Pentax XG-1 vs Samsung NX100

Below is a in-depth overview of the Pentax XG-1 vs Samsung NX100, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Pentax and Samsung. The sensor resolution of the XG-1 (16MP) and the NX100 (15MP) is fairly well matched but the XG-1 (1/2.3") and NX100 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor measurements.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The XG-1 was manufactured 3 years later than the NX100 and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Pentax XG-1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Samsung NX100 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the XG-1 grades versus the NX100 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax XG-1 & Samsung NX100. The entire galleries are provided at Pentax XG-1 Gallery & Samsung NX100 Gallery.

For those who are planning to lug around your camera often, you will need to factor in its weight and size. The Pentax XG-1 provides external dimensions of 119mm x 89mm x 98mm (4.7" x 3.5" x 3.9") having a weight of 567 grams (1.25 lbs) whilst the Samsung NX100 has specifications of 120mm x 71mm x 35mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") and a weight of 282 grams (0.62 lbs).

Examine the Pentax XG-1 vs Samsung NX100 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the XG-1 compared to the NX100.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the XG-1 and NX100 is 66 and 88 respectively.

Typically, it is very hard to visualise the contrast between sensor measurements simply by checking specifications. The graphic underneath might give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the XG-1 and NX100.

To sum up, each of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The XG-1 because of its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field tougher and the Pentax XG-1 will give you greater detail due to its extra 1 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The fresher XG-1 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor tech.