Name: Pentax XG-1
Brand: Pentax

Technical Specifications of Pentax XG-1

Overall score

4.7

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Popularity

What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera.

When it matters: When you want to see which cameras attract the most buyer attention and review activity.

Sensor & Image

5.1

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Sensor size

What it is: The sensor format value describes the physical light-collecting area.

When it matters: When you shoot in more difficult lighting.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: Full frame or larger

Main camera megapixels

What it is: The effective resolution of the camera sensor, measured in megapixels (MP). A higher resolution can capture more detail.

When it matters: When you want high-resolution photos that allow more cropping or larger prints.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: At least 20 MP

Main camera pixel size

What it is: The physical size of individual pixels on the camera sensor, measured in micrometers. Larger pixels typically capture more light for better low-light performance.

When it matters: When you shoot in low light and want reduced noise in your photos.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: At least 3.5 µm

Base ISO

What it is: The native ISO setting that delivers the sensor’s standard balance of image quality and dynamic range.

When it matters: When you want the best native image quality and compare cameras at their most optimal sensitivity setting.

Importance: LOW

Max ISO

What it is: The ISO ceiling shows the highest sensor sensitivity available for darker scenes.

When it matters: When you shoot in more difficult lighting.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: At least ISO 25,600

Photo Features

5.1

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Lens mount

What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which interchangeable lenses the camera can use.

When it matters: When lens availability, upgrade options, and long-term system compatibility are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

N/A

Built-in focus motor

What it is: Indicates whether the camera body includes an internal autofocus motor for driving compatible lenses.

When it matters: When you plan to use older or budget lenses that depend on the camera body for autofocus drive.

Importance: LOW

N. of focus points

What it is: The total number of selectable autofocus points available for positioning and tracking focus.

When it matters: When you want more flexibility in placing focus precisely or tracking subjects across the frame.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: At least 200 points

Phase-detection autofocus (photos)

What it is: Autofocus technology that measures phase differences to lock focus quickly and accurately for still photography.

When it matters: When you want faster and more reliable autofocus for still photos, especially with moving subjects.

Importance: HIGH

AF tracking

What it is: An autofocus mode that continuously follows a moving subject to keep it sharp during shooting.

When it matters: When your subjects move unpredictably and you need the camera to keep focus on them automatically.

Importance: MEDIUM

Video & Audio

4.3

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Max video resolution

What it is: The highest video resolution the camera can record, defining the maximum level of captured image detail.

When it matters: When you care about recording the highest level of detail for cropping, editing, or future-proof video work.

Importance: HIGH

Good value: At least 3840 px

Video bitrate

What it is: The amount of video data recorded per second, which affects file size and potential recording quality.

When it matters: When you compare potential video quality and want fewer compression artifacts in demanding scenes.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: At least 200 Mbps

Video bit depth

What it is: The number of bits used per color channel in recorded video, affecting gradation smoothness and editing flexibility.

When it matters: When you color grade video and want smoother gradients with fewer banding issues.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: At least 10-bit

Video chroma subsampling

What it is: The color sampling format used in video recording, indicating how much color detail is retained relative to brightness detail.

When it matters: When color grading, keying, or serious post-production work is important in your video workflow.

Importance: LOW

Video codecs

What it is: The video compression formats the camera can use when recording, affecting compatibility, efficiency, and workflow.

When it matters: When compatibility, editing performance, and file efficiency matter in the way you handle video.

Importance: LOW

H.264

Display & Design

5.0

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Type

What it is: The camera type identifies the overall design, such as mirrorless, DSLR, compact, or bridge.

When it matters: When you want a camera style that matches how you shoot, carry, and swap lenses.

Importance: LOW

bridge

Weight

What it is: The total weight of the camera body, which affects comfort while carrying and shooting.

When it matters: When you carry the camera all day, travel often, or prefer a lighter setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: 500 g or less

Width

What it is: The width of the camera body, measured from side to side.

