Pentax XG-1 vs Sigma DP1

Below, we are comparing the Pentax XG-1 vs Sigma DP1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Pentax and Sigma. There is a crucial difference among the sensor resolutions of the XG-1 (16MP) and DP1 (5MP) and the XG-1 (1/2.3") and DP1 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor dimensions.

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The XG-1 was revealed 6 years later than the DP1 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera 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 Sigma DP1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving in to a detailed comparison, below is a short introduction of how the XG-1 grades versus the DP1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax XG-1 and Sigma DP1. The full galleries are provided at Pentax XG-1 Gallery and Sigma DP1 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera regularly, you will have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Pentax XG-1 features 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 Sigma DP1 has measurements of 113mm x 60mm x 50mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 2.0") and a weight of 270 grams (0.60 lbs).

Examine the Pentax XG-1 vs Sigma DP1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the XG-1 versus the DP1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the XG-1 and DP1 is 66 and 87 respectively.

Often, its tough to see the contrast in sensor sizing simply by viewing specifications. The graphic here should give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the XG-1 and DP1.

To sum up, the 2 cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The XG-1 using its smaller sensor will make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Pentax XG-1 will result in more detail because of its extra 11 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images much more aggressively. The fresher XG-1 will have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.