Pentax X70 vs Sony NEX-5R

Let's examine more in depth at the Pentax X70 versus Sony NEX-5R, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Pentax and Sony. There is a substantial difference among the sensor resolutions of the X70 (12MP) and NEX-5R (16MP) and the X70 (1/2.3") and NEX-5R (APS-C) feature totally different sensor measurements.

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The X70 was launched 4 years earlier than the NEX-5R and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Pentax X70 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go in to a more detailed comparison, below is a brief summation of how the X70 scores versus the NEX-5R with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax X70 & Sony Alpha NEX-5R. The complete galleries are viewable at Pentax X70 Gallery & Sony NEX-5R Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to factor in its weight and proportions. The Pentax X70 has physical measurements of 110mm x 83mm x 90mm (4.3" x 3.3" x 3.5") with a weight of 410 grams (0.90 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5R has measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") along with a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Examine the Pentax X70 versus Sony NEX-5R in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have at that time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the X70 vs the NEX-5R.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the X70 and NEX-5R is 71 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it can be hard to envision the difference in sensor measurements simply by researching a spec sheet. The visual underneath should offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the X70 and NEX-5R.

Clearly, both of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The X70 due to its smaller sensor will make shooting bokeh harder and the Sony NEX-5R will render extra detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The older X70 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.