Leica C vs Pentax W90

Let's look closer at the Leica C and Pentax W90, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Waterproof by manufacturers Leica and Pentax. The resolution of the C (12MP) and the W90 (12MP) is pretty close but the C (1/1.7") and W90 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor size.

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The C was released 3 years after the W90 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving into a more detailed comparison, here is a short introduction of how the C grades vs the W90 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Leica C and Pentax Optio W90. The complete galleries are provided at Leica C Gallery and Pentax W90 Gallery.

If you are planning to travel with your camera often, you should take into account its weight and size. The Leica C comes with outer dimensions of 103mm x 63mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.5" x 1.1") with a weight of 195 grams (0.43 lbs) while the Pentax W90 has specifications of 108mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.0") and a weight of 164 grams (0.36 lbs).

Look at the Leica C and Pentax W90 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the C versus the W90.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the C and W90 is 92 and 94 respectively.

Typically, it is difficult to envision the difference in sensor dimensions merely by viewing a spec sheet. The image below will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the C and W90.

As you can see, the 2 cameras provide the same megapixel count albeit not the same sensor dimensions. The C features the bigger sensor which is going to make getting shallow DOF less difficult. The more recent C will have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.