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Nikon B600 vs Pentax WG-90

The Nikon Coolpix B600 and the Pentax WG-90 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in January 2019 and November 2023. Both the B600 and the WG-90 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
Nikon B600
versus
Pentax WG-90
Nikon B600   Pentax WG-90
Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
24-1440mm f/3.3-6.5 28-140mm f/3.5-5.5
15.9 MP – 1/2.3" sensor 15.9 MP – 1/2.3" sensor
1080/30p Video 1080/60p Video
ISO 125-6,400 ISO 125-6,400
No viewfinder, LCD framing No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0" LCD – 921k dots 2.7" LCD – 230k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
7.4 shutter flaps per second 8 shutter flaps per second
not weather sealedWaterproof body (14m)
280 shots per battery charge300 shots per battery charge
122 x 82 x 99 mm, 500 g 123 x 62 x 30 mm, 194 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon Coolpix B600 and the Pentax WG-90? 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.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Nikon B600 and the Pentax WG-90 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The B600 can be obtained in two different colors (black, red), while the WG-90 is also available in two color-versions, but different ones (black, blue).

Size Nikon B600 vs Pentax WG-90
Compare B600 versus WG-90 top
Comparison B600 or WG-90 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Pentax WG-90 is notably smaller (24 percent) than the Nikon B600. Moreover, the WG-90 is substantially lighter (61 percent) than the B600. It is noteworthy in this context that the WG-90 is splash and dust-proof, while the B600 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing. More than that, the WG-90 is water-proof up to 14m and can, thus, be used for underwater photography.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. 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.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon B600 122 mm 82 mm 99 mm 500 g 280 n Jan 2019 US$ 349ebay.com
2.
 
Pentax WG-90 123 mm 62 mm 30 mm 194 g 300 Y Nov 2023 US$ 279 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon SX520 120 mm 82 mm 92 mm 441 g 210 n Jul 2014 US$ 399ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm XP130 110 mm 71 mm 28 mm 207 g 240 Y Jan 2018 US$ 229ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm XP140 110 mm 71 mm 28 mm 207 g 240 Y Feb 2019 US$ 229ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon A1000 114 mm 72 mm 41 mm 330 g 250 n Jan 2019 US$ 429ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon B500 114 mm 78 mm 95 mm 541 g 600 n Jan 2016 US$ 299ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon L840 113 mm 78 mm 96 mm 538 g 590 n Feb 2015 US$ 299ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon P900 140 mm 103 mm 137 mm 899 g 360 n Mar 2015 US$ 599ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon P950 140 mm 110 mm 150 mm 1005 g 290 n Jan 2020 US$ 799 amazon.com
11.
 
Nikon P1000 146 mm 119 mm 181 mm 1415 g 250 n Jul 2018 US$ 999 amazon.com
12.
 
Nikon W300 112 mm 66 mm 29 mm 231 g 280 Y May 2017 US$ 389ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic FZ100 124 mm 82 mm 92 mm 540 g 410 n Jul 2010 US$ 499ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax WG-1000 116 mm 69 mm 51 mm 220 g 300 Y Jun 2024 US$ 229 amazon.com
15.
 
Ricoh WG-60 123 mm 62 mm 30 mm 193 g 300 Y Oct 2018 US$ 279ebay.com
16.
 
Sony WX800 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 233 g 370 n Oct 2018 US$ 399ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

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 WG-90 was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 20 percent) than the B600, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. 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.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies 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.

Nikon B600 and Pentax WG-90 sensor measures

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 B600 and the WG-90 have the same pixel density, as well as the same pixel size. It should, however, be noted that the WG-90 is much more recent (by 4 years and 9 months) than the B600, 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 Nikon Coolpix B600 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 125 to ISO 6400. The Pentax WG-90 offers exactly the same ISO settings.

In terms of underlying technology, the B600 is build around a CMOS sensor, while the WG-90 uses a BSI-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.

B600 versus WG-90 MP

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.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon B600 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/30p20.712.2109552
2.
 
Pentax WG-90 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/60p20.912.8157054
3.
 
