Pentax X-5 vs Sony HX99

Following is a in depth overview of the Pentax X-5 and Sony HX99, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by brands Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the X-5 (16MP) and the HX99 (18MP) is fairly close but the X-5 (1/2.3") and HX99 (1/2.3-inch) use totally different sensor dimensions.

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The X-5 was manufactured 7 years earlier than the HX99 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Pentax X-5 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony HX99 being a Compact camera.

Before going in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief view of how the X-5 matches up vs the HX99 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax X-5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99. The entire galleries are provided at Pentax X-5 Gallery and Sony HX99 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry around your camera regularly, you are going to need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Pentax X-5 comes with external 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 HX99 has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") and a weight of 242 grams (0.53 lbs).

Check out the Pentax X-5 and Sony HX99 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the X-5 compared to the HX99.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the X-5 and HX99 is 65 and 91 respectively.

Often, its tough to see the contrast in sensor sizes purely by looking through a spec sheet. The image here will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the X-5 and HX99.

Clearly, both of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The X-5 due to its larger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF less difficult and the Sony HX99 will provide you with greater detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop images a little more aggressively. The more aged X-5 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.