Pentax X-5 vs Sony W290

The following is a extended comparison of the Pentax X-5 vs Sony W290, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Pentax and Sony. There is a large difference among the image resolutions of the X-5 (16MP) and W290 (12MP) but they use the exact same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The X-5 was announced 3 years after the W290 which is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Pentax X-5 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony W290 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple summation of how the X-5 matches up vs the W290 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax X-5 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290. The whole galleries are available at Pentax X-5 Gallery & Sony W290 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to travel with your camera, you will have to factor in its weight and size. The Pentax X-5 has outer measurements of 119mm x 86mm x 107mm (4.7" x 3.4" x 4.2") along with a weight of 595 grams (1.31 lbs) and the Sony W290 has specifications of 98mm x 57mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

See the Pentax X-5 vs Sony W290 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are employing during that time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the X-5 compared to the W290.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the X-5 and W290 is 65 and 94 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be tough to visualise the difference in sensor dimensions only by looking through specs. The picture below should provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the X-5 and W290.

All in all, the 2 cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same resolution. You can count on the Pentax X-5 to result in more detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more recent X-5 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.