Pentax X90 vs Sony A390
69 Imaging
35 Features
34 Overall
34


66 Imaging
54 Features
54 Overall
54
Pentax X90 vs Sony A390 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 6400
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 26-676mm (F2.8-5.0) lens
- 428g - 111 x 85 x 110mm
- Introduced July 2010
(Full Review)
- 14MP - APS-C Sensor
- 2.7" Tilting Screen
- ISO 100 - 3200
- Sensor based Image Stabilization
- No Video
- Sony/Minolta Alpha Mount
- 549g - 128 x 97 x 86mm
- Revealed July 2010
- Earlier Model is Sony A380

Pentax X90 vs Sony A390 Overview
Below is a in depth review of the Pentax X90 versus Sony A390, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Pentax and Sony. The resolution of the X90 (12MP) and the A390 (14MP) is pretty similar but the X90 (1/2.3") and A390 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor sizing.

The X90 was unveiled around the same time to the A390 and they are both of a similar generation. Both the cameras have different body design with the Pentax X90 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony A390 being a Compact SLR camera.
Before getting right into a detailed comparison, here is a short highlight of how the X90 grades against the A390 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Pentax X90 vs Sony A390 Gallery
The following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax X90 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A390. The full galleries are available at Pentax X90 Gallery and Sony A390 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Pentax X90 over the Sony A390
X90 | A390 |
---|
Reasons to pick Sony A390 over the Pentax X90
A390 | X90 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting screen |
Common features in the Pentax X90 and Sony A390
X90 | A390 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | July 2010 | ![]() | July 2010 | Similar generation |
Manually focus | ![]() | Dial precise focus | ||
Screen dimensions | 2.7" | ![]() | 2.7" | Equal screen measurement |
Screen resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Identical screen resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither contains selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | No Touch screen |
Pentax X90 vs Sony A390 Physical Comparison
When you are going to lug around your camera, you will want to consider its weight and proportions. The Pentax X90 has got physical dimensions of 111mm x 85mm x 110mm (4.4" x 3.3" x 4.3") along with a weight of 428 grams (0.94 lbs) and the Sony A390 has measurements of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") along with a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).
Look at the Pentax X90 versus Sony A390 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilising during that time. The following is a front view physical size comparison of the X90 versus the A390.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the X90 and A390 is 69 and 66 respectively.

Pentax X90 vs Sony A390 Sensor Comparison
Generally, its hard to see the contrast between sensor measurements just by going over specifications. The photograph below may provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the X90 and A390.
Plainly, both of those cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The X90 having a tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF tougher and the Sony A390 will deliver greater detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots more aggressively.

Pentax X90 vs Sony A390 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Pentax X90 vs Sony A390 Specifications
Pentax X90 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Company | Pentax | Sony |
Model | Pentax X90 | Sony Alpha DSLR-A390 |
Type | Small Sensor Superzoom | Entry-Level DSLR |
Introduced | 2010-07-06 | 2010-07-28 |
Physical type | SLR-like (bridge) | Compact SLR |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor Chip | Prime | Bionz |
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | APS-C |
Sensor measurements | 6.08 x 4.56mm | 23.5 x 15.7mm |
Sensor surface area | 27.7mm² | 369.0mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixels | 14 megapixels |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 3:2 and 16:9 |
Full resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 4592 x 3056 |
Max native ISO | 6400 | 3200 |
Minimum native ISO | 80 | 100 |
RAW images | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Focus manually | ||
Touch focus | ||
Autofocus continuous | ||
Autofocus single | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Autofocus selectice | ||
Autofocus center weighted | ||
Multi area autofocus | ||
Live view autofocus | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Number of focus points | 9 | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | fixed lens | Sony/Minolta Alpha |
Lens focal range | 26-676mm (26.0x) | - |
Maximal aperture | f/2.8-5.0 | - |
Macro focus distance | 1cm | - |
Total lenses | - | 143 |
Crop factor | 5.9 | 1.5 |
Screen | ||
Screen type | Fixed Type | Tilting |
Screen sizing | 2.7" | 2.7" |
Screen resolution | 230k dots | 230k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | Electronic | Optical (pentamirror) |
Viewfinder coverage | - | 95 percent |
Viewfinder magnification | - | 0.49x |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 4 secs | 30 secs |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/4000 secs | 1/4000 secs |
Continuous shooting rate | - | 3.0 frames/s |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Set white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | 9.10 m | 10.00 m (at ISO 100) |
Flash settings | - | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain, Wireless |
External flash | ||
AEB | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Maximum flash synchronize | - | 1/160 secs |
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30, 15 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 15 fps), 320 x 240 (30, 15 fps) | - |
Max video resolution | 1280x720 | None |
Video file format | Motion JPEG | - |
Microphone support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | Eye-Fi Connected | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 428 grams (0.94 lb) | 549 grams (1.21 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 111 x 85 x 110mm (4.4" x 3.3" x 4.3") | 128 x 97 x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around score | not tested | 66 |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | 22.5 |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | 11.5 |
DXO Low light score | not tested | 607 |
Other | ||
Battery life | - | 230 photographs |
Form of battery | - | Battery Pack |
Battery model | D-L106 | NP-FH50 |
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage type | SD/SDHC, Internal | SD/ SDHC, Memory Stick Pro Duo |
Card slots | Single | Single |
Cost at launch | $350 | $500 |