Canon SX500 IS vs Pentax X90

In this write-up, we are comparing the Canon SX500 IS and Pentax X90, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by companies Canon and Pentax. There is a huge difference between the image resolutions of the SX500 IS (16MP) and X90 (12MP) but they enjoy the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SX500 IS was released 2 years after the X90 which is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX500 IS being a Compact camera and the Pentax X90 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a short summation of how the SX500 IS grades versus the X90 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX500 IS and Pentax X90. The complete galleries are provided at Canon SX500 IS Gallery and Pentax X90 Gallery.

For those who are looking to travel with your camera regularly, you're going to have to think about its weight and size. The Canon SX500 IS comes with outside measurements of 104mm x 70mm x 80mm (4.1" x 2.8" x 3.1") with a weight of 341 grams (0.75 lbs) and the Pentax X90 has specifications of 111mm x 85mm x 110mm (4.4" x 3.3" x 4.3") accompanied by a weight of 428 grams (0.94 lbs).

Look at the Canon SX500 IS and Pentax X90 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have during that time. Here is the front view over all size comparison of the SX500 IS and the X90.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the SX500 IS and X90 is 80 and 69 respectively.

In many cases, it is very hard to imagine the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by reading technical specs. The pic underneath might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SX500 IS and X90.

As you can tell, both of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but different megapixels. You should anticipate the Canon SX500 IS to deliver more detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop images a little more aggressively. The more recent SX500 IS should have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.