Pentax X-5 vs Sony A700

Its time to look much closer at the Pentax X-5 and Sony A700, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Advanced DSLR by brands Pentax and Sony. There is a crucial difference between the image resolutions of the X-5 (16MP) and A700 (12MP) and the X-5 (1/2.3") and A700 (APS-C) use totally different sensor size.

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The X-5 was brought out 4 years after the A700 which is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Pentax X-5 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony A700 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go in to a complete comparison, below is a concise view of how the X-5 grades versus the A700 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax X-5 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A700. The entire galleries are provided at Pentax X-5 Gallery and Sony A700 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry around your camera, you need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Pentax X-5 provides physical measurements of 119mm x 86mm x 107mm (4.7" x 3.4" x 4.2") with a weight of 595 grams (1.31 lbs) while the Sony A700 has measurements of 142mm x 105mm x 80mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.1") accompanied by a weight of 768 grams (1.69 lbs).

Examine the Pentax X-5 and Sony A700 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you choose during that time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the X-5 and the A700.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the X-5 and A700 is 65 and 58 respectively.

Generally, it is tough to see the difference between sensor sizes merely by checking a spec sheet. The image below will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the X-5 and A700.

As you can see, each of these cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The X-5 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Pentax X-5 will give extra detail having its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will let you crop images much more aggressively. The fresher X-5 will have an edge with regard to sensor tech.