Pentax P70 vs Sony HX5

Following is a thorough overview of the Pentax P70 vs Sony HX5, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Pentax and Sony. The sensor resolution of the P70 (12MP) and the HX5 (10MP) is very well matched but the P70 (1/2.3") and HX5 (1/2.4") come with totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The P70 was released 15 months prior to the HX5 making the cameras a generation away from one another. The two cameras come with different body type with the Pentax P70 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony HX5 being a Compact camera.

Before going in to a more detailed comparison, below is a quick summation of how the P70 grades against the HX5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax Optio P70 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The complete galleries are available at Pentax P70 Gallery and Sony HX5 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you will have to consider its weight and volume. The Pentax P70 provides external measurements of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") having a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs) whilst the Sony HX5 has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") having a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Analyze the Pentax P70 vs Sony HX5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose during that time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the P70 vs the HX5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the P70 and HX5 is 95 and 92 respectively.

Typically, it is hard to envision the contrast between sensor sizes merely by checking technical specs. The pic here should provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the P70 and HX5.

As you have seen, the two cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The P70 because of its larger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Pentax P70 will resolve extra detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The more aged P70 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.