Pentax X-5 vs Sony A500

Following is a extended comparison of the Pentax X-5 and Sony A500, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by manufacturers Pentax and Sony. There exists a sizeable gap among the sensor resolutions of the X-5 (16MP) and A500 (12MP) and the X-5 (1/2.3") and A500 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor measurements.

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The X-5 was released 3 years after the A500 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Pentax X-5 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony A500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting through a comprehensive comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the X-5 matches up versus the A500 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax X-5 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A500. The complete galleries are available at Pentax X-5 Gallery and Sony A500 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you'll have to factor its weight and size. The Pentax X-5 has external dimensions of 119mm x 86mm x 107mm (4.7" x 3.4" x 4.2") having a weight of 595 grams (1.31 lbs) whilst the Sony A500 has specifications of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") along with a weight of 630 grams (1.39 lbs).

Analyze the Pentax X-5 and Sony A500 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you use at the time. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the X-5 compared to the A500.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the X-5 and A500 is 65 and 63 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to visualise the difference in sensor sizes merely by viewing specs. The picture below will offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the X-5 and A500.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The X-5 due to its smaller sensor will make shooting bokeh more challenging and the Pentax X-5 will provide you with greater detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images much more aggressively. The more modern X-5 will have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.