Fujifilm XP120 vs Pentax WG-1000

The Fujifilm FinePix XP120 and the Pentax WG-1000 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in January 2017 and June 2024. Both the XP120 and the WG-1000 are fixed lens compact cameras that are equipped with a 1/2.3-inch sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 15.9 megapixels.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Fujifilm XP120		Pentax WG-1000
Fixed lens compact camera		Fixed lens compact camera
28-140mm f/3.9-4.9		27-108mm f/3.0-6.6
15.9 MP – 1/2.3" sensor		15.9 MP – 1/2.3" sensor
1080/60p Video		1080/30p Video
ISO 100-3,200		ISO 100-3,200
No viewfinder, LCD framing		No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0" LCD – 920k dots		2.7" LCD – 230k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
10 shutter flaps per second		8 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilization		no shake reduction
Waterproof body (20m)		Waterproof body (15m)
210 shots per battery charge		300 shots per battery charge
110 x 71 x 28 mm, 203 g		116 x 69 x 51 mm, 220 g

Check XP120 offers at
ebay.com
Check WG-1000 price at
amazon.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Fujifilm FinePix XP120 and the Pentax WG-1000? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Fujifilm XP120 and the Pentax WG-1000 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The XP120 can be obtained in three different colors (blue, yellow, green), while the WG-1000 is only available in grey.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Pentax WG-1000 is somewhat larger (2 percent) than the Fujifilm XP120. Moreover, the WG-1000 is markedly heavier (8 percent) than the XP120. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments. More than that, both cameras are water-proof and can, thus, be used for underwater photography.

The power pack in the XP120 can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price	Street Price
1.		Fujifilm XP120	110 mm	71 mm	28 mm	203 g	210	Y	Jan 2017	US$ 229	ebay.com
2.		Pentax WG-1000	116 mm	69 mm	51 mm	220 g	300	Y	Jun 2024	US$ 229	amazon.com
3.		Fujifilm XP130	110 mm	71 mm	28 mm	207 g	240	Y	Jan 2018	US$ 229	ebay.com
4.		Fujifilm XP140	110 mm	71 mm	28 mm	207 g	240	Y	Feb 2019	US$ 229	ebay.com
5.		Nikon W300	112 mm	66 mm	29 mm	231 g	280	Y	May 2017	US$ 389	ebay.com
6.		Olympus TG-4	112 mm	66 mm	31 mm	247 g	380	Y	Apr 2015	US$ 379	ebay.com
7.		Olympus TG-5	113 mm	66 mm	32 mm	250 g	340	Y	May 2017	US$ 449	ebay.com
8.		Pentax WG-8	118 mm	66 mm	33 mm	242 g	340	Y	Jun 2024	US$ 399	amazon.com
9.		Pentax WG-90	123 mm	62 mm	30 mm	194 g	300	Y	Nov 2023	US$ 279	amazon.com
10.		Ricoh WG-60	123 mm	62 mm	30 mm	193 g	300	Y	Oct 2018	US$ 279	ebay.com
11.		Sony HX95	102 mm	58 mm	36 mm	242 g	370	n	Aug 2018	US$ 429	ebay.com
12.		Sony HX99	102 mm	58 mm	36 mm	242 g	370	n	Aug 2018	US$ 449	ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The two cameras under review were launched at the same price and fall into the same market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature a 1/2.3-inch sensor and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 5.6. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the smaller-sensor digicams that favor affordability and compact design. Both cameras feature a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 4:3.

The two cameras under review do not only share the same sensor size, but also offer an identical resolution of 15.9 megapixels. This similarity in sensor specs implies that both the XP120 and the WG-1000 have the same pixel density, as well as the same pixel size. It should, however, be noted that the WG-1000 is much more recent (by 7 years and 5 months) than the XP120, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The Fujifilm FinePix XP120 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 3200. The Pentax WG-1000 offers exactly the same ISO settings.

