Pentax W90 vs Sony HX5

Let's look closer at the Pentax W90 vs Sony HX5, one is a Waterproof and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Pentax and Sony. The resolution of the W90 (12MP) and the HX5 (10MP) is very similar but the W90 (1/2.3") and HX5 (1/2.4") possess totally different sensor dimensions.

Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

The W90 was announced 3 months prior to the HX5 and they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before going in to a more detailed comparison, below is a brief summary of how the W90 scores vs the HX5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax Optio W90 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The whole galleries are viewable at Pentax W90 Gallery and Sony HX5 Gallery.

If you're going to travel with your camera regularly, you have to factor in its weight and size. The Pentax W90 has got exterior dimensions of 108mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.0") along with a weight of 164 grams (0.36 lbs) whilst the Sony HX5 has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Check the Pentax W90 vs Sony HX5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the W90 compared to the HX5.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the W90 and HX5 is 94 and 92 respectively.

Generally, it is tough to see the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by reviewing technical specs. The pic below should give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the W90 and HX5.

As you can tell, both of the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The W90 having a larger sensor will make achieving shallower DOF less difficult and the Pentax W90 will offer you extra detail with its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images much more aggressively.