Pentax E85 vs Sony HX90V

Below is a extended review of the Pentax E85 and Sony HX90V, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Pentax and Sony. There is a sizable difference among the sensor resolutions of the E85 (12MP) and HX90V (18MP) but they enjoy the exact same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The E85 was brought out 6 years before the HX90V and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the E85 grades vs the HX90V with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax Optio E85 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX90V. The entire galleries are available at Pentax E85 Gallery & Sony HX90V Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera frequently, you are going to need to take into account its weight and size. The Pentax E85 features physical measurements of 93mm x 58mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 0.9") with a weight of 145 grams (0.32 lbs) while the Sony HX90V has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") along with a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Contrast the Pentax E85 and Sony HX90V in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the E85 vs the HX90V.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the E85 and HX90V is 95 and 91 respectively.

Oftentimes, its tough to envision the difference in sensor measurements just by seeing specs. The visual underneath will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E85 and HX90V.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same megapixels. You can expect the Sony HX90V to provide more detail having its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The older E85 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.