Pentax XG-1 vs Sony RX10 III

Below, we will be looking at the Pentax XG-1 vs Sony RX10 III, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Superzoom by rivals Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the XG-1 (16MP) and the RX10 III (20MP) is pretty similar but the XG-1 (1/2.3") and RX10 III (1") enjoy different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The XG-1 was released 20 months prior to the RX10 III which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras come with the identical body type (SLR-like (bridge)).

Before we go through a complete comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the XG-1 scores versus the RX10 III when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax XG-1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III. The complete galleries are available at Pentax XG-1 Gallery and Sony RX10 III Gallery.

When you are going to travel with your camera often, you need to consider its weight and measurements. The Pentax XG-1 has got outside measurements of 119mm x 89mm x 98mm (4.7" x 3.5" x 3.9") and a weight of 567 grams (1.25 lbs) and the Sony RX10 III has proportions of 133mm x 94mm x 127mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 5.0") along with a weight of 1051 grams (2.32 lbs).

Check the Pentax XG-1 vs Sony RX10 III in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using at that moment. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the XG-1 versus the RX10 III.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the XG-1 and RX10 III is 66 and 53 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to picture the gap between sensor dimensions simply by going over technical specs. The pic below should give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the XG-1 and RX10 III.

As you can tell, both cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The XG-1 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Sony RX10 III will offer more detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The more aged XG-1 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.