Pentax W80 vs Sony HX7V

Below, we will be reviewing the Pentax W80 vs Sony HX7V, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by rivals Pentax and Sony. There is a significant difference between the image resolutions of the W80 (12MP) and HX7V (16MP) but they enjoy the exact same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The W80 was revealed 3 years prior to the HX7V and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a short summation of how the W80 matches up versus the HX7V when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax Optio W80 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX7V. The full galleries are provided at Pentax W80 Gallery and Sony HX7V Gallery.

If you are looking to carry your camera frequently, you will need to consider its weight and proportions. The Pentax W80 provides physical dimensions of 100mm x 56mm x 25mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") with a weight of 156 grams (0.34 lbs) and the Sony HX7V has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs).

See the Pentax W80 vs Sony HX7V in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the W80 against the HX7V.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the W80 and HX7V is 94 and 92 respectively.

Generally, it is very hard to see the difference between sensor sizing purely by reviewing a spec sheet. The photograph below will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the W80 and HX7V.

As you can see, both the cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same MP. You should count on the Sony HX7V to deliver extra detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs somewhat more aggressively. The older W80 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.