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Pentax X-5 vs Sony NEX-5R

Portability
65
Imaging
39
Features
50
Overall
43
Pentax X-5 front
 
Sony Alpha NEX-5R front
Portability
89
Imaging
57
Features
76
Overall
64

Pentax X-5 vs Sony NEX-5R Key Specs

Pentax X-5
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Tilting Screen
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 22-580mm (F3.1-5.9) lens
  • 595g - 119 x 86 x 107mm
  • Launched August 2012
Sony NEX-5R
(Full Review)
  • 16MP - APS-C Sensor
  • 3" Tilting Display
  • ISO 100 - 25600
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • Sony E Mount
  • 276g - 111 x 59 x 39mm
  • Revealed August 2012
  • Earlier Model is Sony NEX-5N
  • Replacement is Sony NEX-5T
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Pentax X-5 vs Sony NEX-5R Overview

In this article, we are contrasting the Pentax X-5 vs Sony NEX-5R, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the X-5 (16MP) and the NEX-5R (16MP) is fairly close but the X-5 (1/2.3") and NEX-5R (APS-C) use totally different sensor dimensions.

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The X-5 was released at a similar time to the NEX-5R and they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Pentax X-5 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a short summary of how the X-5 scores versus the NEX-5R when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

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Reasons to pick Pentax X-5 over the Sony NEX-5R

 X-5 NEX-5R 

Reasons to pick Sony NEX-5R over the Pentax X-5

 NEX-5R X-5 
Display resolution920k460kSharper display (+460k dot)
Touch display Easily navigate

Common features in the Pentax X-5 and Sony NEX-5R

 X-5 NEX-5R 
RevealedAugust 2012August 2012Same generation
Manual focus Dial accurate focusing
Display typeTiltingTiltingTilting display
Display sizing3"3"Equivalent display sizing
Selfie screen Missing selfie screen

Pentax X-5 vs Sony NEX-5R Physical Comparison

If you're planning to lug around your camera frequently, you'll need to consider its weight and volume. The Pentax X-5 has got outer measurements of 119mm x 86mm x 107mm (4.7" x 3.4" x 4.2") having a weight of 595 grams (1.31 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5R has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") and a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Take a look at the Pentax X-5 vs Sony NEX-5R in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the X-5 and the NEX-5R.

Pentax X-5 vs Sony NEX-5R size comparison

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the X-5 and NEX-5R is 65 and 89 respectively.

Pentax X-5 vs Sony NEX-5R top view buttons comparison

Pentax X-5 vs Sony NEX-5R Sensor Comparison

Usually, it can be tough to see the gap in sensor measurements merely by looking through specifications. The visual underneath should provide you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the X-5 and NEX-5R.

Plainly, the 2 cameras enjoy the same exact MP but not the same sensor measurements. The X-5 comes with the smaller sensor which should make achieving bokeh more challenging.

Pentax X-5 vs Sony NEX-5R sensor size comparison

Pentax X-5 vs Sony NEX-5R Screen and ViewFinder

Pentax X-5 vs Sony NEX-5R Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Pentax X-5 as a Portrait photography camera
Sony NEX-5R as a Portrait photography camera
43
has manual focus
resolution is good (16MP)
includes face detect autofocus
no external flash support
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
lack of RAW files
74
has manual focus
decent MP (16MP)
sensor size is nice (APS-C)
delivers RAW files
Photography Glossary

Street Comparison

Street photography with Pentax X-5
Street photography with Sony NEX-5R
50
has a tilting screen
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
lack of RAW files
heavier than competition in class (595 grams)
80
tilting screen
sensor size is nice (APS-C)
delivers RAW files
has focus by touch
great ISO range (25,600)
lack of image stabilization
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Sports Comparison

Pentax X-5 Sports photography advice
Sony NEX-5R Sports photography advice
52
excellent zoom range (22-580mm 26.4 x zoom)
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
resolution is good (16 megapixels)
includes tracking focus
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
lack of phase detect autofocus
68
decent MP (16MP)
sensor size is nice (APS-C)
has tracking focus
has phase detect autofocus
lack of image stabilization
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Travel Comparison

