Pentax X-5 vs Sony A580

The following is a extensive assessment of the Pentax X-5 vs Sony A580, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the X-5 (16MP) and the A580 (16MP) is relatively close but the X-5 (1/2.3") and A580 (APS-C) possess different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The X-5 was launched 16 months after the A580 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Pentax X-5 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony A580 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a quick summary of how the X-5 grades versus the A580 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax X-5 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A580. The complete galleries are provided at Pentax X-5 Gallery and Sony A580 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to travel with your camera regularly, you'll need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Pentax X-5 has outer 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 A580 has dimensions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") having a weight of 599 grams (1.32 lbs).

Look at the Pentax X-5 vs Sony A580 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the X-5 vs the A580.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the X-5 and A580 is 65 and 64 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to visualize the gap in sensor dimensions simply by viewing a spec sheet. The pic below should give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the X-5 and A580.

Clearly, both of these cameras have got the exact same resolution albeit different sensor dimensions. The X-5 uses the smaller sensor which is going to make obtaining shallower DOF more difficult. The younger X-5 should have an edge with regard to sensor tech.