Pentax XG-1 vs Samsung SL720
66 Imaging
40 Features
37 Overall
38


94 Imaging
34 Features
14 Overall
26
Pentax XG-1 vs Samsung SL720 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 100 - 3200
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 24-1248mm (F2.8-5.6) lens
- 567g - 119 x 89 x 98mm
- Announced July 2014
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 1600
- 640 x 480 video
- 28-102mm (F2.8-5.7) lens
- 168g - 92 x 61 x 23mm
- Released July 2009
- Additionally referred to as PL70

Pentax XG-1 vs Samsung SL720 Overview
In this article, we will be matching up the Pentax XG-1 vs Samsung SL720, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Ultracompact by competitors Pentax and Samsung. There is a sizeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the XG-1 (16MP) and SL720 (12MP) but they enjoy the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

The XG-1 was manufactured 5 years after the SL720 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Pentax XG-1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Samsung SL720 being a Ultracompact camera.
Before we go through a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the XG-1 grades versus the SL720 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Pentax XG-1 vs Samsung SL720 Gallery
Here is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax XG-1 and Samsung SL720. The entire galleries are provided at Pentax XG-1 Gallery and Samsung SL720 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax XG-1 over the Samsung SL720
XG-1 | SL720 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Released | July 2014 | ![]() | July 2009 | Newer by 61 months |
Manual focus | ![]() | More accurate focusing | ||
Screen sizing | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Bigger screen (+0.3") |
Screen resolution | 460k | ![]() | 230k | Clearer screen (+230k dot) |
Reasons to pick Samsung SL720 over the Pentax XG-1
SL720 | XG-1 |
---|
Common features in the Pentax XG-1 and Samsung SL720
XG-1 | SL720 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Absent selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Absent Touch screen |
Pentax XG-1 vs Samsung SL720 Physical Comparison
For those who are aiming to travel with your camera often, you're going to have to consider its weight and size. The Pentax XG-1 has outer dimensions of 119mm x 89mm x 98mm (4.7" x 3.5" x 3.9") and a weight of 567 grams (1.25 lbs) and the Samsung SL720 has specifications of 92mm x 61mm x 23mm (3.6" x 2.4" x 0.9") with a weight of 168 grams (0.37 lbs).
Take a look at the Pentax XG-1 vs Samsung SL720 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you select at that moment. Below is the front view scale comparison of the XG-1 compared to the SL720.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the XG-1 and SL720 is 66 and 94 respectively.

Pentax XG-1 vs Samsung SL720 Sensor Comparison
Oftentimes, it is difficult to visualize the gap in sensor dimensions only by going through specifications. The image below might provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the XG-1 and SL720.
To sum up, each of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit different MP. You should expect the Pentax XG-1 to show more detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop shots far more aggressively. The more modern XG-1 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.

Pentax XG-1 vs Samsung SL720 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Pentax XG-1 vs Samsung SL720 Specifications
Pentax XG-1 | Samsung SL720 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand | Pentax | Samsung |
Model | Pentax XG-1 | Samsung SL720 |
Also called | - | PL70 |
Category | Small Sensor Superzoom | Ultracompact |
Announced | 2014-07-15 | 2009-07-14 |
Body design | SLR-like (bridge) | Ultracompact |
Sensor Information | ||
Sensor type | BSI-CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 16 megapixel | 12 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 4:3 and 16:9 |
Max resolution | 4608 x 3456 | 4000 x 3000 |
Max native ISO | 3200 | 1600 |
Lowest native ISO | 100 | 80 |
RAW files | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch focus | ||
Continuous AF | ||
Single AF | ||
Tracking AF | ||
AF selectice | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
AF multi area | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detection AF | ||
Contract detection AF | ||
Phase detection AF | ||
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 24-1248mm (52.0x) | 28-102mm (3.6x) |
Max aperture | f/2.8-5.6 | f/2.8-5.7 |
Macro focus range | 1cm | 5cm |
Crop factor | 5.8 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Range of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen sizing | 3 inch | 2.7 inch |
Resolution of screen | 460k dot | 230k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch display | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Electronic | None |
Viewfinder resolution | 200k dot | - |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 4s | 8s |
Max shutter speed | 1/2000s | 1/1500s |
Continuous shutter speed | 9.0 frames per sec | - |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | - |
Set WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | 6.00 m | 4.60 m |
Flash settings | Force Off, Flash Auto, Force Flash, Slow Sync., Slow Sync. + Red-Eye, Red-Eye Reduction | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Fill-in, Slow sync |
External flash | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (120 fps) | 800 x 592 (20 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (60, 30 fps) |
Max video resolution | 1920x1080 | 640x480 |
Video data format | Motion JPEG | Motion JPEG |
Mic jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Eye-Fi Connected | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 567g (1.25 pounds) | 168g (0.37 pounds) |
Dimensions | 119 x 89 x 98mm (4.7" x 3.5" x 3.9") | 92 x 61 x 23mm (3.6" x 2.4" x 0.9") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 240 photos | - |
Form of battery | Battery Pack | - |
Battery model | LB-060 | SLB-10A |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | Yes |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage media | SD/SDHC | SD/MMC/SDHC card, Internal |
Storage slots | One | One |
Launch pricing | $599 | $119 |