Pentax X-5 vs Sony A99

Here, we are analyzing the Pentax X-5 vs Sony A99, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Pentax and Sony. There exists a noticeable gap among the resolutions of the X-5 (16MP) and A99 (24MP) and the X-5 (1/2.3") and A99 (Full frame) posses different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The X-5 was announced 3 months before the A99 so they are of a similar age. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Pentax X-5 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony A99 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before going right into a in depth comparison, here is a simple summation of how the X-5 matches up vs the A99 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax X-5 & Sony SLT-A99. The whole galleries are available at Pentax X-5 Gallery & Sony A99 Gallery.

For those who are planning to travel with your camera often, you're going to have to take into account its weight and size. The Pentax X-5 features outer dimensions of 119mm x 86mm x 107mm (4.7" x 3.4" x 4.2") with a weight of 595 grams (1.31 lbs) and the Sony A99 has specifications of 147mm x 111mm x 78mm (5.8" x 4.4" x 3.1") having a weight of 812 grams (1.79 lbs).

Check the Pentax X-5 vs Sony A99 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are using at the time. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the X-5 compared to the A99.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the X-5 and A99 is 65 and 57 respectively.

Quite often, it's hard to visualize the contrast in sensor dimensions just by researching a spec sheet. The picture here will offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the X-5 and A99.

As you can see, each of these cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The X-5 using its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field tougher and the Sony A99 will render greater detail with its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will help you crop photos a good deal more aggressively.