Pentax E85 vs Sony HX9V

Here, we will be evaluating the Pentax E85 and Sony HX9V, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Pentax and Sony. There is a big difference between the resolutions of the E85 (12MP) and HX9V (16MP) but both cameras have the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The E85 was released 22 months prior to the HX9V which makes them a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before diving right into a full comparison, here is a simple view of how the E85 grades vs the HX9V with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax Optio E85 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX9V. The complete galleries are viewable at Pentax E85 Gallery and Sony HX9V Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera, you are going to need to consider its weight and size. The Pentax E85 provides physical measurements of 93mm x 58mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 0.9") along with a weight of 145 grams (0.32 lbs) while the Sony HX9V has specifications of 105mm x 59mm x 34mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") along with a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Check out the Pentax E85 and Sony HX9V in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you use at that time. Here is a front view scale comparison of the E85 against the HX9V.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the E85 and HX9V is 95 and 91 respectively.

In many cases, its tough to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing purely by reading technical specs. The graphic here will provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the E85 and HX9V.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit not the same megapixels. You should expect the Sony HX9V to offer greater detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots way more aggressively. The older E85 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.