Pentax X-5 vs Sigma SD15

On this page, we will be looking at the Pentax X-5 versus Sigma SD15, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Pentax and Sigma. There exists a crucial gap among the image resolutions of the X-5 (16MP) and SD15 (5MP) and the X-5 (1/2.3") and SD15 (APS-C) offer different sensor size.

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The X-5 was revealed 2 years later than the SD15 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Pentax X-5 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sigma SD15 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a quick summary of how the X-5 grades vs the SD15 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax X-5 and Sigma SD15. The full galleries are provided at Pentax X-5 Gallery and Sigma SD15 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera regularly, you'll need to factor its weight and volume. The Pentax X-5 offers outer dimensions of 119mm x 86mm x 107mm (4.7" x 3.4" x 4.2") and a weight of 595 grams (1.31 lbs) while the Sigma SD15 has sizing of 144mm x 107mm x 81mm (5.7" x 4.2" x 3.2") having a weight of 750 grams (1.65 lbs).

See the Pentax X-5 versus Sigma SD15 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose during that time. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the X-5 versus the SD15.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the X-5 and SD15 is 65 and 59 respectively.

Normally, it can be hard to visualize the gap in sensor sizing simply by researching a spec sheet. The graphic below will provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the X-5 and SD15.

Clearly, each of these cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The X-5 having a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Pentax X-5 will result in extra detail because of its extra 11 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more modern X-5 provides an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.