When it matters: When compact packing, grip comfort, or bag fit matters to you.

Importance: LOW

Height

What it is: The height of the camera body, measured from top to bottom.

When it matters: When you care about how compact the camera feels in a bag or in hand.

Importance: LOW

Thickness

What it is: The depth of the device profile, excluding the camera bump unless specified.

When it matters: When you prefer a sleek, slim profile that slides easily into tight pockets.

Importance: LOW

Battery & Power

3.9

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Battery life (CIPA)

What it is: The official battery endurance estimate measured under CIPA test methodology, usually expressed in shots per charge.

When it matters: When you need realistic expectations for how many shots you can take before carrying a spare battery.

Importance: MEDIUM

Good value: At least 400 shots

Battery capacity

What it is: The amount of electric charge the battery can hold, measured in milliampere-hours (mAh).

When it matters: When you want a general idea of how large the battery is physically.

Importance: LOW

Good value: At least 1,500 mAh

Removable battery

What it is: Indicates whether the camera battery can be removed and replaced by the user.

When it matters: When you want to swap batteries quickly during a long shoot or replace an aging battery.

Importance: LOW

USB Power Delivery (PD)

What it is: Support for the USB Power Delivery standard for higher-power charging or external power supply over USB-C.

When it matters: When you want faster USB-C charging or the ability to power the camera externally for longer sessions.

Importance: LOW

Connectivity & Storage

2.7

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Wi-Fi connectivity

What it is: Indicates whether the camera has built-in Wi-Fi for image transfer, remote control, or network features.

When it matters: When you want to transfer photos wirelessly, control the camera from a phone, or use supported network workflows.

Importance: LOW

Wi-Fi version

What it is: The specific generation of Wi-Fi standards supported (e.g., Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 7), determining maximum speed and efficiency.

When it matters: When you have a high-speed router and want faster downloads with less congestion.

Importance: LOW

N/A

Bluetooth connectivity

What it is: Indicates whether the camera supports Bluetooth for pairing, remote control, or file transfer.

When it matters: When you want quick wireless pairing with a phone, remote control, or location syncing.

Importance: LOW

Bluetooth version

What it is: The Bluetooth version supported by the camera for wireless pairing and low-power connections.

When it matters: When you want more efficient wireless pairing, better range, or newer Bluetooth features.

Importance: LOW

N/A

USB Type-C

What it is: A modern, reversible connector used for charging, data transfer, and sometimes audio or video output.

When it matters: When you want a reversible cable that handles charging, data, and accessories universally.

Importance: LOW

Pentax XG-1 vs the average camera

Why is Pentax XG-1 better than the average camera?

