Pentax X70 vs Sony A700

Below, we are reviewing the Pentax X70 and Sony A700, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the X70 (12MP) and the A700 (12MP) is fairly well matched but the X70 (1/2.3") and A700 (APS-C) enjoy totally different sensor sizes.

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The X70 was unveiled 15 months after the A700 making the cameras a generation away from one another. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Pentax X70 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony A700 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go through a complete comparison, below is a simple overview of how the X70 scores vs the A700 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax X70 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A700. The full galleries are available at Pentax X70 Gallery & Sony A700 Gallery.

If you are intending to carry around your camera regularly, you'll have to consider its weight and size. The Pentax X70 provides outside dimensions of 110mm x 83mm x 90mm (4.3" x 3.3" x 3.5") accompanied by a weight of 410 grams (0.90 lbs) and the Sony A700 has specifications of 142mm x 105mm x 80mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.1") and a weight of 768 grams (1.69 lbs).

Take a look at the Pentax X70 and Sony A700 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Underneath is the front view sizing comparison of the X70 compared to the A700.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the X70 and A700 is 71 and 58 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very tough to see the gap between sensor sizes simply by reading through specifications. The image below may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the X70 and A700.

To sum up, the two cameras have got the exact same megapixel count but not the same sensor sizes. The X70 contains the tinier sensor which should make obtaining shallow DOF tougher. The more modern X70 is going to have an edge in sensor technology.