Canon SX280 HS vs Pentax XG-1

Let's look much closer at the Canon SX280 HS versus Pentax XG-1, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by rivals Canon and Pentax. There exists a sizeable gap between the image resolutions of the SX280 HS (12MP) and XG-1 (16MP) but they possess the exact same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SX280 HS was brought out 16 months before the XG-1 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Canon SX280 HS being a Compact camera and the Pentax XG-1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going through a full comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the SX280 HS scores against the XG-1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX280 HS and Pentax XG-1. The entire galleries are provided at Canon SX280 HS Gallery and Pentax XG-1 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Canon SX280 HS provides outside dimensions of 106mm x 63mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 233 grams (0.51 lbs) and the Pentax XG-1 has dimensions of 119mm x 89mm x 98mm (4.7" x 3.5" x 3.9") along with a weight of 567 grams (1.25 lbs).

Look at the Canon SX280 HS versus Pentax XG-1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Here is the front view overall size comparison of the SX280 HS compared to the XG-1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SX280 HS and XG-1 is 91 and 66 respectively.

Normally, its difficult to visualize the gap between sensor sizes merely by reading a spec sheet. The image here might give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX280 HS and XG-1.

Clearly, both the cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements albeit different resolution. You should expect the Pentax XG-1 to offer greater detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop photographs much more aggressively. The more aged SX280 HS is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.