Olympus SH-50 vs Pentax XG-1

Its time to look a bit more in depth at the Olympus SH-50 versus Pentax XG-1, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by brands Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the SH-50 (16MP) and the XG-1 (16MP) is pretty comparable and both cameras offer the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SH-50 was announced 18 months earlier than the XG-1 which makes them a generation away from one another. Both cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SH-50 being a Compact camera and the Pentax XG-1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go straight to a detailed comparison, here is a concise summation of how the SH-50 grades vs the XG-1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SH-50 and Pentax XG-1. The whole galleries are available at Olympus SH-50 Gallery and Pentax XG-1 Gallery.

For those who are planning to travel with your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus SH-50 has got outside measurements of 112mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.7") along with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs) whilst the Pentax XG-1 has sizing of 119mm x 89mm x 98mm (4.7" x 3.5" x 3.9") having a weight of 567 grams (1.25 lbs).

See the Olympus SH-50 versus Pentax XG-1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are employing at that moment. Underneath is a front view sizing comparison of the SH-50 against the XG-1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SH-50 and XG-1 is 88 and 66 respectively.

Quite often, it is difficult to see the gap in sensor dimensions simply by going through a spec sheet. The pic below will offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the SH-50 and XG-1.

As you can see, both the cameras come with the identical sensor size and the same resolution therefore you should expect comparable quality of photographs but you should always factor the release date of the cameras into account. The more aged SH-50 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.