Pentax X-5 vs Sony A230

Following is a detailed comparison of the Pentax X-5 versus Sony A230, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Pentax and Sony. There is a big difference among the image resolutions of the X-5 (16MP) and A230 (10MP) and the X-5 (1/2.3") and A230 (APS-C) come with different sensor size.

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The X-5 was brought out 3 years after the A230 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Pentax X-5 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony A230 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going in to a complete comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the X-5 matches up against the A230 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax X-5 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A230. The entire galleries are available at Pentax X-5 Gallery and Sony A230 Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Pentax X-5 features exterior 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 A230 has proportions of 128mm x 97mm x 68mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.7") having a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs).

See the Pentax X-5 versus Sony A230 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you select at the time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the X-5 compared to the A230.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the X-5 and A230 is 65 and 69 respectively.

Generally, it is very tough to visualize the difference in sensor sizes just by seeing specifications. The pic below may offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the X-5 and A230.

To sum up, both of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The X-5 because of its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Pentax X-5 will produce extra detail having its extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots a little more aggressively. The fresher X-5 provides an advantage with regard to sensor tech.