Pentax XG-1 vs Samsung ST30

In this article, we will be comparing the Pentax XG-1 and Samsung ST30, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Ultracompact by brands Pentax and Samsung. There exists a sizable gap among the image resolutions of the XG-1 (16MP) and ST30 (10MP) and the XG-1 (1/2.3") and ST30 (1/3") come with different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The XG-1 was introduced 3 years later than the ST30 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Pentax XG-1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Samsung ST30 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving through a in-depth comparison, below is a short highlight of how the XG-1 matches up versus the ST30 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax XG-1 & Samsung ST30. The whole galleries are viewable at Pentax XG-1 Gallery & Samsung ST30 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera regularly, you need to consider its weight and volume. The Pentax XG-1 offers exterior dimensions of 119mm x 89mm x 98mm (4.7" x 3.5" x 3.9") having a weight of 567 grams (1.25 lbs) while the Samsung ST30 has sizing of 82mm x 52mm x 17mm (3.2" x 2.0" x 0.7") accompanied by a weight of 87 grams (0.19 lbs).

Look at the Pentax XG-1 and Samsung ST30 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the XG-1 vs the ST30.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the XG-1 and ST30 is 66 and 98 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing only by going through technical specs. The photograph here will help give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the XG-1 and ST30.

As you have seen, each of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The XG-1 with its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field simpler and the Pentax XG-1 will show extra detail using its extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more recent XG-1 should have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.