Pentax X-5 vs Sony S980

Below is a thorough assessment of the Pentax X-5 versus Sony S980, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Pentax and Sony. There exists a sizeable gap among the sensor resolutions of the X-5 (16MP) and S980 (12MP) but both cameras provide the identical sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The X-5 was revealed 3 years later than the S980 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Pentax X-5 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony S980 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a concise summation of how the X-5 grades against the S980 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax X-5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The full galleries are viewable at Pentax X-5 Gallery and Sony S980 Gallery.

If you're going to lug around your camera frequently, you need to think about its weight and size. The Pentax X-5 has got exterior measurements of 119mm x 86mm x 107mm (4.7" x 3.4" x 4.2") having a weight of 595 grams (1.31 lbs) and the Sony S980 has specifications of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Contrast the Pentax X-5 versus Sony S980 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have attached at the time. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the X-5 versus the S980.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the X-5 and S980 is 65 and 94 respectively.

Sometimes, it's tough to envision the difference in sensor measurements simply by seeing specifications. The photograph below should provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the X-5 and S980.

To sum up, both the cameras come with the identical sensor size but not the same megapixels. You should expect to see the Pentax X-5 to produce greater detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos a good deal more aggressively. The more modern X-5 is going to have a benefit in sensor technology.