Canon SX520 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/30p20.111.567246
4.
 
Fujifilm XP130 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/60p20.612.1100051
5.
 
Fujifilm XP140 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34564K/15p20.712.2110252
6.
 
Nikon A1000 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34564K/30p20.712.2109552
7.
 
Nikon B500 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/60i20.311.781048
8.
 
Nikon L840 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/60i20.211.672147
9.
 
Nikon P900 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/60p20.211.672747
10.
 
Nikon P950 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34564K/30p20.712.3118952
11.
 
Nikon P1000 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34564K/30p20.612.1104451
12.
 
Nikon W300 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34564K/30p20.512.093850
13.
 
Panasonic FZ100 1/2.3 14.0 4320 32401080/60i19.410.730639
14.
 
Pentax WG-1000 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/30p20.912.8162654
15.
 
Ricoh WG-60 1/2.3 15.9 4608 34561080/60p20.612.2107251
16.
 
Sony WX800 1/2.3 18.0 4896 36724K/30p20.612.2107051
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, and both provide the same movie specifications (1080/30p).

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The B600 and the WG-90 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 following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Nikon B600, the Pentax WG-90, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
  empty 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.
 
Nikon B600none n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 7.4/s Y Y
2.
 
Pentax WG-90none n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
3.
 
Canon SX520none n3.0 / 461 fixed n 1/2000s 1.6/s Y Y
4.
 
Fujifilm XP130none n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
5.
 
Fujifilm XP140none n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
6.
 
Nikon A10001166 n3.0 / 1036 tilting Y 1/4000s 7.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Nikon B500none n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/4000s 7.4/s Y Y
8.
 
Nikon L840none n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/4000s 7.4/s Y Y
9.
 
Nikon P900921 n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 7.0/s Y Y
10.
 
Nikon P9502359 n3.2 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 7.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Nikon P10002359 n3.2 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 7.0/s Y Y
12.
 
Nikon W300none n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 7.0/s Y Y
13.
 
Panasonic FZ100202 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/2000s 11.0/s Y Y
14.
 
Pentax WG-1000none n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/2000s 8.0/s Y n
15.
 
Ricoh WG-60none n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 8.0/s Y n
16.
 
Sony WX800none n3.0 / 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 Pentax WG-90 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 B600 and the WG-90 have zoom lenses built in. The B600 has a 24-1440mm f/3.3-6.5 optic and the WG-90 offers a 28-140mm f/3.5-5.5 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the Nikon provides a wider angle of view at the short end, as well as more tele-photo reach at the long end than the Pentax. The B600 offers the faster maximum aperture.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the B600 and the WG-90 write their files to SDXC cards. The B600 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the WG-90 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

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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 Nikon Coolpix B600 and Pentax WG-90 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon B600-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
2.
 
Pentax WG-90-mono / mono--micro2.0---
3.
 
Canon SX520-stereo / mono--mini2.0---
4.
 
Fujifilm XP130-mono / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
5.
 
Fujifilm XP140-mono / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
6.
 
Nikon A1000-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
7.
 
Nikon B500-stereo / mono--micro2.0YYY
8.
 
Nikon L840-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
9.
 
Nikon P900-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
10.
 
Nikon P950Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
11.
 
Nikon P1000Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y-Y
12.
 
Nikon W300-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
13.
 
Panasonic FZ100Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
14.
 
Pentax WG-1000-mono / mono---2.0---
15.
 
Ricoh WG-60-mono / mono--micro2.0---
16.
 
Sony WX800-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-

It is notable that the B600 offers wifi support, while the WG-90 does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

The WG-90 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Pentax. In contrast, the B600 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). There has not been a direct replacement model for the B600 from Nikon. Further information on the features and operation of the B600 and WG-90 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon B600 Manual (free pdf) or the online Pentax WG-90 Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Which of the two cameras – the Nikon B600 or the Pentax WG-90 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Reasons to prefer the Nikon Coolpix B600:

  • 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 (921k vs 230k dots).
  • Better light gathering: Has a lens with a wider maximum aperture (f/3.3 vs f/3.5).
  • Wider view: Has a wider-angle lens that facilitates landscape or interior shots.
  • More tele-reach: Has a longer tele-lens for perspective compression and subject magnification.
  • 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.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in January 2019).

