Pentax XG-1 vs Sony W550

Below, we will be contrasting the Pentax XG-1 and Sony W550, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Ultracompact by competitors Pentax and Sony. The sensor resolution of the XG-1 (16MP) and the W550 (14MP) is pretty similar and they use the exact same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The XG-1 was introduced 3 years later than the W550 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Pentax XG-1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony W550 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before getting in to a more detailed comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the XG-1 matches up versus the W550 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax XG-1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550. The whole galleries are provided at Pentax XG-1 Gallery and Sony W550 Gallery.

If you are aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you have to factor its weight and proportions. The Pentax XG-1 provides external dimensions of 119mm x 89mm x 98mm (4.7" x 3.5" x 3.9") along with a weight of 567 grams (1.25 lbs) while the Sony W550 has measurements of 94mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 110 grams (0.24 lbs).

Check the Pentax XG-1 and Sony W550 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are employing during that time. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the XG-1 against the W550.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the XG-1 and W550 is 66 and 96 respectively.

Quite often, it is very tough to picture the contrast between sensor measurements simply by reviewing a spec sheet. The visual below might provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the XG-1 and W550.

As you can see, each of these cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit different MP. You should expect the Pentax XG-1 to offer you greater detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The younger XG-1 should have a benefit in sensor tech.