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Pentax XG-1 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Pentax XG-1

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    Main Features

    • 16MP - 1/2.3' BSI-CMOS Sensor
    • ISO 100 - 3200
    • 24-1248 mm F2.8-5.6 Zoom Lens
    • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
    • 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
    • 200k dot Electronic viewfinder
    • 9.0fps continuous shooting
    • and FHD at 30fps Video Recording
    • 567g. 119 x 89 x 98 mm
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Pentax XG-1 Overview

    Launched in July 2014 , Pentax XG-1 is a 16.0MP Small Sensor Superzoom camera with a 1/2.3' (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor, built-in Image Stabilization and 52.0x zoom 24-1248 mm F2.8-5.6 lens.

    Pentax XG-1 Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Sensor and Photography Features
    4. Physical Specs
    5. LCD and Viewfinder
    6. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    7. Video
    8. Other Features
    9. Lens
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Pentax XG-1 is the latest member of Pentax's Small Sensor Superzoom class cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this class and how their main specs have changed with each new model.

    Pentax Small Sensor Superzoom Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Pentax XG-1
    2014 16.0MP - 1/2.3' 9.0 fps 119 x 89 x 98mm 567g
    Pentax X-5
    Compare
    2012 16.0MP - 1/2.3-inch 10.0 fps 119 x 86 x 107mm 595g
    Pentax VS20
    Compare
    2012 16.0MP - 1/2.3-inch 1.0 fps 111 x 61 x 38mm 235g
    Pentax RZ18
    Compare
    2011 16.0MP - 1/2.3-inch 1.0 fps 97 x 61 x 33mm 178g
    Pentax X90
    Compare
    2010 12.0MP - 1/2.3-inch fps 111 x 85 x 110mm 428g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series side by side:
    Pentax XG-1 vs X-5 vs VS20 vs RZ18 vs X90


    **This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Pentax XG-1 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Pentax XG-1 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Image Stabilization
    Full HD Video
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    9.0fps Shooting w/ Mechanical Shutter
    Manual Focusing
    Manual Exposure
    24mm Wide Angle Lens
    1248mm Good Tele Lens
    52.0X Optical Zoom
    Fast 2.80 Lens at Wide
    Report a correction

    Buy Pentax XG-1 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No Articulating Screen
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Touch Screen
    No RAW Shooting
    No Face Detection Focusing
    Max Sensitivity only ISO 3.200
    Low Battery Life: 240 shots
    Heavy Body: 567
    No Environmental Sealing
    Slow Lens at Tele: f5.60

    Report a correction


    Pentax XG-1 Physical Specs
    Pentax XG-1 weighs 567 g (1.25 lb / 20.00 oz) and has external dimensions of 119 x 89 x 98 mm (4.69 x 3.5 x 3.84″). Considering that the average weight of DSLR-Like type cameras is 591g, its weight is about average in its class. With a thickness of 98mm, it also has an average thickness.
    Weight Comparison

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    Pentax XG-1
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    Pentax XG-1
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Pentax XG-1 with the dimensions:

    Pentax XG-1 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Pentax XG-1 Camera Body


    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Pentax XG-1, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Pentax XG-1 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Pentax XG-1 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery



    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Pentax XG-1 with its main competitors:

    Pentax XG-1 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs XG-1 Thickness vs XG-1
    Pentax XG-1 Camera Pentax X-5
    Compare
    595g 28g heavier 107mm 9mm thicker
    Pentax XG-1 Camera Panasonic FZ80
    Compare
    616g 49g heavier 119mm 21mm thicker
    Pentax XG-1 Camera Pentax K-50
    Compare
    650g 83g heavier 71mm 27mm thinner
    Pentax XG-1 Camera Fujifilm S1
    Compare
    680g 113g heavier 110mm 12mm thicker
    Pentax XG-1 Camera Canon SX50 HS
    Compare
    595g 28g heavier 106mm 8mm thicker
    Pentax XG-1 Camera Panasonic FZ70
    Compare
    606g 39g heavier 118mm 20mm thicker
    Pentax XG-1 Camera Pentax X90
    Compare
    428g 139g lighter 110mm 12mm thicker
    Pentax XG-1 Camera Kodak Astro AZ651
    Compare
    567g equal weight 114mm 16mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Pentax XG-1 doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Bridge Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Pentax XG-1 Lens

    Pentax XG-1 features a 24-1248 mm F2.8-5.6 52× zoom lens. This camera offers exceptional wide angle capacity thanks to 24mm focal length on the wide end and remarkable super telephoto reach at 1248mm.

