• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • 23.00mm - 675.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 1248.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon L820 advantages over Pentax XG-1

  • Less expensive
    $280 vs $400 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 540 vs 240 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More dots on screen
    921k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Pentax XG-1 advantages over Nikon L820

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • More telephoto lens reach
    1,248 mm vs 675 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    9.0 fps vs 8.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Manual focus
    Neither provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

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Buy the Nikon L820

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Buy the Pentax XG-1

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon L810

Nikon L820
Nikon L810
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • HDMI out
Pentax XG-1
Nikon L810
  • $2018
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $280
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Sony HX300

Nikon L820
Sony HX300
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $990
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Pentax XG-1
Sony HX300
  • $2018
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $990
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Tiltable Screen

Compared to Samsung WB100

Nikon L820
Samsung WB100
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
Pentax XG-1
Samsung WB100
  • $2018
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $200
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compared to Fujifilm S8600

Nikon L820
Fujifilm S8600
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • More dots on screen
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
Pentax XG-1
Fujifilm S8600
  • $2018
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compared to Fujifilm S9900W

Nikon L820
Fujifilm S9900W
  • $199
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Thinner
  • $719
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Focus peaking
Pentax XG-1
Fujifilm S9900W
  • $2018
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • Longer exposure
  • $719
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
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