Pentax K-x vs Sony A290
69 Imaging
52 Features
47 Overall
50
66 Imaging
54 Features
47 Overall
51
Pentax K-x vs Sony A290 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 6400 (Push to 12800)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/6000s Max Shutter
- 1280 x 720 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 580g - 123 x 92 x 68mm
- Revealed December 2009
(Full Review)
- 14MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 3200
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Video
- Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
- 549g - 128 x 97 x 86mm
- Launched June 2010
- Replaced the Sony A230
Pentax K-x vs Sony A290 Overview
Here, we are comparing the Pentax K-x vs Sony A290, both Entry-Level DSLR cameras by manufacturers Pentax and Sony. The sensor resolution of the K-x (12MP) and the A290 (14MP) is very comparable and both cameras have the identical sensor sizes (APS-C).
Photography GlossaryThe K-x was brought out 5 months before the A290 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact SLR).
Before getting into a detailed comparison, here is a short view of how the K-x grades against the A290 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.
Pentax K-x vs Sony A290 Gallery
This is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax K-x and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The entire galleries are viewable at Pentax K-x Gallery and Sony A290 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax K-x over the Sony A290
K-x | A290 |
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Reasons to pick Sony A290 over the Pentax K-x
A290 | K-x |
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Common features in the Pentax K-x and Sony A290
K-x | A290 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Launched | December 2009 | June 2010 | Same generation | |
Manual focus | More exact focusing | |||
Display type | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed display | |
Display size | 2.7" | 2.7" | Same display dimensions | |
Display resolution | 230k | 230k | Exact same display resolution | |
Selfie screen | Neither has selfie screen | |||
Touch friendly display | Neither has Touch friendly display |
Pentax K-x vs Sony A290 Physical Comparison
For those who are aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you will want to factor its weight and volume. The Pentax K-x has outside measurements of 123mm x 92mm x 68mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.7") accompanied by a weight of 580 grams (1.28 lbs) while the Sony A290 has sizing of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).
Contrast the Pentax K-x vs Sony A290 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. Here is a front view size comparison of the K-x versus the A290.
Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the K-x and A290 is 69 and 66 respectively.
Pentax K-x vs Sony A290 Sensor Comparison
In many cases, it's tough to see the difference in sensor dimensions just by going through a spec sheet. The pic here may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the K-x and A290.
As you can see, the 2 cameras feature the identical sensor size but not the same megapixels. You should expect to see the Sony A290 to show extra detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop images way more aggressively.
Pentax K-x vs Sony A290 Screen and ViewFinder
Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison
Street Comparison
Sports Comparison
Travel Comparison
Landscape Comparison
Vlogging Comparison
Pentax K-x vs Sony A290 Specifications
Pentax K-x | Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Pentax | Sony |
Model | Pentax K-x | Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 |
Category | Entry-Level DSLR | Entry-Level DSLR |
Revealed | 2009-12-23 | 2010-06-09 |
Physical type | Compact SLR | Compact SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | Prime | Bionz |
Sensor type | CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | APS-C | APS-C |
Sensor dimensions | 23.6 x 15.8mm | 23.5 x 15.7mm |
Sensor area | 372.9mm² | 369.0mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixels | 14 megapixels |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Peak resolution | 4288 x 2848 | 4592 x 3056 |
Highest native ISO | 6400 | 3200 |
Highest enhanced ISO | 12800 | - |
Minimum native ISO | 100 | 100 |
RAW images | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Touch to focus | ||
Continuous AF | ||
AF single | ||
Tracking AF | ||
Selective AF | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
AF multi area | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detect focusing | ||
Contract detect focusing | ||
Phase detect focusing | ||
Number of focus points | 11 | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | Pentax KAF2 | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
Amount of lenses | 151 | 143 |
Crop factor | 1.5 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display size | 2.7 inch | 2.7 inch |
Display resolution | 230k dots | 230k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch capability | ||
Display technology | TFT LCD monitor | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Optical (pentamirror) | Optical (pentamirror) |
Viewfinder coverage | 96 percent | 95 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.57x | 0.55x |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 30s | 30s |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/6000s | 1/4000s |
Continuous shutter rate | 5.0 frames per sec | 3.0 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Change WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | 16.00 m | 10.00 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear curtain, Wireless | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, High Speed Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in, Wireless |
External flash | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Fastest flash synchronize | 1/180s | 1/160s |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 416 (24 fps) | - |
Highest video resolution | 1280x720 | None |
Video data format | Motion JPEG | - |
Mic port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 580 gr (1.28 pounds) | 549 gr (1.21 pounds) |
Physical dimensions | 123 x 92 x 68mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.7") | 128 x 97 x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | 72 | 66 |
DXO Color Depth score | 22.8 | 22.6 |
DXO Dynamic range score | 12.5 | 11.5 |
DXO Low light score | 811 | 615 |
Other | ||
Battery life | 1900 photographs | 290 photographs |
Style of battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery model | 4 x AA | NP-FH50 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC card | Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo, SD/SDHC |
Card slots | One | One |
Retail pricing | $600 | $600 |