Pentax X-5 Travel photography features
Sony NEX-5R Travel photography features
53
resolution is good (16 megapixels)
flash built-in
fairly wide (22mm)
long zoom (580mm)
lack of Time Lapse function
heavier than competition in class (595 grams)
display isn't selfie friendly
slow max aperture (f3.1)
73
has focus by touch
decent MP (16MP)
screen isn't selfie friendly
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Landscape Comparison

Landscape photography with Pentax X-5
Landscape photography with Sony NEX-5R
47
has manual focus
fairly wide (22mm)
screen size is good (3")
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
resolution is good (16MP)
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
slow max aperture (f3.1)
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
lack of RAW files
lack of Time Lapse function
75
has manual focus
change lenses (Sony E mount)
screen size is good (3 inches)
decent MP (16 megapixels)
sensor size is nice (APS-C)
great ISO range (25,600)
delivers RAW files
lack of image stabilization
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Vlogging Comparison

Pentax X-5 Vlogging highlights
Sony NEX-5R Vlogging highlights
26
fairly wide (22mm)
image stabilization (Sensor-shift)
includes face detect autofocus
high video quality (1920 x 1080 resolution)
slow max aperture (f3.1)
display isn't selfie friendly
lack of mic support
heavier than competition in class (595 grams)
31
touchscreen enabled
video resolution high (1920 x 1080 pixels)
screen isn't selfie friendly
lack of image stabilization
does not have mic support
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Pentax X-5 vs Sony NEX-5R Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Pentax X-5 and Sony NEX-5R
 Pentax X-5Sony Alpha NEX-5R
General Information
Make Pentax Sony
Model Pentax X-5 Sony Alpha NEX-5R
Category Small Sensor Superzoom Entry-Level Mirrorless
Launched 2012-08-22 2012-08-29
Physical type SLR-like (bridge) Rangefinder-style mirrorless
Sensor Information
Processor Chip - Bionz
Sensor type BSI-CMOS CMOS
Sensor size 1/2.3" APS-C
Sensor dimensions 6.08 x 4.56mm 23.4 x 15.6mm
Sensor area 27.7mm² 365.0mm²
Sensor resolution 16 megapixel 16 megapixel
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 1:1, 4:3 and 16:9 3:2 and 16:9
Max resolution 4608 x 3456 4912 x 3264
Max native ISO 6400 25600
Lowest native ISO 100 100
RAW images
Autofocusing
Manual focus
Touch focus
Autofocus continuous
Autofocus single
Tracking autofocus
Selective autofocus
Autofocus center weighted
Multi area autofocus
Autofocus live view
Face detection focus
Contract detection focus
Phase detection focus
Number of focus points 9 99
Lens
Lens mounting type fixed lens Sony E
Lens focal range 22-580mm (26.4x) -
Maximal aperture f/3.1-5.9 -
Macro focus range 1cm -
Total lenses - 121
Crop factor 5.9 1.5
Screen
Screen type Tilting Tilting
Screen size 3 inch 3 inch
Screen resolution 460k dots 920k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch friendly
Screen technology - Tilt Up 180� Down 50� TFT LCD
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder Electronic Electronic (optional)
Viewfinder resolution 230k dots -
Features
Minimum shutter speed 4 secs 30 secs
Fastest shutter speed 1/1500 secs 1/4000 secs
Continuous shutter rate 10.0 frames/s 10.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual mode
Exposure compensation Yes Yes
Set white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash range 9.10 m no built-in flash
Flash options - Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Fill-in
External flash
AE bracketing
White balance bracketing
Fastest flash synchronize - 1/160 secs
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (30 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) 1920 x 1080 (60 fps), 1440 x 1080 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Max video resolution 1920x1080 1920x1080
Video file format Motion JPEG AVCHD
Mic support
Headphone support
Connectivity
Wireless Eye-Fi Connected Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environment sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 595 grams (1.31 pounds) 276 grams (0.61 pounds)
Dimensions 119 x 86 x 107mm (4.7" x 3.4" x 4.2") 111 x 59 x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5")
DXO scores
DXO Overall score not tested 78
DXO Color Depth score not tested 23.7
DXO Dynamic range score not tested 13.1
DXO Low light score not tested 910
Other
Battery life 330 shots 330 shots
Type of battery Battery Pack Battery Pack
Battery model 4 x AA NPFW50
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec) Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10sec (3 images))
Time lapse shooting With downloadable app
Type of storage SD/SDHC/SDXC SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo
Card slots Single Single
Launch pricing $230 $750