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Panasonic FX48 vs Pentax X90 Comparison

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Panasonic FX48

12 MP | 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) CCD Sensor

Panasonic FX48
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Pentax X90

12 MP | 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) CCD Sensor

Pentax X90
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Panasonic FX48 vs Pentax X90 Comparison Overview

Here we are comparing two cameras with different body types: Panasonic FX48, which was introduced in January 2009 is a Small Sensor Compact camera with a 12.0MP 1/2.3-inch sensor whereas Pentax X90, which was introduced in July 2010 is a Small Sensor Superzoom camera with a 12.0MP 1/2.3-inch sensor. There is 17 months difference between FX48 and X90 so we don't expect to see a huge technology difference between these two cameras but it would still give an advantage to younger X90, especially in sensor tech.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Panasonic FX48 and Pentax X90 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Panasonic FX48 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2009-01-27
  • 12MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
  • ISO 80 - 3200 ( expands to 6400)
  • 25-125 mm F2.8-5.9 Zoom Lens
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 2.5" Fixed Type Screen
  • 2 fps continuous shooting
  • - 640 x 480 video resolution
  • 150g. 95 x 53 x 22 mm
  • Also known as Lumix DMC-FX40

Pentax X90 Key Specs

  • Announcement Date: 2010-07-06
  • 12MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
  • ISO 80 - 6400
  • 26-676 mm F2.8-5.0 Zoom Lens
  • Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
  • 2.7" Fixed Type Screen
  • Electronic viewfinder
  • continuous shooting
  • HD - 1280 x 720 video resolution
  • 428g. 111 x 85 x 110 mm

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Panasonic FX48 and Pentax X90 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48 over Pentax X90
Face Detection Focus
Yes vs No very handy for portraits
Number of Focus Points
11 vs 9 2 more focus points
Weight
150 g vs 428 g 278 g lighter
Focal Length - Wide
25mm vs 26mm 1 mm wider coverage


Reasons to choose Pentax X90 over Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48
Viewfinder
Electronic vs None Better framing and control
Max ISO
6.400 vs 3.200 100% higher Max ISO
LCD Screen Size
2.7" vs 2.5" 0.2 inches larger display
Max Mech. Shutter
1/4000s vs 1/3000s faster mechanical shutter
Focal Length - Tele
676mm vs 125mm 551 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom
26× vs 5× more flexible focal coverage
Max Aperture - Tele
5.00 vs 5.90 faster lens at tele
Flash Coverage
9.1m vs 6.0m 3.1m longer range
Max Video Resolution
1280 x 720 vs 640 x 480 Higher Resolution Video

Common Strengths of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48 and Pentax X90
Image Stabilization
Optical vs Sensor-shift Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Built-in Flash
Yes vs Yes Useful in low-light
Manual Exposure
Yes vs Yes better exposure control
Common Weaknesses of Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48 and Pentax X90
Fixed Screen
Fixed Type vs No No flexible viewing angles
External Flash Shoe
No vs No Not suitable for flash photography
RAW Support
No vs No Lower image quality
LCD Screen Size
2.5" vs 2.7" Small display
LCD Screen Resolution
230k dots vs 230k dots Low resolution screens
Continuous Shooting
2.0fps vs fps Slow shooting speeds
Environmental Sealing
No vs No not suitable for tough conditions
Panasonic FX48 vs Pentax X90: Physical Specs and Body features Comparison

Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, We are going to illustrate Panasonic FX48 and Pentax X90 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Panasonic FX48 has external dimensions of 95 x 53 x 22 mm (3.74 x 2.09 x 0.87″) and weighs 150 g (0.33 lb / 5.29 oz) (including batteries). Pentax X90 has external dimensions of 111 x 85 x 110 mm (4.37 x 3.35 x 4.33″) and weighs 428 g (0.94 lb / 15.10 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Panasonic FX48 and Pentax X90. Panasonic FX48 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 16mm narrower, 32mm shorter and 88mm thinner than Pentax X90.

Panasonic FX48 vs Pentax X90 Camera Size Comparison - Front View
Comparison image of Panasonic FX48 and Pentax X90 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Panasonic FX48 and Pentax X90.

Panasonic FX48 vs Pentax X90 Camera Size Comparison - Back View
Comparison image of Panasonic FX48 and Pentax X90 Size and Weight - Back View

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Panasonic FX48 is significantly lighter (278g ) than the Pentax X90 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Bridge Cameras

FX48
X90
Min
Average
Max
Thickness Comparison

Bridge Cameras

FX48
X90
Min
Average
Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48 (Lumix DMC-FX40) nor Pentax X90 provides any type of weather sealing in their body, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections:
Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing
Top Bridge Cameras with Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Pentax X90's 2.7" LCD screen is slightly larger than Panasonic FX48's 2.5" screen.

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.
Panasonic FX48 vs Pentax X90: Sensor Comparison

Both Panasonic FX48 and Pentax X90 have 1/2.3-inch sized 12.0 MP resolution sensors so sensor size and resolution is not a differentiator between these two cameras.