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In-body stabilization
Pentax XG-1 supports in-body stabilization, the average camera does not.
What it is: A stabilization system that physically moves the image sensor to reduce shake during handheld shooting.
When it matters: When you often shoot handheld and want sharper results at slower shutter speeds without relying only on lens stabilization.
Importance: MEDIUM
Pentax XG-1 supports in-body stabilization, the average camera does not.
Better viewfinder type
Pentax XG-1 uses a more advanced viewfinder than the average camera (electronic vs none).
What it is: The type of viewfinder the camera uses to frame the shot, such as optical, electronic, hybrid, or none.
When it matters: When you strongly prefer the clarity of an optical finder, the preview benefits of an electronic one, or no viewfinder at all.
Importance: MEDIUM
Pentax XG-1 uses a more advanced viewfinder than the average camera (electronic vs none).electronic vs none
Uses a BSI sensor
Pentax XG-1 uses a BSI sensor, the average camera does not. 34.8% of cameras use a BSI sensor.
Back-illuminated CMOS sensor.
What it is: Indicates the use of a Back-Side Illuminated sensor, which arranges the wiring behind the light-receiving surface to improve low-light sensitivity.
When it matters: When you take photos in dim environments and need better light sensitivity.
Importance: LOW
Pentax XG-1 uses a BSI sensor, the average camera does not. 34.8% of cameras use a BSI sensor.
Supports slow-motion video
Pentax XG-1 supports slow-motion video, the average camera does not.
Supports up to 120 fps high-speed video.
What it is: The ability to record at high frame rates so motion can be played back more slowly than real time.
When it matters: When you want to emphasize fast action, movement details, or dramatic moments in playback.
Importance: LOW
Pentax XG-1 supports slow-motion video, the average camera does not.
Built-in timelapse
Pentax XG-1 includes timelapse capture, the average camera does not.
What it is: A mode that captures frames at set intervals so long events can be played back as accelerated video.
When it matters: When you want to show long processes like sunsets, clouds, or city movement in a short finished clip.
Importance: LOW
Pentax XG-1 includes timelapse capture, the average camera does not.
0.02 GB more storage
Pentax XG-1 has a higher internal storage than the average camera (0 GB vs 0 GB). The average camera offers 0 GB of internal storage.
What it is: The total built-in space available for apps, media, and files.
When it matters: When you keep large libraries of photos, videos, and apps directly on your device.
Importance: LOW
Pentax XG-1 has a higher internal storage than the average camera (0 GB vs 0 GB). The average camera offers 0 GB of internal storage.0.0154 GB vs 0 GB
Better viewfinder type
Pentax XG-1 uses a more advanced viewfinder than the average camera (electronic vs none).
Uses a BSI sensor
Pentax XG-1 uses a BSI sensor, the average camera does not. 34.8% of cameras use a BSI sensor.
In-body stabilization
Pentax XG-1 supports in-body stabilization, the average camera does not.
Supports slow-motion video
Pentax XG-1 supports slow-motion video, the average camera does not.
Built-in timelapse
Pentax XG-1 includes timelapse capture, the average camera does not.
0.02 GB more storage
Pentax XG-1 has a higher internal storage than the average camera (0 GB vs 0 GB). The average camera offers 0 GB of internal storage.

Connectivity & Storage

Why is Pentax XG-1 worse than the average camera?

