Pentax X-5 vs Sony A200

Following is a thorough comparison of the Pentax X-5 and Sony A200, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Pentax and Sony. There is a sizable difference between the resolutions of the X-5 (16MP) and A200 (10MP) and the X-5 (1/2.3") and A200 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor sizes.

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The X-5 was unveiled 4 years after the A200 which is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Pentax X-5 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony A200 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief summary of how the X-5 matches up against the A200 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax X-5 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A200. The full galleries are available at Pentax X-5 Gallery & Sony A200 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you are going to need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Pentax X-5 has outer measurements of 119mm x 86mm x 107mm (4.7" x 3.4" x 4.2") accompanied by a weight of 595 grams (1.31 lbs) and the Sony A200 has dimensions of 131mm x 99mm x 71mm (5.2" x 3.9" x 2.8") with a weight of 572 grams (1.26 lbs).

Check the Pentax X-5 and Sony A200 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have attached at that time. The following is a front view proportions comparison of the X-5 compared to the A200.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the X-5 and A200 is 65 and 66 respectively.

Generally, its hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes simply by checking a spec sheet. The pic here may give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the X-5 and A200.

Clearly, each of these cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The X-5 having a tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF more difficult and the Pentax X-5 will give greater detail having an extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more recent X-5 is going to have an advantage in sensor innovation.