Pentax E90 vs Sony HX1

In this article, we will be looking at the Pentax E90 versus Sony HX1, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by companies Pentax and Sony. The sensor resolution of the E90 (10MP) and the HX1 (9MP) is relatively close but the E90 (1/2.3") and HX1 (1/2.4") enjoy totally different sensor size.

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The E90 was announced 10 months later than the HX1 so they are both of a similar age. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Pentax E90 being a Compact camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting in to a more detailed comparison, below is a brief summation of how the E90 matches up against the HX1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax Optio E90 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The whole galleries are viewable at Pentax E90 Gallery & Sony HX1 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to factor in its weight and proportions. The Pentax E90 offers outside dimensions of 102mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 145 grams (0.32 lbs) while the Sony HX1 has measurements of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") along with a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

See the Pentax E90 versus Sony HX1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you select at the time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the E90 compared to the HX1.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the E90 and HX1 is 94 and 67 respectively.

In many cases, it is hard to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements only by viewing specs. The visual below might give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the E90 and HX1.

All in all, both of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The E90 with its bigger sensor will make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Pentax E90 will result in more detail with its extra 1 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The newer E90 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor tech.