• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 500.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 22.00mm - 580.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Canon SX260 HS advantages over Pentax X-5

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.33 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~1.95 vs 2.6 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Thinner
    32 mm vs 106 mm
    Thinner
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Lighter weight
    231g vs 623g
    Lighter weight
  • Longer exposure
    15 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.3 fps vs 1.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/3200 vs 1/1500 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Pentax X-5 advantages over Canon SX260 HS

  • Less expensive
    $280 vs $350 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • More telephoto lens reach
    580 mm vs 500 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 500 vs 230 shots
    Capture more photos
  • More pixels
    16.0 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Wider angle lens
    22 mm vs 25 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 10 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

  • 20x zoom ranges from very wide to ultra telephoto; Wide range of exposure settings, including Manual, plus many auto modes; Full HD video at 1080p; Video autofocus and zoom while shooting, HDMI interface; Very good image quality; Built-in GPS.

  • Tight control placement; Low battery life; Soft corners at wide angle; Small front fingergrip; No live histogram. No raw mode.

  • Impressive 26x optical zoom lens delivers crisp images, even when at full tele; Comfortable, ergonomic camera build feels higher-end than its low price point suggests; Lots of effective, automated features make picture-taking a fun experience for the beginner.

  • DSLR-style camera body might attract enthusiasts who will be disappointed in the X-5's consumer focus; Frustratingly slow to use all around; AA batteries can fall out when retrieving the SD card; Some design quirks are off-putting.

The Competition

Compared to Nikon S9100

Canon SX260 HS
Nikon S9100
  • $480
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Manual focus
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Fast startup
Pentax X-5
Nikon S9100
  • $187
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $254
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup

Compared to Fujifilm S4200

Canon SX260 HS
Fujifilm S4200
  • $480
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Manual focus
  • $192
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Pentax X-5
Fujifilm S4200
  • $187
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $192
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer exposure

Compared to Nikon S9500

Canon SX260 HS
Nikon S9500
  • $480
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Manual focus
  • $470
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • In-camera panoramas
Pentax X-5
Nikon S9500
  • $187
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $470
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Built-in GPS

Compared to Fujifilm S6800

Canon SX260 HS
Fujifilm S6800
  • $480
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Built-in GPS
  • $169
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Slower slow-motion
Pentax X-5
Fujifilm S6800
  • $187
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $169
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer exposure

Compared to Canon SX280 HS

Canon SX260 HS
Canon SX280 HS
  • $480
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoots 24p video
  • Slow-motion videos
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Shoots 60p video
Pentax X-5
Canon SX280 HS
  • $187
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
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