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2160000 dots lower EVF resolution
Pentax XG-1 has a lower EVF resolution than the average camera (200000 dots vs 2360000 dots). The average camera has an EVF resolution of 2360000 dots.
No hot shoe
Pentax XG-1 does not have a hot shoe, the average camera does.
43.5% heavier
Pentax XG-1 is heavier than the average camera (567 g vs 395 g). The average camera weighs 395 g.
51.5 mm thicker
Pentax XG-1 is thicker than the average camera (97.5 mm vs 46 mm). The average camera has a thickness of 46 mm.
15.1 mm taller body
Pentax XG-1 is taller than the average camera (89 mm vs 73.9 mm). The average camera has a height of 73.9 mm.
Smaller sensor
Pentax XG-1 has a smaller sensor than the average camera (1/2.3" vs APS-C).
2 µm smaller sensor pixels
Pentax XG-1 has smaller sensor pixels than the average camera (1.3 µm vs 3.34 µm). The average sensor pixel size is 3.34 µm.
22100 ISO lower extended sensitivity limit
Pentax XG-1 has a lower expanded ISO than the average camera (3200 ISO vs 25300 ISO). The average camera reaches an expanded ISO of 25300 ISO.
0.2 MP lower sensor resolution
Pentax XG-1 has a lower sensor resolution than the average camera (16 MP vs 16.2 MP). The average camera has a sensor resolution of 16.2 MP.
3200 ISO lower maximum sensitivity limit
Pentax XG-1 has a lower max ISO than the average camera (3200 ISO vs 6400 ISO). The average camera reaches a max ISO of 6400 ISO.
21 fewer AF points
Pentax XG-1 has fewer focus points than the average camera (2 vs 23). The average camera offers 23 focus points.
No RAW photo capture
Pentax XG-1 does not support RAW photo capture, the average camera does. 62.8% of cameras support RAW formats.
0.7 fps slower mechanical burst
Pentax XG-1 has a slower mechanical burst rate than the average camera (5 fps vs 5.7 fps). The average camera shoots at 5.7 fps.
No continuous video AF
Pentax XG-1 does not support continuous autofocus in video, the average camera does.
16 Mbps lower video bitrate
Pentax XG-1 has a lower video bitrate than the average camera (14 Mbps vs 30 Mbps). The average camera records at 30 Mbps.
90 shots fewer shots per charge
Pentax XG-1 has shorter battery life than the average camera (240 shots vs 330 shots). The average camera delivers 330 shots per charge.
Smaller sensor
Pentax XG-1 has a smaller sensor than the average camera (1/2.3" vs APS-C).
What it is: The sensor format value describes the physical light-collecting area.
When it matters: When you shoot in more difficult lighting.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: Full frame or larger
Pentax XG-1 has a smaller sensor than the average camera (1/2.3" vs APS-C).1/2.3" vs APS-C
2 µm smaller sensor pixels
Pentax XG-1 has smaller sensor pixels than the average camera (1.3 µm vs 3.34 µm). The average sensor pixel size is 3.34 µm.
What it is: The physical size of individual pixels on the camera sensor, measured in micrometers. Larger pixels typically capture more light for better low-light performance.
When it matters: When you shoot in low light and want reduced noise in your photos.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: At least 3.5 µm
Pentax XG-1 has smaller sensor pixels than the average camera (1.3 µm vs 3.34 µm). The average sensor pixel size is 3.34 µm.1.34 µm vs 3.34 µm
2160000 dots lower EVF resolution
Pentax XG-1 has a lower EVF resolution than the average camera (200000 dots vs 2360000 dots). The average camera has an EVF resolution of 2360000 dots.
What it is: The pixel or dot resolution of the electronic viewfinder, which affects sharpness and clarity while composing shots.
When it matters: When you compose through an electronic viewfinder and want a sharper, more detailed preview of the scene.
Importance: MEDIUM
Good value: At least 2.36 million dots
Pentax XG-1 has a lower EVF resolution than the average camera (200000 dots vs 2360000 dots). The average camera has an EVF resolution of 2360000 dots.200000 dots vs 2360000 dots
No continuous video AF
Pentax XG-1 does not support continuous autofocus in video, the average camera does.
What it is: The ability of the camera to keep adjusting focus automatically while video recording is in progress.
When it matters: When you film while subjects or camera distance keep changing and manual refocusing is impractical.
Importance: LOW
Pentax XG-1 does not support continuous autofocus in video, the average camera does.
No hot shoe
Pentax XG-1 does not have a hot shoe, the average camera does.
What it is: A mounting interface on top of the camera for attaching accessories such as flashes, triggers, or microphones.
When it matters: When you want to mount an external flash, trigger, microphone, or other camera-top accessory.
Importance: LOW
Pentax XG-1 does not have a hot shoe, the average camera does.
21 fewer AF points
Pentax XG-1 has fewer focus points than the average camera (2 vs 23). The average camera offers 23 focus points.
What it is: The total number of selectable autofocus points available for positioning and tracking focus.
When it matters: When you want more flexibility in placing focus precisely or tracking subjects across the frame.
Importance: HIGH
Good value: At least 200 points
Pentax XG-1 has fewer focus points than the average camera (2 vs 23). The average camera offers 23 focus points.2 vs 23
No RAW photo capture
Pentax XG-1 does not support RAW photo capture, the average camera does. 62.8% of cameras support RAW formats.
What it is: The ability to save images in an uncompressed RAW format, preserving all sensor data for advanced post-processing.
When it matters: When you plan to edit your photos professionally and need the most data possible.
Importance: LOW
Pentax XG-1 does not support RAW photo capture, the average camera does. 62.8% of cameras support RAW formats.
22100 ISO lower extended sensitivity limit
Pentax XG-1 has a lower expanded ISO than the average camera (3200 ISO vs 25300 ISO). The average camera reaches an expanded ISO of 25300 ISO.
What it is: The highest extended ISO setting available beyond the standard sensitivity range of the sensor.
When it matters: When you shoot in very dark conditions and want the option to push sensitivity beyond the normal ISO range.
Importance: MEDIUM
Pentax XG-1 has a lower expanded ISO than the average camera (3200 ISO vs 25300 ISO). The average camera reaches an expanded ISO of 25300 ISO.3200 ISO vs 25300 ISO

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Pentax XG-1?

