Pentax E90 vs Sony RX1

Its time to look more closely at the Pentax E90 vs Sony RX1, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Pentax and Sony. There exists a substantial gap among the sensor resolutions of the E90 (10MP) and RX1 (24MP) and the E90 (1/2.3") and RX1 (Full frame) provide totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The E90 was brought out 4 years before the RX1 which is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Pentax E90 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a complete comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the E90 matches up against the RX1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax Optio E90 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1. The entire galleries are provided at Pentax E90 Gallery & Sony RX1 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry around your camera regularly, you will need to take into account its weight and size. The Pentax E90 enjoys exterior dimensions of 102mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.0") along with a weight of 145 grams (0.32 lbs) whilst the Sony RX1 has specifications of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") having a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs).

Look at the Pentax E90 vs Sony RX1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you use at that time. Underneath is a front view dimension comparison of the E90 versus the RX1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E90 and RX1 is 94 and 79 respectively.

More often than not, its tough to envision the gap in sensor sizes only by viewing technical specs. The picture below may offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the E90 and RX1.

As you can tell, both of those cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The E90 because of its smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Sony RX1 will render more detail having its extra 14MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more aged E90 will be behind in sensor tech.