Pentax X90 vs Sony RX100 III

In this write-up, we will be matching up the Pentax X90 vs Sony RX100 III, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Pentax and Sony. There exists a big gap between the resolutions of the X90 (12MP) and RX100 III (20MP) and the X90 (1/2.3") and RX100 III (1") come with different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The X90 was brought out 4 years before the RX100 III which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Pentax X90 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony RX100 III being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting in to a complete comparison, below is a simple view of how the X90 grades against the RX100 III in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax X90 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III. The entire galleries are provided at Pentax X90 Gallery and Sony RX100 III Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to travel with your camera frequently, you're going to have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Pentax X90 provides 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) whilst the Sony RX100 III has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") and a weight of 290 grams (0.64 lbs).

See the Pentax X90 vs Sony RX100 III in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. Here is the front view size comparison of the X90 compared to the RX100 III.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the X90 and RX100 III is 69 and 89 respectively.

Quite often, it can be hard to picture the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by checking specs. The picture underneath should give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the X90 and RX100 III.

All in all, each of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The X90 due to its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF tougher and the Sony RX100 III will give extra detail having its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more aged X90 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.