Pentax X-5 vs Sony TX20

Its time to look a little more closely at the Pentax X-5 and Sony TX20, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Ultracompact by brands Pentax and Sony. The resolution of the X-5 (16MP) and the TX20 (16MP) is fairly well matched and both cameras posses the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The X-5 was manufactured 6 months later than the TX20 so they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras have different body design with the Pentax X-5 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony TX20 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go into a thorough comparison, here is a quick summary of how the X-5 scores vs the TX20 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax X-5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-TX20. The entire galleries are viewable at Pentax X-5 Gallery and Sony TX20 Gallery.

If you're intending to lug around your camera frequently, you need to consider its weight and measurements. 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 TX20 has proportions of 96mm x 56mm x 18mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") along with a weight of 133 grams (0.29 lbs).

Take a look at the Pentax X-5 and Sony TX20 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the X-5 versus the TX20.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the X-5 and TX20 is 65 and 96 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to visualise the contrast between sensor measurements purely by looking at specs. The photograph below might give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the X-5 and TX20.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras have the same sensor dimensions and the exact same resolution so you should expect similar quality of images however you need to take the release date of the products into consideration.