Pentax XG-1 vs Sony A6500

Here is a comprehensive analysis of the Pentax XG-1 versus Sony A6500, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by rivals Pentax and Sony. There exists a sizable gap between the image resolutions of the XG-1 (16MP) and A6500 (24MP) and the XG-1 (1/2.3") and A6500 (APS-C) provide different sensor measurements.

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The XG-1 was introduced 3 years prior to the A6500 and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Pentax XG-1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony A6500 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going right into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the XG-1 scores versus the A6500 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax XG-1 & Sony Alpha a6500. The whole galleries are viewable at Pentax XG-1 Gallery & Sony A6500 Gallery.

In case you're looking to carry your camera frequently, you will want to factor its weight and size. The Pentax XG-1 provides physical dimensions 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 A6500 has specifications of 120mm x 67mm x 53mm (4.7" x 2.6" x 2.1") accompanied by a weight of 453 grams (1.00 lbs).

Analyze the Pentax XG-1 versus Sony A6500 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you choose at the time. Underneath is a front view dimension comparison of the XG-1 against the A6500.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the XG-1 and A6500 is 66 and 81 respectively.

More often than not, it is very hard to visualize the difference between sensor sizing simply by reading through technical specs. The graphic underneath should give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the XG-1 and A6500.

As you have seen, each of these cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The XG-1 having a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Sony A6500 will give you more detail using its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The older XG-1 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.