Pentax X-5 vs Sony a3500

On this page, we will be comparing the Pentax X-5 versus Sony a3500, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the X-5 (16MP) and the a3500 (20MP) is pretty similar but the X-5 (1/2.3") and a3500 (APS-C) posses different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The X-5 was announced 19 months before the a3500 which makes them a generation apart from each other. The two cameras have different body design with the Pentax X-5 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony a3500 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief summation of how the X-5 scores versus the a3500 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax X-5 and Sony Alpha a3500. The whole galleries are available at Pentax X-5 Gallery and Sony a3500 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera often, you'll have to think about its weight and volume. The Pentax X-5 provides external dimensions of 119mm x 86mm x 107mm (4.7" x 3.4" x 4.2") and a weight of 595 grams (1.31 lbs) and the Sony a3500 has sizing of 128mm x 91mm x 85mm (5.0" x 3.6" x 3.3") having a weight of 411 grams (0.91 lbs).

Look at the Pentax X-5 versus Sony a3500 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are employing at that time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the X-5 compared to the a3500.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the X-5 and a3500 is 65 and 69 respectively.

In many cases, it is difficult to visualize the gap between sensor sizing simply by going over technical specs. The graphic here should give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the X-5 and a3500.

As you have seen, both cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The X-5 using its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Sony a3500 will offer you greater detail with its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop shots more aggressively. The older X-5 is going to be behind in sensor technology.