Pentax XG-1 vs Ricoh GR II

Its time to look a little more closely at the Pentax XG-1 versus Ricoh GR II, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Pentax and Ricoh. The resolution of the XG-1 (16MP) and the GR II (16MP) is fairly well matched but the XG-1 (1/2.3") and GR II (APS-C) come with totally different sensor measurements.

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The XG-1 was announced 11 months before the GR II and they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Pentax XG-1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Ricoh GR II being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving in to a complete comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the XG-1 scores against the GR II for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax XG-1 and Ricoh GR II. The whole galleries are available at Pentax XG-1 Gallery and Ricoh GR II Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you have to factor its weight and measurements. The Pentax XG-1 comes with outside dimensions of 119mm x 89mm x 98mm (4.7" x 3.5" x 3.9") having a weight of 567 grams (1.25 lbs) while the Ricoh GR II has proportions of 117mm x 63mm x 35mm (4.6" x 2.5" x 1.4") having a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs).

Look at the Pentax XG-1 versus Ricoh GR II in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the XG-1 and the GR II.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the XG-1 and GR II is 66 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to visualise the gap between sensor sizes only by reading through a spec sheet. The image here will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the XG-1 and GR II.

As you can see, both of the cameras have got the exact same megapixel count but not the same sensor sizes. The XG-1 includes the tinier sensor which is going to make obtaining shallower depth of field more difficult. The more aged XG-1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.