Pentax X90 vs Sony A99

Lets take a deeper look at the Pentax X90 vs Sony A99, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced DSLR by brands Pentax and Sony. There exists a sizable gap among the image resolutions of the X90 (12MP) and A99 (24MP) and the X90 (1/2.3") and A99 (Full frame) come with different sensor dimensions.

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The X90 was unveiled 3 years before the A99 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Pentax X90 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony A99 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the X90 matches up vs the A99 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax X90 & Sony SLT-A99. The full galleries are available at Pentax X90 Gallery & Sony A99 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera regularly, you should think about its weight and volume. The Pentax X90 comes with exterior measurements of 111mm x 85mm x 110mm (4.4" x 3.3" x 4.3") having a weight of 428 grams (0.94 lbs) and the Sony A99 has sizing of 147mm x 111mm x 78mm (5.8" x 4.4" x 3.1") accompanied by a weight of 812 grams (1.79 lbs).

Look at the Pentax X90 vs Sony A99 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are using during that time. Below is the front view over all size comparison of the X90 against the A99.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the X90 and A99 is 69 and 57 respectively.

Quite often, it can be difficult to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing only by going through a spec sheet. The graphic underneath will give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the X90 and A99.

Clearly, the two cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The X90 having a smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF harder and the Sony A99 will produce extra detail having an extra 12MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos a little more aggressively. The older X90 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.