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Arguments in favor of the Pentax WG-90:

  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More compact: Is smaller (123x62mm vs 122x82mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 306g or 61 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
  • Water-proof: Is rugged and sealed and can thus be used for underwater photography (up to 14m).
  • More affordable: Was released into a lower priced segment (20 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 4 years and 9 months of technical progress since the B600 launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the B600 emerges as the winner of the contest (10 : 7 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. 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.

B600 10:07 WG-90

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon B600 and the Pentax WG-90 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Superzoom Camera and Best Travel-Zoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the B600 and the WG-90 in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews 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.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon B600..+....3.5/53/5 Jan 2019 US$ 349ebay.com
2.
 
Pentax WG-90............ Nov 2023 US$ 279 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon SX520..+....3.5/53.5/5 Jul 2014 US$ 399ebay.com
4.
 
Fujifilm XP130..o....3.5/54/5 Jan 2018 US$ 229ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm XP140..+....3.5/54/5 Feb 2019 US$ 229ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon A1000..+ +3.5/5..3.5/53/5 Jan 2019 US$ 429ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon B500..+....4/53.5/5 Jan 2016 US$ 299ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon L840..+ +....3.5/54/5 Feb 2015 US$ 299ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon P900......77/1004/54/5 Mar 2015 US$ 599ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon P950....3/5..4/54/5 Jan 2020 US$ 799 amazon.com
11.
 
Nikon P1000..+3.5/573/1003.5/53.5/5 Jul 2018 US$ 999 amazon.com
12.
 
Nikon W300..+....4/54/5 May 2017 US$ 389ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic FZ100..+....4.5/54.5/5 Jul 2010 US$ 499ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax WG-1000............ Jun 2024 US$ 229 amazon.com
15.
 
Ricoh WG-60............ Oct 2018 US$ 279ebay.com
16.
 
Sony WX800............ Oct 2018 US$ 399ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. 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. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications: Nikon B600 vs Pentax WG-90

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Nikon B600 Pentax WG-90
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Fixed lens compact camera
    Camera Lens 24-1440mm f/3.3-6.5 28-140mm f/3.5-5.5
    Launch Date January 2019 November 2023
    Launch Price USD 349 USD 279
    Sensor Specs Nikon B600 Pentax WG-90
    Sensor Technology CMOS BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format 1/2.3" Sensor 1/2.3" Sensor
    Sensor Size 6.17 x 4.55 mm 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 28.0735 mm2 28.0735 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 7.7 mm 7.7 mm
    Crop Factor 5.6x 5.6x
    Sensor Resolution 15.9 Megapixels 15.9 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4608 x 3456 pixels 4608 x 3456 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 1.33 μm 1.33 μm
    Pixel Density 56.73 MP/cm2 56.73 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/30p Video 1080/60p Video
    ISO Setting 125 - 6,400 ISO 125 - 6,400 ISO
    Screen Specs Nikon B600 Pentax WG-90
    Viewfinder Type no viewfinder no viewfinder
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 2.7inch
    LCD Resolution 921k dots 230k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Nikon B600 Pentax WG-90
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 7.4 shutter flaps/s 8 shutter flaps/s
    Time-Lapse Photographyno IntervalometerIntervalometer built-in
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I no
    Connectivity Specs Nikon B600 Pentax WG-90
    External Flash no Hotshoe no Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI micro HDMI
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Body Specs Nikon B600 Pentax WG-90
    Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWaterproof body (14m)
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL12 Pentax D-LI92
    Battery Life (CIPA)280 shots per charge300 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 122 x 82 x 99 mm
    (4.8 x 3.2 x 3.9 in)
    123 x 62 x 30 mm
    (4.8 x 2.4 x 1.2 in)
    Camera Weight 500 g (17.6 oz) 194 g (6.8 oz)
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