Pentax X-5 vs Sony A7

Let's take a closer look at the Pentax X-5 versus Sony A7, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by manufacturers Pentax and Sony. There exists a noticeable gap between the image resolutions of the X-5 (16MP) and A7 (24MP) and the X-5 (1/2.3") and A7 (Full frame) feature different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The X-5 was manufactured 17 months before the A7 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Pentax X-5 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony A7 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go in to a in-depth comparison, below is a brief summation of how the X-5 grades against the A7 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax X-5 & Sony Alpha A7. The entire galleries are available at Pentax X-5 Gallery & Sony A7 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to lug around your camera frequently, you need to think about its weight and volume. The Pentax X-5 comes with outside measurements of 119mm x 86mm x 107mm (4.7" x 3.4" x 4.2") along with a weight of 595 grams (1.31 lbs) and the Sony A7 has sizing of 127mm x 94mm x 48mm (5.0" x 3.7" x 1.9") with a weight of 474 grams (1.04 lbs).

Analyze the Pentax X-5 versus Sony A7 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are employing at the time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the X-5 against the A7.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the X-5 and A7 is 65 and 78 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to imagine the gap between sensor measurements just by checking technical specs. The graphic below may provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the X-5 and A7.

As you can tell, both cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The X-5 due to its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field harder and the Sony A7 will resolve extra detail due to its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures far more aggressively. The older X-5 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.