Pentax X90 vs Sony A230

Lets look more closely at the Pentax X90 and Sony A230, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Pentax and Sony. The image resolution of the X90 (12MP) and the A230 (10MP) is pretty similar but the X90 (1/2.3") and A230 (APS-C) offer different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The X90 was announced 14 months later than the A230 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Pentax X90 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony A230 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before delving right into a in-depth comparison, here is a simple view of how the X90 grades vs the A230 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax X90 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A230. The whole galleries are provided at Pentax X90 Gallery & Sony A230 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry your camera regularly, you need to consider its weight and volume. The Pentax X90 offers exterior dimensions of 111mm x 85mm x 110mm (4.4" x 3.3" x 4.3") and a weight of 428 grams (0.94 lbs) and the Sony A230 has sizing of 128mm x 97mm x 68mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.7") having a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs).

Contrast the Pentax X90 and Sony A230 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the X90 and the A230.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the X90 and A230 is 69 and 69 respectively.

Normally, it's tough to picture the difference between sensor sizing only by going over technical specs. The photograph here should provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the X90 and A230.

As you have seen, both cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The X90 having a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Pentax X90 will offer you more detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The fresher X90 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.