Pentax E85 vs Sony HX99

Lets look much closer at the Pentax E85 versus Sony HX99, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Pentax and Sony. There exists a significant gap between the sensor resolutions of the E85 (12MP) and HX99 (18MP) and the E85 (1/2.3") and HX99 (1/2.3-inch) possess different sensor dimensions.

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The E85 was launched 10 years prior to the HX99 which is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a short summation of how the E85 grades versus the HX99 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax Optio E85 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99. The complete galleries are available at Pentax E85 Gallery and Sony HX99 Gallery.

When you are planning to travel with your camera, you're going to have to factor in its weight and volume. The Pentax E85 provides physical dimensions of 93mm x 58mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 0.9") with a weight of 145 grams (0.32 lbs) whilst the Sony HX99 has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") with a weight of 242 grams (0.53 lbs).

Check the Pentax E85 versus Sony HX99 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have at the time. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the E85 against the HX99.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E85 and HX99 is 95 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to imagine the gap between sensor dimensions purely by going over specifications. The picture here will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E85 and HX99.

Plainly, the two cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The E85 because of its larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field easier and the Sony HX99 will offer more detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images much more aggressively. The more aged E85 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.