Pentax K-x vs Sony W560
69 Imaging
51 Features
47 Overall
49


96 Imaging
37 Features
28 Overall
33
Pentax K-x vs Sony W560 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 100 - 6400 (Expand to 12800)
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- 1/6000s Max Shutter
- 1280 x 720 video
- Pentax KAF2 Mount
- 580g - 123 x 92 x 68mm
- Released December 2009
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 26-104mm (F2.7-5.7) lens
- 110g - 94 x 56 x 19mm
- Announced January 2011

Pentax K-x vs Sony W560 Overview
Its time to look closer at the Pentax K-x versus Sony W560, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Ultracompact by companies Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the K-x (12MP) and the W560 (14MP) is very well matched but the K-x (APS-C) and W560 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor sizing.

The K-x was launched 12 months prior to the W560 so they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Pentax K-x being a Compact SLR camera and the Sony W560 being a Ultracompact camera.
Before delving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the K-x grades against the W560 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Pentax K-x vs Sony W560 Gallery
Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax K-x and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W560. The complete galleries are available at Pentax K-x Gallery and Sony W560 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax K-x over the Sony W560
K-x | W560 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | More exact focusing |
Reasons to pick Sony W560 over the Pentax K-x
W560 | K-x | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Announced | January 2011 | ![]() | December 2009 | Fresher by 12 months |
Display size | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Larger display (+0.3") |
Common features in the Pentax K-x and Sony W560
K-x | W560 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Display type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed display |
Display resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | The same display resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither includes selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly display | ![]() | No Touch friendly display |
Pentax K-x vs Sony W560 Physical Comparison
For those who are going to carry your camera often, you should factor its weight and size. The Pentax K-x features physical measurements of 123mm x 92mm x 68mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.7") having a weight of 580 grams (1.28 lbs) while the Sony W560 has specifications of 94mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") along with a weight of 110 grams (0.24 lbs).
Examine the Pentax K-x versus Sony W560 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have at the time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the K-x compared to the W560.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the K-x and W560 is 69 and 96 respectively.

Pentax K-x vs Sony W560 Sensor Comparison
Generally, it is hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing only by reading through a spec sheet. The graphic below might give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the K-x and W560.
As you can see, each of these cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The K-x featuring a larger sensor will make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Sony W560 will give you extra detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop photos way more aggressively. The older K-x is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.

Pentax K-x vs Sony W560 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Pentax K-x vs Sony W560 Specifications
Pentax K-x | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W560 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Pentax | Sony |
Model type | Pentax K-x | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W560 |
Type | Entry-Level DSLR | Ultracompact |
Released | 2009-12-23 | 2011-01-06 |
Body design | Compact SLR | Ultracompact |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | Prime | BIONZ |
Sensor type | CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | APS-C | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 23.6 x 15.8mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor area | 372.9mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixels | 14 megapixels |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 3:2 | 4:3 and 16:9 |
Highest Possible resolution | 4288 x 2848 | 4320 x 3240 |
Maximum native ISO | 6400 | 3200 |
Maximum enhanced ISO | 12800 | - |
Minimum native ISO | 100 | 80 |
RAW format | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Touch focus | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detect focus | ||
Contract detect focus | ||
Phase detect focus | ||
Total focus points | 11 | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | Pentax KAF2 | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | - | 26-104mm (4.0x) |
Highest aperture | - | f/2.7-5.7 |
Macro focusing distance | - | 5cm |
Total lenses | 151 | - |
Crop factor | 1.5 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Range of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display sizing | 2.7" | 3" |
Display resolution | 230 thousand dot | 230 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch capability | ||
Display technology | TFT LCD monitor | Clear Photo LCD |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Optical (pentamirror) | None |
Viewfinder coverage | 96% | - |
Viewfinder magnification | 0.57x | - |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 30 seconds | 2 seconds |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/6000 seconds | 1/1600 seconds |
Continuous shutter speed | 5.0 frames/s | 1.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | - |
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash distance | 16.00 m | 3.80 m |
Flash settings | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear curtain, Wireless | Auto, On, Off, Slow Sync |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Fastest flash sync | 1/180 seconds | - |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (24 fps), 640 x 416 (24 fps) | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1280x720 | 1280x720 |
Video file format | Motion JPEG | MPEG-4 |
Mic input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | Eye-Fi Connected |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 580 gr (1.28 pounds) | 110 gr (0.24 pounds) |
Physical dimensions | 123 x 92 x 68mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 2.7") | 94 x 56 x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | 72 | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | 22.8 | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | 12.5 | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | 811 | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 1900 photos | - |
Battery format | Battery Pack | - |
Battery ID | 4 x AA | NP-BN1 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 12 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec, Portrait 1/2) |
Time lapse recording | ||
Storage media | SD/SDHC card | SD/SDHC/SDXC/Memory Stick Duo/Memory Stick Pro Duo, Memory Stick Pro-HG Duo |
Storage slots | Single | Single |
Retail price | $600 | $139 |