Pentax XG-1 vs Sony NEX-5R

Its time to look more closely at the Pentax XG-1 and Sony NEX-5R, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the XG-1 (16MP) and the NEX-5R (16MP) is pretty comparable but the XG-1 (1/2.3") and NEX-5R (APS-C) provide different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The XG-1 was launched 23 months later than the NEX-5R which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both cameras feature different body design with the Pentax XG-1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a detailed comparison, here is a quick summation of how the XG-1 matches up versus the NEX-5R with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax XG-1 and Sony Alpha NEX-5R. The complete galleries are viewable at Pentax XG-1 Gallery and Sony NEX-5R Gallery.

In case you're going to lug around your camera often, you're going to have to consider its weight and measurements. The Pentax XG-1 offers outside 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 NEX-5R has proportions of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Compare the Pentax XG-1 and Sony NEX-5R in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you select during that time. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the XG-1 vs the NEX-5R.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the XG-1 and NEX-5R is 66 and 89 respectively.

Typically, its difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor measurements merely by going through technical specs. The visual below should offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the XG-1 and NEX-5R.

As you can tell, both of those cameras come with the identical megapixel count albeit different sensor measurements. The XG-1 comes with the smaller sensor which will make getting shallower depth of field more challenging. The fresher XG-1 provides an advantage in sensor tech.