Pentax X-5 vs Sony A6500

Following is a detailed analysis of the Pentax X-5 versus Sony A6500, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by competitors Pentax and Sony. There is a sizable difference among the sensor resolutions of the X-5 (16MP) and A6500 (24MP) and the X-5 (1/2.3") and A6500 (APS-C) boast different sensor size.

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The X-5 was revealed 5 years prior to the A6500 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Pentax X-5 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony A6500 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the X-5 grades vs the A6500 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax X-5 & Sony Alpha a6500. The full galleries are viewable at Pentax X-5 Gallery & Sony A6500 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Pentax X-5 comes with physical measurements 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 A6500 has dimensions of 120mm x 67mm x 53mm (4.7" x 2.6" x 2.1") along with a weight of 453 grams (1.00 lbs).

Look at the Pentax X-5 versus Sony A6500 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have at that time. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the X-5 against the A6500.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the X-5 and A6500 is 65 and 81 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to imagine the difference in sensor sizes just by researching technical specs. The picture below should provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the X-5 and A6500.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The X-5 having a smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF trickier and the Sony A6500 will result in more detail because of its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop photographs more aggressively. The more aged X-5 will be behind in sensor tech.