Pentax K-5 vs Sony HX80

On this page, we are looking at the Pentax K-5 vs Sony HX80, one is a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Pentax and Sony. The sensor resolution of the K-5 (16MP) and the HX80 (18MP) is fairly similar but the K-5 (APS-C) and HX80 (1/2.3") offer different sensor sizing.

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The K-5 was launched 6 years before the HX80 which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Pentax K-5 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Sony HX80 being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick view of how the K-5 matches up vs the HX80 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax K-5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80. The complete galleries are available at Pentax K-5 Gallery and Sony HX80 Gallery.

In case you're going to travel with your camera frequently, you should consider its weight and proportions. The Pentax K-5 features exterior measurements of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") with a weight of 740 grams (1.63 lbs) while the Sony HX80 has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") and a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Examine the Pentax K-5 vs Sony HX80 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the K-5 compared to the HX80.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the K-5 and HX80 is 60 and 91 respectively.

Normally, its hard to visualize the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by reviewing specifications. The image below will give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the K-5 and HX80.

To sum up, each of these cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The K-5 due to its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF less difficult and the Sony HX80 will offer you extra detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop images more aggressively. The more aged K-5 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.