Pentax XG-1 vs Sony RX100 IV

Here is a detailed review of the Pentax XG-1 and Sony RX100 IV, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Pentax and Sony. The resolution of the XG-1 (16MP) and the RX100 IV (20MP) is pretty close but the XG-1 (1/2.3") and RX100 IV (1") posses different sensor sizing.

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The XG-1 was released 11 months before the RX100 IV which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Pentax XG-1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony RX100 IV being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going straight to a thorough comparison, here is a simple view of how the XG-1 scores vs the RX100 IV with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax XG-1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV. The complete galleries are viewable at Pentax XG-1 Gallery and Sony RX100 IV Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry your camera frequently, you need to consider its weight and volume. The Pentax XG-1 provides exterior 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) and the Sony RX100 IV has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 298 grams (0.66 lbs).

Check out the Pentax XG-1 and Sony RX100 IV in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using at that time. The following is a front view measurements comparison of the XG-1 and the RX100 IV.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the XG-1 and RX100 IV is 66 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to picture the difference in sensor sizing purely by viewing technical specs. The graphic here might offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the XG-1 and RX100 IV.

As you have seen, both of those cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The XG-1 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make shooting bokeh tougher and the Sony RX100 IV will provide you with greater detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures way more aggressively. The older XG-1 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.