Pentax XG-1 Review: Features, Pros, and Cons for Captivating Photos

Read this Pentax XG-1 review to know all the details about this bridge camera that combines the control of a DSLR with the ease of a point and shoot. Discover its features, advantages, and disadvantages to see if it suits your photography needs.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Pentax XG-1 article cover photo

Key Features

Jul 15 2014

Announced

16 megapixels

Resolution

BrandPentax
Sensor Type1/2.3'
SensorBSI-CMOS
Weight567g
MSRP$399USD

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Overview of the XG-1

Are you looking for a camera that can give you professional-quality results without breaking the bank? Look no further than the Pentax XG-1! This powerful bridge camera lets you take stunning photos and videos with ease, thanks to its 16-megapixel CMOS sensor, high-performance lens, and advanced image stabilization system. Whether you're a beginner looking to improve your skills or an experienced photographer in search of a reliable backup camera, the Pentax XG-1 is worth considering. In this review, we'll explore some of the key features of this camera, as well as its pros and cons, to help you make an informed decision.

Pentax XG-1 Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Pentax XG-1 camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

High megapixel resolution
Excellent zoom range (52x)
Image stabilization technology
WiFi and NFC connectivity
Affordable price point

Cons

Limited low light performance
No manual focus ring
Bulky and heavy design
No ability to shoot in RAW format
Slow autofocus speed

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Pentax XG-1

Weather sealed
Dimensions119 x 89 x 98mm
Weight567g
Thickness98mm
Weight
Min
Avg
This
Max
Thickness
Min
Avg
This
Max

Weather Sealing

The Pentax XG-1 is not sealed against water and dust, so it's important to be careful when using it in such conditions. If you often shoot in environments with water or dust, it's recommended to check out another camera with weather sealing.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderElectronic
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution460k dots
Body typeSLR-like (bridge)

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 3.00" screen, with a display resolution of 460k dots. This makes the Pentax XG-1 not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

XG-1 includes a electronic viewfinder with 200k dots of resolution with a coverage of n/a and a magnification of n/a. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Pentax XG-1 has a 16MP sized BSI-CMOS sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 16 pixels. Pentax XG-1 has a native ISO range of 100 - 3200 which can be boosted to null - null.

Key Features

Jul 15 2014

Announced

100 - 3200

ISO Range

Sensor1/2.3'
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution4608 x 3456 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

not tested

Color Depth

not tested

Dynamic Range

not tested

Low Light ISO

not tested

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Pentax XG-1 camera has excellent color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also excellent, allowing it to retain high amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is excellent, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the XG-1 is excellent

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: 1/2.3'

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageSD/SDHC
Battery Life240 shots
Battery ModelLB-060
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Pentax XG-1 supports SD/SDHC with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Pentax XG-1 uses the LB-060 model of battery pack. This is rated for 240 shots shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Pentax XG-1 has built in flash which is great for event photography and in low light situations. However it lacks an external flash shoe, which limits you to using the built-in flash.

Shutter

The Pentax XG-1 boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/2000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

Pentax XG-1 does not have autofocus (AF)

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Pentax XG-1?

The Pentax XG-1 features a BSI-CMOS sensor

Is the Pentax XG-1 weather sealed?

No the XG-1 does not have weather sealing.

When was the Pentax XG-1 announced?

The Pentax XG-1 was announced on Jul 15 2014

Does the Pentax XG-1 have in-body image stabilization?

Yes the XG-1 does have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Pentax XG-1?

The XG-1 has a native ISO range of 100-3200, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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