Pentax Q10 vs Sony A290

Below is a thorough overview of the Pentax Q10 versus Sony A290, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Pentax and Sony. The resolution of the Q10 (12MP) and the A290 (14MP) is pretty similar but the Q10 (1/2.3") and A290 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizes.

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The Q10 was brought out 2 years later than the A290 and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Pentax Q10 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go through a full comparison, below is a quick summation of how the Q10 matches up versus the A290 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax Q10 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The entire galleries are viewable at Pentax Q10 Gallery & Sony A290 Gallery.

When you are intending to lug around your camera often, you will need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Pentax Q10 has got physical measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs) whilst the Sony A290 has dimensions of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") along with a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Compare the Pentax Q10 versus Sony A290 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. Below is the front view size comparison of the Q10 against the A290.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the Q10 and A290 is 92 and 66 respectively.

Often, it is very hard to visualise the contrast between sensor measurements just by reviewing specs. The photograph underneath might offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the Q10 and A290.

All in all, the two cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The Q10 featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving bokeh trickier and the Sony A290 will offer extra detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The newer Q10 is going to have a benefit in sensor innovation.