Pentax E90 vs Sony W230
94 Imaging
33 Features
11 Overall
24


95 Imaging
34 Features
25 Overall
30
Pentax E90 vs Sony W230 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 10MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 3200
- 1280 x 720 video
- 32-95mm (F3.1-5.9) lens
- 145g - 102 x 59 x 25mm
- Launched January 2010
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 640 x 480 video
- 30-120mm (F2.8-5.8) lens
- 156g - 95 x 57 x 22mm
- Announced February 2009

Pentax E90 vs Sony W230 Overview
Here is a extended review of the Pentax E90 versus Sony W230, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by rivals Pentax and Sony. The sensor resolution of the E90 (10MP) and the W230 (12MP) is relatively comparable and both cameras posses the identical sensor sizes (1/2.3").

The E90 was introduced 12 months later than the W230 so they are both of a similar age. Both the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).
Before getting straight to a detailed comparison, here is a simple view of how the E90 scores against the W230 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Pentax E90 vs Sony W230 Gallery
Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax Optio E90 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230. The whole galleries are available at Pentax E90 Gallery & Sony W230 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax E90 over the Sony W230
E90 | W230 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Announced | January 2010 | ![]() | February 2009 | Fresher by 12 months |
Reasons to pick Sony W230 over the Pentax E90
W230 | E90 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Focus manually | ![]() | Very precise focus | ||
Screen size | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Bigger screen (+0.3") |
Common features in the Pentax E90 and Sony W230
E90 | W230 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Identical screen resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither includes selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Missing Touch friendly screen |
Pentax E90 vs Sony W230 Physical Comparison
For those who are looking to carry your camera often, you're going to have to take into account its weight and size. The Pentax E90 features outer measurements of 102mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.0") along with a weight of 145 grams (0.32 lbs) and the Sony W230 has specifications of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 156 grams (0.34 lbs).
Look at the Pentax E90 versus Sony W230 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you use at that moment. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the E90 vs the W230.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the E90 and W230 is 94 and 95 respectively.

Pentax E90 vs Sony W230 Sensor Comparison
Often, it's tough to see the difference in sensor sizing only by checking out a spec sheet. The visual here will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the E90 and W230.
Clearly, both of these cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit not the same resolution. You can count on the Sony W230 to produce extra detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots way more aggressively. The more recent E90 will have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.

Pentax E90 vs Sony W230 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Pentax E90 vs Sony W230 Specifications
Pentax Optio E90 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Manufacturer | Pentax | Sony |
Model type | Pentax Optio E90 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230 |
Type | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Compact |
Launched | 2010-01-25 | 2009-02-17 |
Body design | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | Prime | - |
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.08 x 4.56mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor surface area | 27.7mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 10 megapixel | 12 megapixel |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Maximum resolution | 3648 x 2736 | 4000 x 3000 |
Maximum native ISO | 3200 | 3200 |
Lowest native ISO | 80 | 80 |
RAW files | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
AF touch | ||
AF continuous | ||
AF single | ||
AF tracking | ||
AF selectice | ||
AF center weighted | ||
Multi area AF | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detection AF | ||
Contract detection AF | ||
Phase detection AF | ||
Total focus points | 3 | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens support | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 32-95mm (3.0x) | 30-120mm (4.0x) |
Largest aperture | f/3.1-5.9 | f/2.8-5.8 |
Macro focusing range | 6cm | 4cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.9 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Range of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen sizing | 2.7 inches | 3 inches |
Screen resolution | 230 thousand dot | 230 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch capability | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Lowest shutter speed | 4 seconds | 1 seconds |
Highest shutter speed | 1/2000 seconds | 1/1600 seconds |
Continuous shooting speed | - | 2.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manually set exposure | ||
Set WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | 3.50 m | 3.90 m |
Flash options | - | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync |
Hot shoe | ||
AEB | ||
WB bracketing | ||
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) | 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Maximum video resolution | 1280x720 | 640x480 |
Video data format | Motion JPEG | Motion JPEG |
Mic input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 145 grams (0.32 pounds) | 156 grams (0.34 pounds) |
Physical dimensions | 102 x 59 x 25mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.0") | 95 x 57 x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery ID | 2 x AA | - |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage media | SD/SDHC, Internal | Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo, Internal |
Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
Launch cost | $100 | $180 |