Pentax XG-1 vs Sigma DP2

The following is a detailed assessment of the Pentax XG-1 and Sigma DP2, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Pentax and Sigma. There exists a huge gap among the sensor resolutions of the XG-1 (16MP) and DP2 (5MP) and the XG-1 (1/2.3") and DP2 (APS-C) have different sensor size.

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The XG-1 was brought out 4 years after the DP2 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Pentax XG-1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sigma DP2 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a complete comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the XG-1 matches up versus the DP2 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax XG-1 and Sigma DP2. The entire galleries are viewable at Pentax XG-1 Gallery and Sigma DP2 Gallery.

In case you're intending to travel with your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Pentax XG-1 comes with exterior measurements of 119mm x 89mm x 98mm (4.7" x 3.5" x 3.9") having a weight of 567 grams (1.25 lbs) and the Sigma DP2 has proportions of 113mm x 60mm x 56mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 2.2") with a weight of 280 grams (0.62 lbs).

Check the Pentax XG-1 and Sigma DP2 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are employing at the time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the XG-1 versus the DP2.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the XG-1 and DP2 is 66 and 86 respectively.

Quite often, it can be difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by looking through specifications. The image underneath should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the XG-1 and DP2.

To sum up, both cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The XG-1 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF trickier and the Pentax XG-1 will provide you with extra detail having its extra 11MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop photos way more aggressively. The more modern XG-1 provides an edge with regard to sensor innovation.