Pentax E90 vs Sony A230
94 Imaging
33 Features
11 Overall
24


69 Imaging
50 Features
40 Overall
46
Pentax E90 vs Sony A230 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 10MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 3200
- 1280 x 720 video
- 32-95mm (F3.1-5.9) lens
- 145g - 102 x 59 x 25mm
- Released January 2010
(Full Review)

Pentax E90 vs Sony A230 Overview
Let's look a bit more in depth at the Pentax E90 versus Sony A230, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Pentax and Sony. The resolution of the E90 (10MP) and the A230 (10MP) is relatively close but the E90 (1/2.3") and A230 (APS-C) have totally different sensor sizing.

The E90 was announced 9 months later than the A230 so they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Pentax E90 being a Compact camera and the Sony A230 being a Compact SLR camera.
Before delving into a complete comparison, here is a brief view of how the E90 grades versus the A230 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Pentax E90 vs Sony A230 Gallery
This is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax Optio E90 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A230. The whole galleries are viewable at Pentax E90 Gallery and Sony A230 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax E90 over the Sony A230
E90 | A230 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | January 2010 | ![]() | May 2009 | Fresher by 9 months |
Reasons to pick Sony A230 over the Pentax E90
A230 | E90 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | Dial accurate focus |
Common features in the Pentax E90 and Sony A230
E90 | A230 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen dimensions | 2.7" | ![]() | 2.7" | Equal screen measurement |
Screen resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Exact same screen resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither features selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Neither features Touch friendly screen |
Pentax E90 vs Sony A230 Physical Comparison
For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera, you're going to have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Pentax E90 enjoys physical dimensions of 102mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.0") having a weight of 145 grams (0.32 lbs) while the Sony A230 has dimensions of 128mm x 97mm x 68mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.7") and a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs).
Check the Pentax E90 versus Sony A230 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the E90 against the A230.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E90 and A230 is 94 and 69 respectively.

Pentax E90 vs Sony A230 Sensor Comparison
Normally, it is very difficult to envision the contrast in sensor sizing merely by viewing a spec sheet. The graphic underneath will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the E90 and A230.
Clearly, the 2 cameras provide the same megapixels albeit not the same sensor sizing. The E90 has got the smaller sensor which will make getting shallow DOF more challenging. The newer E90 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.

Pentax E90 vs Sony A230 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Pentax E90 vs Sony A230 Specifications
Pentax Optio E90 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Pentax | Sony |
Model | Pentax Optio E90 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A230 |
Type | Small Sensor Compact | Entry-Level DSLR |
Released | 2010-01-25 | 2009-05-18 |
Physical type | Compact | Compact SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | Prime | Bionz |
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | APS-C |
Sensor measurements | 6.08 x 4.56mm | 23.5 x 15.7mm |
Sensor area | 27.7mm² | 369.0mm² |
Sensor resolution | 10MP | 10MP |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Highest resolution | 3648 x 2736 | 3872 x 2592 |
Highest native ISO | 3200 | 3200 |
Lowest native ISO | 80 | 100 |
RAW support | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Touch to focus | ||
AF continuous | ||
AF single | ||
Tracking AF | ||
Selective AF | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
Multi area AF | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detect AF | ||
Contract detect AF | ||
Phase detect AF | ||
Number of focus points | 3 | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | fixed lens | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
Lens focal range | 32-95mm (3.0x) | - |
Largest aperture | f/3.1-5.9 | - |
Macro focus range | 6cm | - |
Number of lenses | - | 143 |
Crop factor | 5.9 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Type of display | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display sizing | 2.7 inch | 2.7 inch |
Display resolution | 230k dots | 230k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch operation | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | Optical (pentamirror) |
Viewfinder coverage | - | 95 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | - | 0.55x |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 4s | 30s |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/2000s | 1/4000s |
Continuous shooting rate | - | 3.0 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Exposure compensation | - | Yes |
Set WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash range | 3.50 m | 10.00 m |
Flash settings | - | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Wireless |
External flash | ||
AE bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Maximum flash synchronize | - | 1/160s |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (15 fps), 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | - |
Highest video resolution | 1280x720 | None |
Video data format | Motion JPEG | - |
Microphone port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 145g (0.32 lb) | 490g (1.08 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 102 x 59 x 25mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.0") | 128 x 97 x 68mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.7") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | not tested | 63 |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | 22.3 |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | 11.4 |
DXO Low light score | not tested | 531 |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 230 images |
Battery type | - | Battery Pack |
Battery model | 2 x AA | NP-FH50 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage type | SD/SDHC, Internal | SD/ SDHC, Memory Stick Pro Duo |
Card slots | Single | Single |
Retail price | $100 | $569 |