Pentax XG-1 vs Sigma SD1

Below is a detailed analysis of the Pentax XG-1 vs Sigma SD1, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Pentax and Sigma. The image resolution of the XG-1 (16MP) and the SD1 (15MP) is pretty close but the XG-1 (1/2.3") and SD1 (APS-C) come with different sensor measurements.

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The XG-1 was revealed 3 years later than the SD1 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Pentax XG-1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sigma SD1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going through a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple overview of how the XG-1 matches up against the SD1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax XG-1 & Sigma SD1. The full galleries are viewable at Pentax XG-1 Gallery & Sigma SD1 Gallery.

If you're intending to lug around your camera regularly, you are going to need to think about its weight and proportions. The Pentax XG-1 comes with external measurements of 119mm x 89mm x 98mm (4.7" x 3.5" x 3.9") and a weight of 567 grams (1.25 lbs) while the Sigma SD1 has measurements of 146mm x 113mm x 80mm (5.7" x 4.4" x 3.1") along with a weight of n/a grams (0.00 lbs).

Look at the Pentax XG-1 vs Sigma SD1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the XG-1 against the SD1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the XG-1 and SD1 is 66 and 77 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to imagine the contrast in sensor measurements merely by looking through technical specs. The graphic underneath may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the XG-1 and SD1.

As you have seen, both cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The XG-1 using its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field harder and the Pentax XG-1 will render extra detail because of its extra 1MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The more modern XG-1 provides an advantage with regard to sensor tech.