Pentax X90 vs Sony NEX-5N

Lets examine more in depth at the Pentax X90 versus Sony NEX-5N, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Pentax and Sony. There is a big difference among the sensor resolutions of the X90 (12MP) and NEX-5N (16MP) and the X90 (1/2.3") and NEX-5N (APS-C) use different sensor measurements.

Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

The X90 was revealed 15 months earlier than the NEX-5N which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Pentax X90 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a brief summary of how the X90 matches up vs the NEX-5N with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax X90 and Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The full galleries are provided at Pentax X90 Gallery and Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to consider its weight and size. The Pentax X90 offers exterior measurements of 111mm x 85mm x 110mm (4.4" x 3.3" x 4.3") along with a weight of 428 grams (0.94 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5N has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Analyze the Pentax X90 versus Sony NEX-5N in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilising at that time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the X90 and the NEX-5N.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the X90 and NEX-5N is 69 and 89 respectively.

Generally, its difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing purely by going through technical specs. The visual underneath will give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the X90 and NEX-5N.

As you have seen, both of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The X90 with its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF more difficult and the Sony NEX-5N will produce extra detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The older X90 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.