Pentax X-5 vs Sony A290

The following is a extended analysis of the Pentax X-5 versus Sony A290, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Pentax and Sony. The resolution of the X-5 (16MP) and the A290 (14MP) is fairly close but the X-5 (1/2.3") and A290 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor dimensions.

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The X-5 was introduced 2 years after the A290 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Pentax X-5 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting through a in-depth comparison, below is a quick view of how the X-5 scores versus the A290 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax X-5 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The whole galleries are viewable at Pentax X-5 Gallery and Sony A290 Gallery.

For those who are looking to travel with your camera, you are going to need to think about its weight and measurements. The Pentax X-5 enjoys exterior dimensions of 119mm x 86mm x 107mm (4.7" x 3.4" x 4.2") along with a weight of 595 grams (1.31 lbs) while the Sony A290 has proportions of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") and a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Check the Pentax X-5 versus Sony A290 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are working with at the time. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the X-5 vs the A290.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the X-5 and A290 is 65 and 66 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to envision the difference in sensor dimensions only by viewing a spec sheet. The pic underneath should provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the X-5 and A290.

As you can see, both the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The X-5 with its smaller sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field trickier and the Pentax X-5 will provide you with greater detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop images much more aggressively. The more modern X-5 will have an edge in sensor technology.