Pentax X90 vs Sony A100

Below, we are matching up the Pentax X90 vs Sony A100, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Pentax and Sony. The sensor resolution of the X90 (12MP) and the A100 (10MP) is very similar but the X90 (1/2.3") and A100 (APS-C) possess totally different sensor dimensions.

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The X90 was unveiled 3 years later than the A100 and that is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Pentax X90 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony A100 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go through a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise summation of how the X90 matches up against the A100 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax X90 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A100. The full galleries are available at Pentax X90 Gallery & Sony A100 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry your camera, you need to think about its weight and measurements. The Pentax X90 features 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 Sony A100 has proportions of 133mm x 95mm x 71mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 2.8") along with a weight of 638 grams (1.41 lbs).

Compare the Pentax X90 vs Sony A100 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are using at that time. Below is the front view scale comparison of the X90 against the A100.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the X90 and A100 is 69 and 64 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very tough to visualise the gap between sensor sizing purely by reviewing technical specs. The graphic here may give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the X90 and A100.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The X90 with its tinier sensor will make getting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Pentax X90 will offer you more detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The more modern X90 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.