Powerful optical zoom (52x) that allows you to capture subjects from great distances
Compact, lightweight and ergonomic design with a large, comfortable grip
Good value for money, ideal for beginners on a budget
Large and clear LCD screen that is easy to read in bright light
Fast and simple menu operation

What customers dislike about Pentax XG-1?

No physical dials for manual settings, making adjusting settings cumbersome
Limited battery life compared to comparable models
The quality of the electronic viewfinder (EVF) and image stabilization often leaves much to be desired
Lack of Wi-Fi connectivity
Video recording is limited (no 1080/60p) and the camera lacks support for external flashes

Expert reviews

ephotozine.com

11/09/2014

Summary of the review

Pentax XG-1 Bridge Camera Review - ePHOTOzine

The Pentax XG-1 is a budget-friendly bridge camera featuring a 52x optical zoom lens (24–1248mm equivalent) and a 16-megapixel sensor, offering a versatile shooting range, 1cm macro capability, and rapid burst shooting up to 9fps. Key advantages include its comfortable, DSLR-style rubberized grip, effective sensor-shift shake reduction, and a competitive price point for its focal range. Conversely, the camera suffers from significant limitations, including a small, low-resolution electronic viewfinder without dioptre correction and restricted viewing angles on the rear screen. Performance is further hindered by lack of physical control dials, poor battery life rated at 240 shots, the absence of Wi-Fi, and a lack of optical image stabilization during video recording.

dpreview.com

17/06/2015

2015 Superzoom Camera Roundup: Pentax XG-1 - DPReview(cameradecision.com) | 01 July 2014 | Pentax XG-1 Review - Camera Decision(camerarace.com) | 10 A...

The DPReview 2015 superzoom roundup highlights the Pentax XG-1 as a budget-friendly option featuring a compact, robust design, a large, comfortable grip, and a quick 15 fps burst mode. While offering acceptable image quality in good lighting, its performance is limited by slow, menu-driven control adjustments, a poor electronic viewfinder, and sluggish operation at maximum zoom. Key drawbacks include the absence of modern features like Wi-Fi, poor image stabilization, and a weak 240-shot battery life.

bhphotovideo.com

23/10/2014

Video: Hands-On Review of the Pentax XG-1 - B&H Photo

The B&H Photo Video Explora review highlights the Pentax XG-1 as a versatile bridge camera featuring a 52x optical zoom lens (24–1248mm equivalent) and a 16-megapixel sensor, designed for extensive reach in a compact form. Key advantages include its capable 10 fps burst shooting and unique 120 fps slow-motion video, making it a strong contender for travel and wildlife photography on a budget. B&H ·B&H Photo On the downside, the review notes a lack of active sensor-shift stabilization during video, leading to potential shakiness at maximum zoom. Additionally, the camera is limited to 1080p/30p video with no external audio control, while the electronic viewfinder and rear LCD display offer only basic resolution. For the full, detailed review, visit B&H Photo Video Explora.

