Pentax XG-1 vs Sony a1

Here is a extensive overview of the Pentax XG-1 versus Sony a1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Pro Mirrorless by brands Pentax and Sony. There is a big difference among the sensor resolutions of the XG-1 (16MP) and a1 (50MP) and the XG-1 (1/2.3") and a1 (Full frame) use different sensor measurements.

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The XG-1 was introduced 7 years before the a1 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Pentax XG-1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony a1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving in to a thorough comparison, below is a concise summary of how the XG-1 scores versus the a1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax XG-1 and Sony Alpha a1. The whole galleries are provided at Pentax XG-1 Gallery and Sony a1 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera frequently, you're going to have to consider its weight and volume. The Pentax XG-1 offers physical 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) and the Sony a1 has sizing of 129mm x 97mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 737 grams (1.62 lbs).

Contrast the Pentax XG-1 versus Sony a1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use at the time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the XG-1 and the a1.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the XG-1 and a1 is 66 and 61 respectively.

In many cases, it is very difficult to picture the gap in sensor sizing purely by looking through specifications. The photograph underneath might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the XG-1 and a1.

To sum up, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The XG-1 using its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field harder and the Sony a1 will provide you with greater detail using its extra 34 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images far more aggressively. The older XG-1 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.