Pentax X-5 vs Sony W550

Here is a detailed overview of the Pentax X-5 and Sony W550, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Ultracompact by companies Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the X-5 (16MP) and the W550 (14MP) is pretty well matched and both cameras posses the same sensor size (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The X-5 was launched 14 months later than the W550 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Pentax X-5 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony W550 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go straight to a in depth comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the X-5 grades vs the W550 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax X-5 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550. The complete galleries are provided at Pentax X-5 Gallery & Sony W550 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera frequently, you need to think about its weight and measurements. The Pentax X-5 comes with outer 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 W550 has proportions of 94mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") with a weight of 110 grams (0.24 lbs).

Check out the Pentax X-5 and Sony W550 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you use at that time. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the X-5 compared to the W550.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the X-5 and W550 is 65 and 96 respectively.

In many cases, it is very hard to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing simply by checking technical specs. The photograph below will offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the X-5 and W550.

As you have seen, both of those cameras have the same sensor dimensions albeit different megapixels. You can expect the Pentax X-5 to give you more detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The fresher X-5 provides an edge in sensor technology.