Pentax XG-1 vs Sony RX100 VA

The following is a comprehensive comparison of the Pentax XG-1 vs Sony RX100 VA, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the XG-1 (16MP) and the RX100 VA (20MP) is pretty comparable but the XG-1 (1/2.3") and RX100 VA (1") offer different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The XG-1 was unveiled 5 years before the RX100 VA which is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Pentax XG-1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony RX100 VA being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going straight to a detailed comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the XG-1 scores versus the RX100 VA for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax XG-1 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V(A). The full galleries are provided at Pentax XG-1 Gallery & Sony RX100 VA Gallery.

If you're intending to travel with your camera, you will want to think about its weight and size. The Pentax XG-1 enjoys physical measurements of 119mm x 89mm x 98mm (4.7" x 3.5" x 3.9") and a weight of 567 grams (1.25 lbs) while the Sony RX100 VA has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") with a weight of 299 grams (0.66 lbs).

Contrast the Pentax XG-1 vs Sony RX100 VA in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you select at that moment. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the XG-1 against the RX100 VA.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the XG-1 and RX100 VA is 66 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to visualize the difference in sensor dimensions merely by seeing specs. The image underneath should provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the XG-1 and RX100 VA.

All in all, both cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The XG-1 having a smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field tougher and the Sony RX100 VA will provide greater detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs more aggressively. The more aged XG-1 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.