Pentax XG-1 vs Samsung HZ15W

Following is a detailed review of the Pentax XG-1 vs Samsung HZ15W, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Pentax and Samsung. There is a considerable difference between the image resolutions of the XG-1 (16MP) and HZ15W (12MP) but they use the exact same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The XG-1 was unveiled 5 years after the HZ15W which is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Pentax XG-1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Samsung HZ15W being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a complete comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the XG-1 matches up versus the HZ15W with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax XG-1 & Samsung HZ15W. The full galleries are provided at Pentax XG-1 Gallery & Samsung HZ15W Gallery.

If you're planning to carry around your camera, you will need to consider its weight and volume. The Pentax XG-1 has got exterior dimensions of 119mm x 89mm x 98mm (4.7" x 3.5" x 3.9") with a weight of 567 grams (1.25 lbs) while the Samsung HZ15W has sizing of 105mm x 61mm x 37mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.5") having a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs).

Analyze the Pentax XG-1 vs Samsung HZ15W in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are using at the time. Here is the front view measurements comparison of the XG-1 vs the HZ15W.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the XG-1 and HZ15W is 66 and 90 respectively.

Usually, its difficult to picture the difference between sensor sizes purely by reviewing a spec sheet. The picture here should give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the XG-1 and HZ15W.

As you can see, both of these cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements but different resolution. You can expect to see the Pentax XG-1 to offer extra detail having an extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The fresher XG-1 provides a benefit with regard to sensor technology.