Pentax XG-1 vs Sony A290

In this write-up, we will be matching up the Pentax XG-1 vs Sony A290, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Pentax and Sony. The resolution of the XG-1 (16MP) and the A290 (14MP) is relatively well matched but the XG-1 (1/2.3") and A290 (APS-C) use totally different sensor size.

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The XG-1 was brought out 4 years after the A290 which is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Pentax XG-1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting through a step-by-step comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the XG-1 grades against the A290 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax XG-1 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The entire galleries are provided at Pentax XG-1 Gallery & Sony A290 Gallery.

When you are aiming to travel with your camera, you'll need to take into account its weight and size. The Pentax XG-1 comes with external measurements of 119mm x 89mm x 98mm (4.7" x 3.5" x 3.9") along with a weight of 567 grams (1.25 lbs) while the Sony A290 has specifications of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") and a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Check out the Pentax XG-1 vs Sony A290 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the XG-1 and the A290.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the XG-1 and A290 is 66 and 66 respectively.

Quite often, its hard to envision the gap between sensor dimensions purely by reading through specifications. The picture below should give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the XG-1 and A290.

Plainly, both cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The XG-1 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving bokeh trickier and the Pentax XG-1 will resolve greater detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The fresher XG-1 is going to have an edge in sensor tech.