    Wide Coverage

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    XG-1
    Widest - Samsung WB2200F
    Average
    Telezoom

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    XG-1
    Longest - Nikon P1000
    Average

    With a max aperture of f2.80, this lens is fast on wide end, but only moderately fast at the tele end with max aperture of f5.60.

    Max Aperture at Wide

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    XG-1
    Fastest - Sony RX10 III
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    XG-1
    Fastest - Olympus 1
    Average

    XG-1 is equipped with Sensor-shift image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds. Pentax XG-1's lens also has a Manual Focus Mode.

    Pentax XG-1 Sensor and Photography Features

    Pentax XG-1 has a 16.0MP 1/2.3' (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized BSI-CMOS sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4608 x 3456 pixels with aspect ratios of 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. XG-1 has a native ISO range of 100 - 3200 but unfortunately, Pentax XG-1 doesn't have RAW file support. If you need a DSLR-Like camera with a RAW support, consider or in the same price range.

    Pentax XG-1 is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. GoPro Hero9 Black with its 23.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Pentax XG-1 vs GoPro Hero9 Black or take a look at Highest resolution Bridge cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the Pentax XG-1's 1/2.3' sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Pentax XG-1 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Pentax XG-1 Sensor Size with other standard sensors



    Pentax XG-1 LCD and Viewfinder

    Pentax XG-1 has a Fixed Type 3.00-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 460k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.



    Pentax XG-1 back view and LCD

    Unfortunately Pentax XG-1 doesn't have a Selfie friendly screen. If this feature is important for your shooting style, check here the list of Best Bridge Cameras with Selfie Friendly LCD screen.


    XG-1 has a built-in Electronic viewfinder, making it easier to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor.

    Pentax XG-1 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    Pentax XG-1 has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port to connect your camera to other devices.

    Pentax XG-1 Battery

    Pentax XG-1 is powered by LB-060 battery which provides a battery life of 240 shots according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of DSLR-Like type cameras is 353 shots, Pentax XG-1 has a short battery life for its class so we strongly recommend XG-1 owners to invest in some extra batteries.

    Battery Life Comparison in Small Sensor Superzoom Cameras

    Pentax XG-1
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Fujifilm HS35EXR with its 600shots is the model with longest battery life among Small Sensor Superzoom cameras. Check the comparison of Pentax XG-1 vs Fujifilm HS35EXR or take a look at Longest Battery Life Bridge cameras list.

    Pentax XG-1 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Pentax XG-1 Camera Pentax X-5
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 330shots No No No
    Pentax XG-1 Camera Panasonic FZ80
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 330shots Yes No No
    Pentax XG-1 Camera Pentax K-50
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 410shots No No No
    Pentax XG-1 Camera Fujifilm S1
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 350shots Yes No No
    Pentax XG-1 Camera Canon SX50 HS
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 315shots No No No
    Pentax XG-1 Camera Panasonic FZ70
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 400shots No No No
    Pentax XG-1 Camera Pentax X90
    Compare
    1280 x 720 shots No No No
    Pentax XG-1 Camera Kodak Astro AZ651
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 shots Yes No No

    Pentax XG-1 Video Features

    With Pentax XG-1, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1920 x 1080 at 30 fps and save in and Motion JPEG formats. Full HD resolution of Pentax XG-1 will be adequate in most of the situations. But if you are after the highest resolution videos available, see our list of Top Cameras with 4K (Ultra-HD) Video.

    XG-1 has a built-in Mono microphone and a Mono speaker. On the other hand, Pentax XG-1 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a DSLR-Like camera with external microphone connectivity, consider or in a similar price range.

    Also read:

    • Best Bridge Cameras with Microphone Port
    • Best Bridge Cameras with Headphone Port

    Pentax XG-1 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Pentax XG-1 can shoot continuously at max speed of 9 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/2000 sec.

    Flash

    Unfortunately XG-1 doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.

    What type of Photography is Pentax XG-1 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Pentax XG-1 in 5 different photography areas.

