Pentax X90 vs Sony RX100 VA

Lets look a bit more closely at the Pentax X90 vs Sony RX100 VA, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Pentax and Sony. There exists a sizable gap between the sensor resolutions of the X90 (12MP) and RX100 VA (20MP) and the X90 (1/2.3") and RX100 VA (1") use totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The X90 was manufactured 9 years prior to the RX100 VA and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Pentax X90 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony RX100 VA being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick summary of how the X90 matches up versus the RX100 VA with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax X90 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V(A). The entire galleries are provided at Pentax X90 Gallery & Sony RX100 VA Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera regularly, you'll need to factor in its weight and proportions. The Pentax X90 offers external measurements of 111mm x 85mm x 110mm (4.4" x 3.3" x 4.3") and a weight of 428 grams (0.94 lbs) while the Sony RX100 VA has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 299 grams (0.66 lbs).

Take a look at the Pentax X90 vs Sony RX100 VA in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are utilising at the time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the X90 compared to the RX100 VA.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the X90 and RX100 VA is 69 and 89 respectively.

Typically, it is very tough to envision the difference between sensor sizing just by looking at a spec sheet. The photograph below should offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the X90 and RX100 VA.

As you can see, both of those cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The X90 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field trickier and the Sony RX100 VA will give you greater detail due to its extra 8MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures much more aggressively. The older X90 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.