Pentax X90
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 6400
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 26-676mm (F2.8-5.0) lens
- 428g - 111 x 85 x 110mm
- Announced July 2010
- Read full specs
- Alternatives
- Size Comparison
- FAQ
69 Imaging
35 Features
34 Overall
34
Pentax X90 overview
Pentax X90 is Pentax's Small Sensor Superzoom digital camera initially launched on July of 2010. It has a 12 MegaPixel, CCD 1/2.3" sized sensor and has a maximum resolution of 4000 x 3000.
The X90 places at #219 out of 244 in Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and all around #968 out of 1465 for cameras in our list. Remember to look at our Smart camera search to see camera listings based on your customized requirements.
Here is a graph of various criteria used in the scoring system.
Pentax X90 history
The Pentax X90 is part of a family of products. You can see the detailed range below.
F2.8-5.012MP1/2.3"2010
Pentax X90 Gallery
You can see the X90 from several angles in the gallery underneath.
Pentax X90 Pros and Cons
Below is a checklist of advantages and drawbacks of the Pentax X90 based on features that are often viewed as important in a digital camera.
Pentax X90 Sensor info
The Pentax X90 is powered by the Prime processor. The sensor size on the Pentax X90 is 6.08mm x 4.56mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor is able to resolve 4000 x 3000 pixels at aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. The camera includes Image Stabilization (Sensor-shift). Optical stabilization is preferable than digital stabilization since the latter can easily cause cropping.
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD CardsThe CCD sensor boasts 12 megapixels and has a standard ISO range of 80 to 6400. Unfortunately, RAW format is not supported so you have less margin for error.
The graphic below shows the X90's sensor dimensions compared to other popular sizes. The X90 sensor comes with a crop factor of 5.9 and is showcased in green.
Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firmsTo get an understanding of specific aspect ratios, you should refer to the graphic below.
Pentax X90 dimensions
Pentax X90 has a weight of 0.94 pounds (428g / 15.10 ounces) and the sizing of the camera is 111mm x 85mm x 110mm (4.4" x 3.3" x 4.3"). The weight of normal Small Sensor Superzoom camera is 387g and the Pentax X90 is heavier when compared with other rivals.
Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a LandslideListed below is a pic of the Pentax X90 alongside a soda so you can have a feel for its scale.
The top view directly below will provide the button design on the X90.
Pentax X90 Lens info
The X90 comes with a built-in lens providing a focal range of 26-676mm giving it a 26.0 x zoom which is great and does allow you to zoom right in.
At the widest 26mm, it offers an aperture of f2.8 which is quite slow and not the best in low light situations and you may find it hard to capture good bokeh. You will also have to up the ISO setting which results in noisy photos. At the tele end, 676mm is terrific zoom and comes with f5.0 making it fairly sluggish and you may need to apply slower shutter speeds.
Pentax X90 Connectivity
The X90 has the following connectivity:
- USB Yes
- Wireless Yes
- HDMI Yes
Cameras that include NFC and / or Bluetooth support can easily be used wirelessly through smartphones. You will be able to copy files and in some cases adjust settings without the hassle of connecting directly to the camera.
A few applications even give a Liveview and click the shutter if you aren't close to the camera. If the camera has a HDMI out, it could be hooked up to an external monitor. Almost all cameras will allow you to charge the battery with the USB port.
Pentax X90 Video info
The maximum video resolution on the Pentax X90 is 1280 x 720 and it can capture in Motion JPEG file format. 720p is awful by today's standards. You should target a minimum FUll HD resolution for good video. The camera doesn't feature a mic and / or headphone socket so you have got no control over your sound. It is probably best to get an alternative camera should you require better sound in your videos.
Pentax X90 Weather Sealing
Pentax X90 doesn't include weather proofing so wet conditions could damage the camera.
Pentax X90 Screen and Viewfinder
The Pentax X90 has a 2.7 inch fixed display boasting a resolution of 230 thousand dots.
Unfortunately the display isn't a touch screen.
Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next monthThe View Finder details regarding Pentax X90 are below:
- ViewFinder Electronic
Viewfinders can be rather helpful for bright outdoor situations which can easily make the camera screen washed out and hard to view.
Pentax X90 Shutter info
The maximum shutter speed is 1/4000s.
Pentax X90 Flash and Hot shoe info
Pentax X90 includes only built-in flash without external flash ability.
Pentax X90 Autofocusing info
Pentax X90 includes just Contrast Based Auto Focus and doesn't have Phase Detect Auto Focus. Phase Detection autofocusing is more faster & accurate when compared with Contrast Based autofocusing.
It has 9 focus points to choose from. It also includes Tracking Auto Focus for subjects that move. Pentax X90 boasts manual focusing in case it is needed for low light situations or you want more accurate focusing control.
Pentax X90 Battery life
The general Small Sensor Superzoom camera battery life is 316. Fujifilm HS35EXR features the highest possible (600) battery life for this group of cameras.
Here is a number of Small Sensor Superzoom cameras that come with the best battery life:
Pentax X90 for various categories of photography
The following graph shows a overview of the Pentax X90 for various categories of photography. To check out more, visit the specific paragraph below.
Pentax X90 Portrait photography details
The Pentax X90 has a rating of 29 which is low, meaning that it is not really suitable to use for portrait images. Photographing portraits favors heavily to sensor dimensions, RAW support and option to work with external lighting.
Pentax X90 Street photography advice
Coming in at a low rating of 45, the Pentax X90 is not really suitable to buy for street photography. A good street photography camera comes with a good balance of picture quality and portability.
Sports photography with Pentax X90
A low sports photography points total of 42 indicates the Pentax X90 is not really suitable for shooting sports. A camera needs excellent autofocus and fast shutter speeds for sports photography.
Pentax X90 Travel photography highlights
Size is really critical when buying a travel camera. Over-all, the Pentax X90 gets a moderate 51 as a travelling camera which is somewhat acceptable to take with you on your travels.
Pentax X90 Landscape photography information
For those who are looking to buy a camera for landscape photographs, the most essential aspect will no doubt be image quality. The Pentax X90 and it's low score of 35 as a landscape camera is not really suitable in the current market.
Vlogging with Pentax X90
A camera for vlogging should come with a articulating display screen, mic port and preferably IBIS. Taking everything into account, the Pentax X90 is not really suitable as a vlog camera as it comes to a low score of 23.
Pentax X90 Alternatives
If you are interested in replacements to the X90, here is a collection of the top rated cameras which fall under the category of Small Sensor Superzoom.
The line chart down below offers you a bird's eye view of the X90 vs it's highest rated rivals mentioned earlier.
Here are a few more cameras you might have a look at as alternatives. To see a extensive comparison, simply click the "compare" link.