Olympus SZ-11 vs Pentax XG-1

Let's look more closely at the Olympus SZ-11 vs Pentax XG-1, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the SZ-11 (14MP) and the XG-1 (16MP) is relatively well matched and both cameras have the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The SZ-11 was introduced 4 years before the XG-1 and that is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus SZ-11 being a Compact camera and the Pentax XG-1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving straight to a thorough comparison, here is a quick summary of how the SZ-11 matches up versus the XG-1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-11 & Pentax XG-1. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-11 Gallery & Pentax XG-1 Gallery.

In case you're looking to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus SZ-11 enjoys outside dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") having a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Pentax XG-1 has measurements of 119mm x 89mm x 98mm (4.7" x 3.5" x 3.9") having a weight of 567 grams (1.25 lbs).

Contrast the Olympus SZ-11 vs Pentax XG-1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you use at that time. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the SZ-11 and the XG-1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-11 and XG-1 is 89 and 66 respectively.

In many cases, it is hard to visualize the gap between sensor measurements purely by looking at specifications. The photograph underneath will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-11 and XG-1.

To sum up, the 2 cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit different MP. You can count on the Pentax XG-1 to give you extra detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures way more aggressively. The older SZ-11 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.