In terms of underlying technology, the XP120 is build around a BSI-CMOS sensor, while the WG-1000 uses a CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Fujifilm XP120	1/2.3	15.9	4608	3456	1080/60p	20.5	11.9	900	49
2.		Pentax WG-1000	1/2.3	15.9	4608	3456	1080/30p	20.9	12.8	1626	54
3.		Fujifilm XP130	1/2.3	15.9	4608	3456	1080/60p	20.6	12.1	1000	51
4.		Fujifilm XP140	1/2.3	15.9	4608	3456	4K/15p	20.7	12.2	1102	52
5.		Nikon W300	1/2.3	15.9	4608	3456	4K/30p	20.5	12.0	938	50
6.		Olympus TG-4	1/2.3	15.9	4608	3456	1080/30p	20.2	11.6	737	47
7.		Olympus TG-5	1/2.3	12.0	4000	3000	4K/30p	20.5	11.9	934	50
8.		Pentax WG-8	1/2.3	20.2	5184	3888	4K/30p	20.9	12.8	1626	54
9.		Pentax WG-90	1/2.3	15.9	4608	3456	1080/60p	20.9	12.8	1570	54
10.		Ricoh WG-60	1/2.3	15.9	4608	3456	1080/60p	20.6	12.2	1072	51
11.		Sony HX95	1/2.3	18.0	4896	3672	4K/30p	20.6	12.1	1057	51
12.		Sony HX99	1/2.3	18.0	4896	3672	4K/30p	20.6	12.1	1058	51
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the XP120 provides a higher frame rate than the WG-1000. It can shoot video footage at 1080/60p, while the Pentax is limited to 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The XP120 and the WG-1000 are similar in the sense that neither of the two has a viewfinder. The images are, thus, framed using live view on the rear LCD. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Fujifilm XP120 and Pentax WG-1000 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Max Shutter Speed *	Max Shutter Flaps *	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Fujifilm XP120	none	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/2000s	10.0/s	Y	Y
2.		Pentax WG-1000	none	n	2.7 / 230	fixed	n	1/2000s	8.0/s	Y	n
3.		Fujifilm XP130	none	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/2000s	10.0/s	Y	Y
4.		Fujifilm XP140	none	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/2000s	10.0/s	Y	Y
5.		Nikon W300	none	n	3.0 / 921	fixed	n	1/4000s	7.0/s	Y	Y
6.		Olympus TG-4	none	n	3.0 / 460	fixed	n	1/2000s	5.0/s	Y	Y
7.		Olympus TG-5	none	n	3.0 / 460	fixed	n	1/2000s	20.0/s	Y	Y
8.		Pentax WG-8	none	n	3.0 / 1040	fixed	n	1/4000s	8.0/s	Y	n
9.		Pentax WG-90	none	n	2.7 / 230	fixed	n	1/4000s	8.0/s	Y	n
10.		Ricoh WG-60	none	n	2.7 / 230	fixed	n	1/4000s	8.0/s	Y	n
11.		Sony HX95	638	n	3.0 / 922	tilting	n	1/2000s	10.0/s	Y	Y
12.		Sony HX99	638	n	3.0 / 922	tilting	Y	1/2000s	10.0/s	Y	Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

The Fujifilm XP120 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Both the XP120 and the WG-1000 have zoom lenses built in. The XP120 has a 28-140mm f/3.9-4.9 optic and the WG-1000 offers a 27-108mm f/3.0-6.6 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the Pentax provides a wider angle of view at the short end than the Fujifilm, but less tele-photo reach at the long end. The WG-1000 offers the faster maximum aperture.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the XP120 and the WG-1000 write their files to SDXC cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Fujifilm FinePix XP120 and Pentax WG-1000 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Mic / Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Fujifilm XP120	-	mono / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
2.		Pentax WG-1000	-	mono / mono	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
3.		Fujifilm XP130	-	mono / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	Y
4.		Fujifilm XP140	-	mono / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	Y
5.		Nikon W300	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	Y
6.		Olympus TG-4	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
7.		Olympus TG-5	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
8.		Pentax WG-8	-	mono / mono	-	-	-	3.0	-	-	-
9.		Pentax WG-90	-	mono / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	-	-	-
10.		Ricoh WG-60	-	mono / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	-	-	-
11.		Sony HX95	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y
12.		Sony HX99	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y

It is notable that the XP120 offers wifi support, while the WG-1000 does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

The WG-1000 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Pentax. In contrast, the XP120 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the XP120 was succeeded by the Fujifilm XP130. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Fujifilm and Pentax websites.

Review summary

So how do things add up? Is the Fujifilm XP120 better than the Pentax WG-1000 or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Advantages of the Fujifilm FinePix XP120:

• Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60p versus 1080/30p).
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.7") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (920k vs 230k dots).
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 8 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• More tele-reach: Has a longer tele-lens for perspective compression and subject magnification.
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in January 2017).

Reasons to prefer the Pentax WG-1000:

• Better light gathering: Has a lens with a wider maximum aperture (f/3.0 vs f/3.9).
• Wider view: Has a wider-angle lens that facilitates landscape or interior shots.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (300 versus 210) out of a single battery charge.
• More modern: Reflects 7 years and 5 months of technical progress since the XP120 launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the XP120 is the clear winner of the match-up (10 : 4 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Fujifilm XP120 and the Pentax WG-1000 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the XP120 or the WG-1000. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DCW   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price	Street Price
1.		Fujifilm XP120	..	o	..	..	3.5/5	4/5	Jan 2017	US$ 229	ebay.com
2.		Pentax WG-1000	..	..	..	..	..	..	Jun 2024	US$ 229	amazon.com
3.		Fujifilm XP130	..	o	..	..	3.5/5	4/5	Jan 2018	US$ 229	ebay.com
4.		Fujifilm XP140	..	+	..	..	3.5/5	4/5	Feb 2019	US$ 229	ebay.com
5.		Nikon W300	..	+	..	..	4/5	4/5	May 2017	US$ 389	ebay.com
6.		Olympus TG-4	..	+	..	79/100	4/5	4/5	Apr 2015	US$ 379	ebay.com
7.		Olympus TG-5	..	+ +	4.5/5	..	4/5	4/5	May 2017	US$ 449	ebay.com
8.		Pentax WG-8	..	..	..	..	..	..	Jun 2024	US$ 399	amazon.com
9.		Pentax WG-90	..	..	..	..	..	..	Nov 2023	US$ 279	amazon.com
10.		Ricoh WG-60	..	..	..	..	..	..	Oct 2018	US$ 279	ebay.com
11.		Sony HX95	..	..	..	..	..	..	Aug 2018	US$ 429	ebay.com
12.		Sony HX99	..	..	..	..	4/5	4.5/5	Aug 2018	US$ 449	ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

Check XP120 offers at
ebay.com
Check WG-1000 price at
amazon.com

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

~

Check XP120 offers at
ebay.com
Check WG-1000 price at
amazon.com

Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.