Pentax X90 vs Sony HX5

Below, we will be matching up the Pentax X90 vs Sony HX5, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Pentax and Sony. The resolution of the X90 (12MP) and the HX5 (10MP) is pretty comparable but the X90 (1/2.3") and HX5 (1/2.4") come with totally different sensor measurements.

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The X90 was unveiled at a similar time to the HX5 and they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Pentax X90 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony HX5 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a full comparison, below is a quick summation of how the X90 scores versus the HX5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax X90 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The full galleries are provided at Pentax X90 Gallery & Sony HX5 Gallery.

In case you're intending to lug around your camera frequently, you need to take into account its weight and volume. The Pentax X90 enjoys physical dimensions 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 HX5 has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Examine the Pentax X90 vs Sony HX5 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you choose at that time. The following is the front view scale comparison of the X90 compared to the HX5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the X90 and HX5 is 69 and 92 respectively.

Normally, it is very hard to see the gap in sensor measurements purely by seeing specs. The graphic here may provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the X90 and HX5.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The X90 using its bigger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Pentax X90 will provide extra detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs much more aggressively.