    Pentax XG-1 for Portrait Photography

    Pentax XG-1 has a score of 42 for Portrait Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Portrait Photography list.
    Image Stabilization
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Manual Focus Mode
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
    Average Ergonomics&Handling
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    No External Flash Shoe

    Read the details of how we scored Pentax XG-1 for Portrait Photography

    Pentax XG-1 for Street Photography

    Pentax XG-1 has a score of 69 for Street Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Street Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Bridge Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Manual Focus Mode
    Live-view
    Image Stabilization
    Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
    24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Medium sized Body
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Pentax XG-1 for Street Photography

    Pentax XG-1 for Sports Photography

    Pentax XG-1 has a score of 49 for Sports Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Sports is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Sports Photography list.
    Fast Continuous Shooting: 9.0fps
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Image Stabilization
    1248 mm Tele Lens
    Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
    Average Ergonomics&Handling
    Environmental Sealings
    Focus Points
    Poor Battery Life: 240 shots
    No External Flash Shoe

    Read the details of how we scored Pentax XG-1 for Sports Photography

    Pentax XG-1 for Daily Photography

    Pentax XG-1 has a score of 52 for Daily Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Daily is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    52.0X Optical Zoom
    Medium size Body
    567g
    Body Thickness 98mm
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Pentax XG-1 for Daily Photography

    Pentax XG-1 for Landscape Photography

    Pentax XG-1 has a score of 29 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theXG-1.
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    24 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Average Resolution Sensor: 16.0MP
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    No Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Pentax XG-1 for Landscape Photography
    Pentax XG-1 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Pentax XG-1 compares with other DSLR-Like cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Pentax XG-1 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Pentax XG-1

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Pentax XG-1 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Pentax X-5
    Pentax X-5
    Compare
    Panasonic FZ80
    Panasonic FZ80
    Compare
    Pentax K-50
    Pentax K-50
    Compare
    Fujifilm S1
    Fujifilm S1
    Compare
    Canon SX50 HS
    Canon SX50 HS
    Compare
    Panasonic FZ70
    Panasonic FZ70
    Compare
    Pentax X90
    Pentax X90
    Compare
    Kodak Astro AZ651
    Kodak Astro AZ651
    Compare

    Pentax XG-1 Alternatives in Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Pentax XG-1 with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Pentax XG-1's price range.

    Pentax XG-1 Conclusion and Scores

    Currently, Pentax XG-1 has an Overall Score of 41/100 which is based on our evaluation of 69 different technical parameters. Our scores are dynamically updated whenever a new camera is added to our database or when we change our ranking algorithm and the maximum score is always 100. Pentax XG-1 is ranked #85 out of 113 in DSLR-Like cameras (Top 20 Bridge), and ranked #726 out of 1243 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

    #726 out of 1243 in Top Ranking Cameras
    #85 out of 113 in Top Ranking Bridge Cameras
    #149 out of 245 in Top Ranking Small Sensor Superzoom Cameras
    #246 out of 740 in Top Ranking Small Sensor Sensor Cameras
    #60 out of 104 in Lightest Bridge Cameras with Small Sensor sensor(567g)
    #399 out of 917 in Top Ranking Cameras with Fixed Type Screen

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Pentax XG-1
    Does the Pentax XG-1 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Pentax XG-1 have RAW support?
    Does the Pentax XG-1 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Pentax XG-1 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Pentax XG-1?
    What is the Sensor Size of Pentax XG-1?
    is the Pentax XG-1 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Pentax XG-1 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Pentax XG-1 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Pentax XG-1?
    What is the Weight of Pentax XG-1?
    What are the Dimensions of Pentax XG-1?
    Pentax XG-1 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Pentax
    Model Pentax XG-1
    Announced 2014-07-15
    Body Type SLR-like (bridge)
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Number of Lenses
    Lens Focal Range 24-1248 mm (52×)
    Max Aperture F2.8-5.6
    Macro Focus Range 1cm
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Size 3.00"
    Screen Resolution 460k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Electronic
    Viewfinder Resolution 200k dots
    Viewfinder Coverage n/a
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 4s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/2000s
    Continuous Shooting 9.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 6.00 m
    Flash Modes Force Off, Flash Auto, Force Flash, Slow Sync., Slow Sync. + Red-Eye, Red-Eye Reduction
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score not tested
    DxO Color Depth not tested
    DxO Dynamic Range not tested
    DxO Low Light ISO not tested
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Size 1/2.3'
    Sensor Dimensions 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 28.07mm2
    Sensor Resolution 16 Megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 4608 x 3456
    Max Native ISO 3,200
    Min Native ISO 100
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (120 fps)
    Max Video Resolution 1920 x 1080
    Video Formats Motion JPEG
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity Eye-Fi Connected
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 567g
    Physical Dimensions 119 x 89 x 98mm
    Battery Life 240 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Battery Model LB-060
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 or 10 sec)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD/SDHC
    Storage Slots 1


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