Pentax X-5 vs Sony NEX-3

Its time to look much closer at the Pentax X-5 and Sony NEX-3, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the X-5 (16MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is pretty comparable but the X-5 (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor measurements.

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The X-5 was unveiled 2 years after the NEX-3 which is a fairly big difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Pentax X-5 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go into a thorough comparison, here is a brief summary of how the X-5 scores vs the NEX-3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax X-5 & Sony Alpha NEX-3. The full galleries are available at Pentax X-5 Gallery & Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

In case you're looking to travel with your camera often, you will want to factor in its weight and proportions. The Pentax X-5 has outside dimensions of 119mm x 86mm x 107mm (4.7" x 3.4" x 4.2") accompanied by a weight of 595 grams (1.31 lbs) while the Sony NEX-3 has measurements of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Check the Pentax X-5 and Sony NEX-3 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have chosen during that time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the X-5 vs the NEX-3.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the X-5 and NEX-3 is 65 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, its tough to envision the difference in sensor dimensions just by checking out technical specs. The image below will give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the X-5 and NEX-3.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The X-5 with its smaller sensor will make achieving shallow DOF trickier and the Pentax X-5 will produce more detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures more aggressively. The fresher X-5 is going to have a benefit in sensor tech.