Pentax Q7 vs Sony A290

Below, we will be evaluating the Pentax Q7 and Sony A290, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the Q7 (12MP) and the A290 (14MP) is pretty well matched but the Q7 (1/1.7") and A290 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The Q7 was unveiled 3 years later than the A290 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Pentax Q7 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a short summary of how the Q7 scores vs the A290 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax Q7 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The full galleries are available at Pentax Q7 Gallery and Sony A290 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera, you'll need to factor its weight and measurements. The Pentax Q7 offers 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) while the Sony A290 has proportions of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") having a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Check out the Pentax Q7 and Sony A290 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilising during that time. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the Q7 and the A290.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the Q7 and A290 is 92 and 66 respectively.

More often than not, it can be tough to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing just by looking at specifications. The photograph underneath will offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the Q7 and A290.

Plainly, both the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The Q7 having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Sony A290 will give you greater detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more modern Q7 will have an edge with regard to sensor tech.