Below you can see the FX48 and X90 sensor size comparison.

Panasonic FX48 vs Pentax X90 Sensor Size Comparison
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Panasonic FX48 and Pentax X90 Cameras


Panasonic FX48 and Pentax X90 have sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture.

Panasonic FX48 vs Pentax X90 Lens Specs Comparison

Panasonic FX48 features a 25-125 mm F2.8-5.9 5× zoom lens whereas Pentax X90 features a 26-676 mm F2.8-5.0 26× zoom lens.

Panasonic FX48 has 1mm wider coverage than the Pentax X90. Both cameras has a max aperture of f2.80 at the wide end. On the tele end, Pentax X90 has 551mm longer reach than the Panasonic FX48. At f5.00, it is also faster at tele end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

FX48
X90
Widest - Ricoh WG-M1
Average
Telezoom

DSLR-Like Cameras

FX48
X90
Longest - Canon SX520 HS
Average
Max Aperture at Tele

DSLR-Like Cameras

FX48
X90
Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV
Average
Max Aperture at Wide

DSLR-Like Cameras

FX48
X90
Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6
Average
What types of Photography are Panasonic FX48 and Pentax X90 Good for?
In this section, we rank and compare Panasonic FX48 and Pentax X90 for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Panasonic FX48 for Portrait Photography

POOR

Pentax X90 for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE
Image Stabilization
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details
Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
Read the details

Panasonic FX48 for Street Photography

AVERAGE

Pentax X90 for Street Photography

GOOD
Image Stabilization
Small Body
Live-view
Face-Detection Focusing
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
Read the details
Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Live-view
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
26 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Medium sized Body
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details

Panasonic FX48 for Sports Photography

POOR

Pentax X90 for Sports Photography

AVERAGE
Image Stabilization
Manual Exposure Mode
11 Focus Points
Average Max shutter speed: 1/3000s
125 mm Tele Lens
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Slow Continuous Shooting: 2.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Slow Lens at Tele: f5.90
Read the details
Image Stabilization
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Fast Max shutter speed: 1/4000s
676 mm Tele Lens
Average Ergonomics&Handling
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
Environmental Sealings
9 Focus Points
Read the details

Panasonic FX48 for Daily Photography

AVERAGE

Pentax X90 for Daily Photography

AVERAGE
Compact Body
150g
Body Thickness 22mm
5.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details
26.0X Optical Zoom
Medium size Body
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
428g
Body Thickness 110mm
Read the details

Panasonic FX48 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Pentax X90 for Landscape Photography

POOR
Manual Exposure Mode
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Focus Mode
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
26 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 12.0MP
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Panasonic FX48 vs Pentax X90: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Panasonic FX48 and Pentax X90, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 63 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Panasonic FX48 and Pentax X90 scores compare:

Panasonic FX48
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #299 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #930 out of 1223 in all Cameras
Pentax X90
Imaging
Features
Value
Portability
Overall
Ranked #83 out of 113 in SLR-like (bridge) cameras
Ranked #684 out of 1223 in all Cameras

Pentax X90 has a higher Overall Score than the Panasonic FX48 and would be our choice if we have to decide between these two cameras.

Panasonic FX48
Panasonic FX48
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Pentax X90
Pentax X90
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Pentax X90 vs Panasonic FX48 Specs Table
Detailed comparison of specifications
General Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48 Pentax X90
Brand Panasonic Pentax
Announced 2009-01-27 2010-07-06
Body Type Compact SLR-like (bridge)
Sensor
Type CCD CCD
Size 1/2.3-inch 1/2.3-inch
Dimensions 6.08 x 4.56 mm 6.08 x 4.56 mm
Area 27.72mm2 27.72mm2
Megapixels 12 megapixels 12 megapixels
Max Resolution 4000 x 3000 4000 x 3000
Max Native Light sensitivity 3,200 ISO 6,400 ISO
Max Boosted Light Sensitivity 6400 ISO -
Min Native Light sensitivity 80 ISO 80 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points 11 9
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens Focal Range 25-125 mm (5×) 26-676 mm (26×)
Max Aperture F2.8-5.9 F2.8-5.0
Macro Focus Range 5cm 1cm
Screen
Type Fixed type Fixed type
Size 2.5" 2.7"
Resolution 230k dots 230k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder None Electronic
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter 1/3000s 1/4000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization Optical Sensor-shift
Built-in Flash
Flash Range 6.00 m 9.10 m
External Flash
Continuous Shooting 2.0 fps n/a
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution 640 x 480 1280 x 720
Video Formats Motion JPEG Motion JPEG
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity None Eye-Fi Connected
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight 150g 428g
Dimensions 95 x 53 x 22mm 111 x 85 x 110mm
Battery Life n/a n/a
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS None None
DxO Sensor Scores
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