Pentax X90 vs Sony A290

On this page, we are evaluating the Pentax X90 versus Sony A290, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Pentax and Sony. The sensor resolution of the X90 (12MP) and the A290 (14MP) is fairly well matched but the X90 (1/2.3") and A290 (APS-C) offer totally different sensor dimensions.

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The X90 was manufactured within a month of the A290 which means that they are both of a similar age. The two cameras have different body design with the Pentax X90 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony A290 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going into a detailed comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the X90 grades versus the A290 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Pentax X90 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A290. The entire galleries are provided at Pentax X90 Gallery & Sony A290 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera often, you will need to consider its weight and measurements. The Pentax X90 offers outer measurements of 111mm x 85mm x 110mm (4.4" x 3.3" x 4.3") accompanied by a weight of 428 grams (0.94 lbs) whilst the Sony A290 has proportions of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") and a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Contrast the Pentax X90 versus Sony A290 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Following is a front view sizing comparison of the X90 versus the A290.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the X90 and A290 is 69 and 66 respectively.

Generally, it's tough to see the difference between sensor measurements only by checking specs. The photograph below should give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the X90 and A290.

All in all, both cameras have different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The X90 featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving bokeh tougher and the Sony A290 will resolve extra detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos a bit more aggressively.