Pentax X90 vs Sigma DP1

Its time to look much closer at the Pentax X90 versus Sigma DP1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Pentax and Sigma. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the X90 (12MP) and DP1 (5MP) and the X90 (1/2.3") and DP1 (APS-C) come with different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The X90 was revealed 2 years after the DP1 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Pentax X90 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sigma DP1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a in depth comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the X90 grades versus the DP1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax X90 and Sigma DP1. The full galleries are provided at Pentax X90 Gallery and Sigma DP1 Gallery.

In case you're planning to travel with your camera often, you will want to think about its weight and measurements. The Pentax X90 has got outside measurements 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 Sigma DP1 has proportions of 113mm x 60mm x 50mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 2.0") having a weight of 270 grams (0.60 lbs).

Look at the Pentax X90 versus Sigma DP1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the X90 versus the DP1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the X90 and DP1 is 69 and 87 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to visualize the contrast between sensor dimensions purely by reviewing technical specs. The pic here should give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the X90 and DP1.

As you have seen, both cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The X90 using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field tougher and the Pentax X90 will offer you extra detail because of its extra 7 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop images far more aggressively. The younger X90 should have an advantage in sensor tech.