Pentax W90 vs Sony A37

In this write-up, we are comparing the Pentax W90 vs Sony A37, former being a Waterproof while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Pentax and Sony. There is a considerable difference between the resolutions of the W90 (12MP) and A37 (16MP) and the W90 (1/2.3") and A37 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor size.

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The W90 was introduced 3 years earlier than the A37 and that is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Pentax W90 being a Compact camera and the Sony A37 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving in to a in depth comparison, below is a short summary of how the W90 grades against the A37 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax Optio W90 & Sony SLT-A37. The whole galleries are viewable at Pentax W90 Gallery & Sony A37 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and proportions. The Pentax W90 has got physical dimensions of 108mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.0") having a weight of 164 grams (0.36 lbs) whilst the Sony A37 has measurements of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") along with a weight of 506 grams (1.12 lbs).

Contrast the Pentax W90 vs Sony A37 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you use at the time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the W90 vs the A37.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the W90 and A37 is 94 and 67 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to see the contrast between sensor sizing simply by going over a spec sheet. The photograph below will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the W90 and A37.

Clearly, both of the cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The W90 with its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Sony A37 will offer more detail using its extra 4MP. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop images far more aggressively. The older W90 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.