Pentax X90 vs Samsung NX30

Let's look a bit more in depth at the Pentax X90 versus Samsung NX30, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by brands Pentax and Samsung. There is a noticeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the X90 (12MP) and NX30 (20MP) and the X90 (1/2.3") and NX30 (APS-C) have different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The X90 was released 4 years before the NX30 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Pentax X90 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Samsung NX30 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going right into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick overview of how the X90 grades against the NX30 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax X90 & Samsung NX30. The complete galleries are viewable at Pentax X90 Gallery & Samsung NX30 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera often, you will have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Pentax X90 has exterior dimensions of 111mm x 85mm x 110mm (4.4" x 3.3" x 4.3") having a weight of 428 grams (0.94 lbs) whilst the Samsung NX30 has measurements of 127mm x 96mm x 58mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.3") along with a weight of 375 grams (0.83 lbs).

Take a look at the Pentax X90 versus Samsung NX30 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the X90 versus the NX30.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the X90 and NX30 is 69 and 75 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's hard to imagine the difference in sensor sizing simply by looking through technical specs. The photograph below might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the X90 and NX30.

As you have seen, both of these cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The X90 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make getting bokeh trickier and the Samsung NX30 will result in greater detail as a result of its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The older X90 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.