Pentax H90 vs Sony RX100

In this article, we are analyzing the Pentax H90 versus Sony RX100, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Pentax and Sony. There exists a significant gap among the resolutions of the H90 (12MP) and RX100 (20MP) and the H90 (1/2.3") and RX100 (1") use different sensor sizes.

Mastering Nature Photography with a Digital Microscope Camera

The H90 was introduced 3 years prior to the RX100 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Pentax H90 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting in to a thorough comparison, below is a concise summation of how the H90 grades versus the RX100 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax Optio H90 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100. The whole galleries are available at Pentax H90 Gallery and Sony RX100 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera often, you'll have to factor in its weight and volume. The Pentax H90 features 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) whilst the Sony RX100 has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") along with a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

See the Pentax H90 versus Sony RX100 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are using at that time. The following is the front view dimensions comparison of the H90 versus the RX100.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the H90 and RX100 is 93 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to imagine the gap in sensor sizing simply by seeing specs. The visual below should give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the H90 and RX100.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The H90 with its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field harder and the Sony RX100 will provide more detail using its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop images far more aggressively. The older H90 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.