Pentax XG-1 vs Samsung GX-20

Let's look much closer at the Pentax XG-1 and Samsung GX-20, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Pentax and Samsung. The sensor resolution of the XG-1 (16MP) and the GX-20 (15MP) is very similar but the XG-1 (1/2.3") and GX-20 (APS-C) posses different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The XG-1 was revealed 6 years after the GX-20 which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Pentax XG-1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Samsung GX-20 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving right into a full comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the XG-1 grades against the GX-20 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax XG-1 and Samsung GX-20. The full galleries are available at Pentax XG-1 Gallery and Samsung GX-20 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to travel with your camera, you have to consider its weight and volume. The Pentax XG-1 offers external measurements of 119mm x 89mm x 98mm (4.7" x 3.5" x 3.9") having a weight of 567 grams (1.25 lbs) and the Samsung GX-20 has sizing of 142mm x 101mm x 72mm (5.6" x 4.0" x 2.8") having a weight of 800 grams (1.76 lbs).

Analyze the Pentax XG-1 and Samsung GX-20 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose during that time. Here is a front view measurement comparison of the XG-1 vs the GX-20.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the XG-1 and GX-20 is 66 and 58 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be tough to imagine the gap between sensor dimensions purely by going over specifications. The picture below will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the XG-1 and GX-20.

To sum up, the two cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The XG-1 using its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF more challenging and the Pentax XG-1 will deliver greater detail because of its extra 1MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The fresher XG-1 should have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.