Pentax E85 vs Sony NEX-7

On this page, we are evaluating the Pentax E85 vs Sony NEX-7, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced Mirrorless by manufacturers Pentax and Sony. There exists a sizeable gap between the image resolutions of the E85 (12MP) and NEX-7 (24MP) and the E85 (1/2.3") and NEX-7 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor size.

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The E85 was brought out 3 years before the NEX-7 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Pentax E85 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick summation of how the E85 grades versus the NEX-7 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax Optio E85 and Sony Alpha NEX-7. The entire galleries are available at Pentax E85 Gallery and Sony NEX-7 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera, you need to factor in its weight and size. The Pentax E85 provides outside dimensions of 93mm x 58mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 0.9") along with a weight of 145 grams (0.32 lbs) and the Sony NEX-7 has specifications of 120mm x 67mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.6" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 400 grams (0.88 lbs).

Check the Pentax E85 vs Sony NEX-7 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are employing during that time. Here is a front view over all size comparison of the E85 versus the NEX-7.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the E85 and NEX-7 is 95 and 84 respectively.

Typically, it can be difficult to see the gap between sensor sizes purely by checking a spec sheet. The picture underneath will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the E85 and NEX-7.

As you can see, the two cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The E85 due to its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF more challenging and the Sony NEX-7 will resolve extra detail having its extra 12 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images more aggressively. The more aged E85 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.