Canon SX230 HS vs Pentax XG-1

Here is a thorough comparison of the Canon SX230 HS vs Pentax XG-1, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by companies Canon and Pentax. There is a huge difference between the sensor resolutions of the SX230 HS (12MP) and XG-1 (16MP) but both cameras boast the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The SX230 HS was manufactured 4 years prior to the XG-1 and that is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Canon SX230 HS being a Compact camera and the Pentax XG-1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple view of how the SX230 HS grades against the XG-1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX230 HS and Pentax XG-1. The entire galleries are available at Canon SX230 HS Gallery and Pentax XG-1 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera regularly, you will need to factor its weight and measurements. The Canon SX230 HS has physical dimensions of 106mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 223 grams (0.49 lbs) and the Pentax XG-1 has proportions of 119mm x 89mm x 98mm (4.7" x 3.5" x 3.9") accompanied by a weight of 567 grams (1.25 lbs).

Analyze the Canon SX230 HS vs Pentax XG-1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the SX230 HS compared to the XG-1.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the SX230 HS and XG-1 is 91 and 66 respectively.

Often, it is tough to visualise the gap between sensor sizing purely by looking at technical specs. The visual here might give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the SX230 HS and XG-1.

As you have seen, each of these cameras come with the identical sensor size but not the same MP. You should anticipate the Pentax XG-1 to give extra detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The older SX230 HS is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.