Pentax H90 vs Sony A290

Here is a extended comparison of the Pentax H90 and Sony A290, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Pentax and Sony. The sensor resolution of the H90 (12MP) and the A290 (14MP) is relatively well matched but the H90 (1/2.3") and A290 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor size.

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The H90 was brought out 4 months prior to the A290 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras have different body design with the Pentax H90 being a Compact camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the H90 scores against the A290 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax Optio H90 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The entire galleries are viewable at Pentax H90 Gallery and Sony A290 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera regularly, you will want to factor in its weight and volume. The Pentax H90 enjoys outer measurements of 101mm x 65mm x 28mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.1") along with a weight of 153 grams (0.34 lbs) while the Sony A290 has sizing of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") along with a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Check out the Pentax H90 and Sony A290 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Underneath is a front view proportions comparison of the H90 vs the A290.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the H90 and A290 is 93 and 66 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to envision the difference between sensor sizing purely by reading through technical specs. The visual here should offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the H90 and A290.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The H90 because of its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field harder and the Sony A290 will give greater detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots a bit more aggressively.