22/10/2014

Hands-On Review: Pentax XG-1

The B&H Photo Explora review highlights the Pentax XG-1 as a versatile, budget-friendly bridge camera featuring a 52x optical zoom (24–1248mm) and a 16MP backlit CMOS sensor. Key pros include a specialized 1cm macro mode, effective Sensor-Shift Shake Reduction, and high-speed burst shooting up to 60 fps at reduced resolution. YouTube ·B&H Photo Conversely, the camera compromises on usability with a lack of physical control dials, forcing menu-driven adjustments. Other cons include a fixed 3-inch 460k-dot LCD, a low-resolution 200k-dot electronic viewfinder, limited 1080p 30 fps video, and a modest 240-shot battery life.

dkamera.de

26/08/2016

Pentax XG-1 Review

The Pentax XG-1, as reviewed by dkamera.de, is a versatile bridge camera featuring a massive 52x optical zoom lens (24-1,248mm equivalent) and a 16MP sensor. Notable pros include effective sensor-shift shake reduction, a fast 13.3 frames per second burst mode, and a comfortable, lightweight design with full manual controls. However, the review notes significant cons, including slow autofocus at maximum zoom and limited dynamic range, along with visible image noise and detail smearing due to the small 1/2.3-inch sensor. Additionally, the camera lacks RAW image support, features low-resolution displays, and suffers from slow operation at long focal lengths.

The Camera | Test Report for the Pentax XG-1 - DKamera

Pentax XG-1 Overview The Pentax XG-1 is a relatively compact and lightweight (566g) bridge camera featuring a powerful 50x optical zoom lens with a massive focal coverage equivalent to 24-1250mm. It is designed with an ergonomically shaped, rubberised handgrip that allows for a secure hold during shooting. The top of the camera offers quick access to the power switch, mode dial, drive mode, exposure compensation, zoom lever, and shutter button. Physical connectivity includes Micro-USB and Micro-HDMI ports hidden behind a protective rubber cover on the right side, while the SD memory card and the 1,100mAh lithium-ion battery share a dedicated compartment accessible from the bottom of the grip. Key Pros and Cons Pros: The camera features a highly flexible 50x zoom range packed into a fairly portable form factor. It offers good ergonomics and secure handling due to its lightweight body and rubberised grip. Dedicated physical buttons also provide convenient access to shooting modes, creative styles, and basic navigation parameters. Cons: The electronic viewfinder (EVF) is sharp-deficient with a very low resolution of only 200,000 subpixels, and it lacks an...

camerarace.com

15/07/2014

Pentax XG-1 - Review and Spec Sheet. Would you also like links to user manuals or comparisons with other models from the same era?

The CameraRace review gives the Pentax XG-1 a low overall score of 24, noting poor performance across image quality, speed, and versatility. While highlighted for its integrated image stabilizer, relatively bright lens at full zoom, and lightweight design, the camera struggles to compete within its class. Major disadvantages include a small 1/2.3" sensor, lack of Wi-Fi and weather sealing, and a limited 240-shot battery life. Due to these technical limitations and a price above the class average, the review concludes the camera offers poor value for money.

nadir.it

2016 (ultimo aggiornamento stimato dal contesto)

PANASONIC FZ1000 VS SONY RX10 II - COMPARISON TEST (includes Pentax XG-1 analysis)

The Sony RX10 II counters with a premium, robust build quality and a 24-200mm Zeiss lens that maintains a bright, constant F/2.8 aperture across its entire zoom range. It excels in advanced video capabilities, offering professional options, an essential headphone jack for audio monitoring, continuous auto-ISO adjustment during recording, and high-speed shooting up to 960fps. It also provides a built-in neutral density (ND) filter for bright environments and slightly better battery life at 400 shots. On the downside, the camera is substantially more expensive and its lens lacks the crucial 400mm reach of the Panasonic. Its autofocus is noticeably slower and prone to hunting or blurring in low light and fast-action scenes. Furthermore, its tilting display is less versatile than a fully articulated one, and it lacks an integrated time-lapse feature.

Pentax XG-1 Review | 108 Data compared

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Technical Specifications of Pentax XG-1

Pentax XG-1 vs the average camera

Why is Pentax XG-1 better than the average camera?

Why is Pentax XG-1 worse than the average camera?

Graphic comparison of Pentax XG-1 and

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Pentax XG-1?

What customers dislike about Pentax XG-1?

Expert reviews

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