Pentax XG-1 vs Sony W220

In this write-up, we are contrasting the Pentax XG-1 and Sony W220, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Pentax and Sony. There is a noticeable difference between the resolutions of the XG-1 (16MP) and W220 (12MP) but they feature the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The XG-1 was announced 5 years after the W220 which is quite a sizable difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Pentax XG-1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony W220 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a complete comparison, below is a short summation of how the XG-1 scores against the W220 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax XG-1 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W220. The whole galleries are viewable at Pentax XG-1 Gallery & Sony W220 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to travel with your camera, you're going to have to factor in its weight and size. The Pentax XG-1 provides 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 W220 has specifications of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 147 grams (0.32 lbs).

Take a look at the Pentax XG-1 and Sony W220 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are employing at that time. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the XG-1 vs the W220.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the XG-1 and W220 is 66 and 95 respectively.

Usually, it's hard to see the contrast between sensor dimensions only by checking specs. The image below may provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the XG-1 and W220.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but not the same MP. You can expect to see the Pentax XG-1 to give you greater detail with its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics a little more aggressively. The fresher XG-1 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.