Pentax XG-1 vs Sony NEX-3

Its time to look more closely at the Pentax XG-1 and Sony NEX-3, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Pentax and Sony. The sensor resolution of the XG-1 (16MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is pretty similar but the XG-1 (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizes.

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The XG-1 was announced 4 years later than the NEX-3 and that is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Pentax XG-1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise summary of how the XG-1 matches up against the NEX-3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax XG-1 & Sony Alpha NEX-3. The whole galleries are viewable at Pentax XG-1 Gallery & Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera, you'll need to factor its weight and measurements. The Pentax XG-1 enjoys external measurements of 119mm x 89mm x 98mm (4.7" x 3.5" x 3.9") with a weight of 567 grams (1.25 lbs) while the Sony NEX-3 has proportions of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Check out the Pentax XG-1 and Sony NEX-3 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the XG-1 versus the NEX-3.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the XG-1 and NEX-3 is 66 and 89 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to visualise the difference between sensor measurements purely by reading technical specs. The graphic here may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the XG-1 and NEX-3.

As you have seen, each of these cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The XG-1 with its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF more difficult and the Pentax XG-1 will offer you greater detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more recent XG-1 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.