Pentax X-5 vs Sony W510

Its time to look more closely at the Pentax X-5 versus Sony W510, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Ultracompact by rivals Pentax and Sony. There is a huge difference between the sensor resolutions of the X-5 (16MP) and W510 (12MP) but both cameras boast the same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The X-5 was brought out 20 months after the W510 which makes them a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Pentax X-5 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony W510 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving straight to a thorough comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the X-5 matches up vs the W510 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax X-5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W510. The entire galleries are viewable at Pentax X-5 Gallery and Sony W510 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and proportions. The Pentax X-5 has outside dimensions 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 W510 has measurements of 96mm x 54mm x 20mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.8") with a weight of 119 grams (0.26 lbs).

Analyze the Pentax X-5 versus Sony W510 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you use during that time. Below is a front view scale comparison of the X-5 compared to the W510.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the X-5 and W510 is 65 and 96 respectively.

Generally, it's tough to imagine the contrast between sensor sizes purely by reading through specs. The image below should give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the X-5 and W510.

All in all, the two cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit different megapixels. You should expect the Pentax X-5 to give you more detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop shots more aggressively. The fresher X-5 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.