Pentax X70 vs Sony a1

Lets look more closely at the Pentax X70 and Sony a1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by rivals Pentax and Sony. There is a significant difference between the resolutions of the X70 (12MP) and a1 (50MP) and the X70 (1/2.3") and a1 (Full frame) provide different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The X70 was brought out 13 years prior to the a1 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Pentax X70 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony a1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a short introduction of how the X70 grades versus the a1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax X70 and Sony Alpha a1. The entire galleries are provided at Pentax X70 Gallery and Sony a1 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera often, you will need to consider its weight and measurements. The Pentax X70 provides outside measurements 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 a1 has proportions of 129mm x 97mm x 70mm (5.1" x 3.8" x 2.8") with a weight of 737 grams (1.62 lbs).

Contrast the Pentax X70 and Sony a1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using at that moment. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the X70 versus the a1.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the X70 and a1 is 71 and 61 respectively.

Generally, its tough to picture the gap between sensor sizing just by reviewing specs. The photograph below will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the X70 and a1.

All in all, the two cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The X70 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field trickier and the Sony a1 will deliver more detail having its extra 38 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots way more aggressively. The older X70 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.