Pentax H90 vs Sony A77

On this page, we will be reviewing the Pentax H90 versus Sony A77, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by brands Pentax and Sony. There is a huge difference among the sensor resolutions of the H90 (12MP) and A77 (24MP) and the H90 (1/2.3") and A77 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor dimensions.

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The H90 was revealed 21 months earlier than the A77 which makes them a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Pentax H90 being a Compact camera and the Sony A77 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a short summary of how the H90 matches up vs the A77 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax Optio H90 and Sony SLT-A77. The full galleries are provided at Pentax H90 Gallery and Sony A77 Gallery.

If you're intending to travel with your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor in its weight and size. The Pentax H90 offers physical measurements of 101mm x 65mm x 28mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 153 grams (0.34 lbs) whilst the Sony A77 has specifications of 143mm x 104mm x 81mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.2") accompanied by a weight of 732 grams (1.61 lbs).

Contrast the Pentax H90 versus Sony A77 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are working with during that time. Following is a front view size comparison of the H90 and the A77.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the H90 and A77 is 93 and 59 respectively.

Usually, it's difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor dimensions simply by viewing technical specs. The pic below might give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the H90 and A77.

As you have seen, each of the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The H90 having a smaller sensor will make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Sony A77 will render greater detail because of its extra 12 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more aged H90 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.