flash..

Olympus E-400 body has dimensions of 130 x 91 x 53 mm (5.12 x 3.58 x 2.09") and Pentax Optio WG-2 body has dimensions of 122 x 61 x 30 mm (4.8 x 2.4 x 1.18"). Olympus E-400 weighs 435 g (0.96 lb / 15.34 oz) and Pentax Optio WG-2 weighs 192 g (0.42 lb / 6.77 oz).

Olympus E-400

Pentax Optio WG-2

130 mm

91 mm

122 mm

61 mm

91 mm

61 mm

53 mm

30 mm