Pentax XG-1 vs Sony A330

Below, we will be reviewing the Pentax XG-1 vs Sony A330, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Pentax and Sony. There is a huge difference between the image resolutions of the XG-1 (16MP) and A330 (10MP) and the XG-1 (1/2.3") and A330 (APS-C) come with different sensor dimensions.

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The XG-1 was launched 5 years after the A330 which is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Pentax XG-1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony A330 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting in to a complete comparison, below is a brief summation of how the XG-1 matches up against the A330 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax XG-1 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A330. The complete galleries are available at Pentax XG-1 Gallery and Sony A330 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry around your camera regularly, you are going to need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Pentax XG-1 has got 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) whilst the Sony A330 has measurements of 128mm x 97mm x 71mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 529 grams (1.17 lbs).

Take a look at the Pentax XG-1 vs Sony A330 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have attached during that time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the XG-1 vs the A330.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the XG-1 and A330 is 66 and 67 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to picture the gap between sensor sizes only by looking at technical specs. The pic underneath will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the XG-1 and A330.

As you have seen, both the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The XG-1 because of its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF tougher and the Pentax XG-1 will give you greater detail utilizing its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more modern XG-1 provides an edge with regard to sensor innovation.