Pentax XG-1 vs Sony W290

Following is a in-depth review of the Pentax XG-1 vs Sony W290, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Pentax and Sony. There exists a significant gap among the sensor resolutions of the XG-1 (16MP) and W290 (12MP) but both cameras provide the same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The XG-1 was released 5 years after the W290 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Pentax XG-1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony W290 being a Compact camera.

Before going right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the XG-1 grades vs the W290 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax XG-1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290. The complete galleries are available at Pentax XG-1 Gallery and Sony W290 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry around your camera often, you'll have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Pentax XG-1 has got outer dimensions 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 W290 has proportions of 98mm x 57mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

See the Pentax XG-1 vs Sony W290 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilising at that time. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the XG-1 vs the W290.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the XG-1 and W290 is 66 and 94 respectively.

More often than not, it is difficult to envision the difference in sensor sizes purely by seeing specifications. The image below will help give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the XG-1 and W290.

To sum up, each of these cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit not the same MP. You should count on the Pentax XG-1 to provide greater detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more modern XG-1 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.