Pentax XG-1 vs Sony A9

Below, we are looking at the Pentax XG-1 vs Sony A9, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Pro Mirrorless by competitors Pentax and Sony. There exists a huge gap among the image resolutions of the XG-1 (16MP) and A9 (24MP) and the XG-1 (1/2.3") and A9 (Full frame) feature totally different sensor sizing.

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The XG-1 was revealed 3 years before the A9 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Pentax XG-1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony A9 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going in to a full comparison, below is a simple summary of how the XG-1 scores vs the A9 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax XG-1 and Sony Alpha A9. The full galleries are available at Pentax XG-1 Gallery and Sony A9 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera frequently, you'll need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Pentax XG-1 offers outer measurements of 119mm x 89mm x 98mm (4.7" x 3.5" x 3.9") accompanied by a weight of 567 grams (1.25 lbs) whilst the Sony A9 has dimensions of 127mm x 96mm x 63mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.5") accompanied by a weight of 673 grams (1.48 lbs).

Check out the Pentax XG-1 vs Sony A9 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you use during that time. The following is the front view dimensions comparison of the XG-1 versus the A9.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the XG-1 and A9 is 66 and 65 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to visualise the difference in sensor dimensions merely by looking through specs. The image here will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the XG-1 and A9.

All in all, both cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The XG-1 having a smaller sensor will make achieving shallow DOF trickier and the Sony A9 will render extra detail because of its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop images somewhat more aggressively. The more aged XG-1 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.