Pentax E90 vs Sony HX99

Here, we will be evaluating the Pentax E90 and Sony HX99, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Pentax and Sony. There exists a significant gap among the resolutions of the E90 (10MP) and HX99 (18MP) and the E90 (1/2.3") and HX99 (1/2.3-inch) provide different sensor sizing.

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The E90 was introduced 9 years prior to the HX99 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before we go right into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick summation of how the E90 matches up versus the HX99 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax Optio E90 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99. The whole galleries are available at Pentax E90 Gallery and Sony HX99 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera, you are going to need to consider its weight and measurements. The Pentax E90 comes with outer 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 HX99 has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") having a weight of 242 grams (0.53 lbs).

Contrast the Pentax E90 and Sony HX99 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are employing during that time. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the E90 vs the HX99.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E90 and HX99 is 94 and 91 respectively.

Typically, it is hard to visualize the difference in sensor sizing only by researching technical specs. The photograph here should give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E90 and HX99.

As you have seen, both of these cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E90 with its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field simpler and the Sony HX99 will provide you with more detail using its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older E90 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.