Pentax I-10 vs Sony RX100

Here is a detailed assessment of the Pentax I-10 and Sony RX100, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Pentax and Sony. There exists a substantial gap among the image resolutions of the I-10 (12MP) and RX100 (20MP) and the I-10 (1/2.3") and RX100 (1") offer different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The I-10 was announced 3 years before the RX100 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Pentax I-10 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the I-10 grades versus the RX100 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax Optio I-10 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100. The whole galleries are provided at Pentax I-10 Gallery & Sony RX100 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera, you will have to take into account its weight and size. The Pentax I-10 provides exterior 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) and the Sony RX100 has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Analyze the Pentax I-10 and Sony RX100 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you use during that time. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the I-10 versus the RX100.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the I-10 and RX100 is 93 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, its difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing simply by looking through a spec sheet. The visual underneath may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the I-10 and RX100.

Clearly, both the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The I-10 having a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF more challenging and the Sony RX100 will provide you with greater detail with its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos way more aggressively. The older I-10 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.