Olympus E-M10 vs Pentax XG-1

In this write-up, we are looking at the Olympus E-M10 and Pentax XG-1, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the E-M10 (16MP) and the XG-1 (16MP) is fairly well matched but the E-M10 (Four Thirds) and XG-1 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor measurements.

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The E-M10 was unveiled 3 months before the XG-1 and they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-M10 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax XG-1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going through a more detailed comparison, below is a concise view of how the E-M10 matches up vs the XG-1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus OM-D E-M10 and Pentax XG-1. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-M10 Gallery and Pentax XG-1 Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera regularly, you should think about its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-M10 features external measurements of 119mm x 82mm x 46mm (4.7" x 3.2" x 1.8") with a weight of 396 grams (0.87 lbs) whilst the Pentax XG-1 has measurements of 119mm x 89mm x 98mm (4.7" x 3.5" x 3.9") and a weight of 567 grams (1.25 lbs).

See the Olympus E-M10 and Pentax XG-1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Underneath is the front view measurements comparison of the E-M10 versus the XG-1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-M10 and XG-1 is 82 and 66 respectively.

Normally, it is very tough to see the contrast between sensor measurements merely by checking specs. The graphic below will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E-M10 and XG-1.

All in all, the 2 cameras enjoy the same exact megapixels but not the same sensor measurements. The E-M10 comes with the larger sensor which should make getting shallower DOF simpler.