Pentax X70 vs Sony A55

Below, we will be matching up the Pentax X70 and Sony A55, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Pentax and Sony. There exists a significant gap among the sensor resolutions of the X70 (12MP) and A55 (16MP) and the X70 (1/2.3") and A55 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor sizing.

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The X70 was manufactured 18 months earlier than the A55 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both cameras come with different body type with the Pentax X70 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony A55 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go in to a complete comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the X70 scores versus the A55 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax X70 and Sony SLT-A55. The entire galleries are available at Pentax X70 Gallery and Sony A55 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera, you have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Pentax X70 features external dimensions of 110mm x 83mm x 90mm (4.3" x 3.3" x 3.5") and a weight of 410 grams (0.90 lbs) whilst the Sony A55 has proportions of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") along with a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs).

Check the Pentax X70 and Sony A55 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have at that time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the X70 compared to the A55.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the X70 and A55 is 71 and 67 respectively.

Normally, it is hard to envision the gap in sensor measurements purely by going through a spec sheet. The graphic underneath will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the X70 and A55.

Clearly, both of those cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The X70 because of its smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field trickier and the Sony A55 will show extra detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The older X70 will be behind in sensor innovation.