Pentax XG-1 vs Sony HX50V

Its time to look a little more closely at the Pentax XG-1 versus Sony HX50V, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by manufacturers Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the XG-1 (16MP) and the HX50V (20MP) is fairly well matched and both cameras posses the identical sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The XG-1 was launched 15 months after the HX50V making them a generation away from one another. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Pentax XG-1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony HX50V being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the XG-1 scores against the HX50V in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax XG-1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX50V. The complete galleries are provided at Pentax XG-1 Gallery and Sony HX50V Gallery.

When you are going to carry around your camera frequently, you need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Pentax XG-1 enjoys external dimensions 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 HX50V has measurements of 108mm x 64mm x 38mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.5") along with a weight of 272 grams (0.60 lbs).

Contrast the Pentax XG-1 versus Sony HX50V in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are working with at that time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the XG-1 and the HX50V.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the XG-1 and HX50V is 66 and 89 respectively.

Sometimes, it's difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizes only by reading through technical specs. The pic below will help give you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the XG-1 and HX50V.

As you can tell, the two cameras feature the identical sensor size but different resolution. You should anticipate the Sony HX50V to give more detail utilizing its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images way more aggressively. The newer XG-1 provides an advantage with regard to sensor technology.