Pentax X-5 vs Sigma DP1

Following is a detailed review of the Pentax X-5 and Sigma DP1, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Pentax and Sigma. There is a sizable difference among the image resolutions of the X-5 (16MP) and DP1 (5MP) and the X-5 (1/2.3") and DP1 (APS-C) enjoy different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The X-5 was manufactured 4 years after the DP1 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Pentax X-5 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sigma DP1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a concise view of how the X-5 scores versus the DP1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax X-5 & Sigma DP1. The entire galleries are available at Pentax X-5 Gallery & Sigma DP1 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry around your camera often, you need to think about its weight and proportions. The Pentax X-5 comes with outside measurements of 119mm x 86mm x 107mm (4.7" x 3.4" x 4.2") and a weight of 595 grams (1.31 lbs) and the Sigma DP1 has measurements of 113mm x 60mm x 50mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 2.0") with a weight of 270 grams (0.60 lbs).

Examine the Pentax X-5 and Sigma DP1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the X-5 compared to the DP1.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the X-5 and DP1 is 65 and 87 respectively.

Generally, its hard to visualize the gap in sensor sizes just by going through specs. The image here will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the X-5 and DP1.

All in all, both of those cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The X-5 due to its smaller sensor is going to make getting bokeh more difficult and the Pentax X-5 will provide more detail due to its extra 11 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos much more aggressively. The newer X-5 provides an edge in sensor innovation.