Pentax XG-1 vs Samsung NX500

Here, we are analyzing the Pentax XG-1 and Samsung NX500, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Pentax and Samsung. There exists a considerable gap between the image resolutions of the XG-1 (16MP) and NX500 (28MP) and the XG-1 (1/2.3") and NX500 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor measurements.

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The XG-1 was brought out 6 months prior to the NX500 and they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Pentax XG-1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Samsung NX500 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief overview of how the XG-1 matches up against the NX500 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax XG-1 & Samsung NX500. The entire galleries are viewable at Pentax XG-1 Gallery & Samsung NX500 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you will need to take into account its weight and volume. The Pentax XG-1 offers exterior measurements of 119mm x 89mm x 98mm (4.7" x 3.5" x 3.9") with a weight of 567 grams (1.25 lbs) whilst the Samsung NX500 has sizing of 120mm x 64mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.5" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Look at the Pentax XG-1 and Samsung NX500 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you choose at the time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the XG-1 vs the NX500.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the XG-1 and NX500 is 66 and 87 respectively.

Typically, it can be difficult to visualise the difference between sensor measurements simply by reviewing specs. The visual below will give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the XG-1 and NX500.

All in all, each of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The XG-1 featuring a tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF more difficult and the Samsung NX500 will offer more detail having its extra 12MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images way more aggressively.