Canon SD3500 IS vs Pentax MX-1

Below is a complete analysis of the Canon SD3500 IS and Pentax MX-1, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by manufacturers Canon and Pentax. The resolution of the SD3500 IS (14MP) and the MX-1 (12MP) is very comparable but the SD3500 IS (1/2.3") and MX-1 (1/1.7") boast different sensor sizes.

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The SD3500 IS was manufactured 4 years earlier than the MX-1 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before delving into a detailed comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the SD3500 IS grades against the MX-1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SD3500 IS & Pentax MX-1. The entire galleries are available at Canon SD3500 IS Gallery & Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

In case you're planning to lug around your camera regularly, you will have to think about its weight and proportions. The Canon SD3500 IS offers physical dimensions of 99mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 160 grams (0.35 lbs) while the Pentax MX-1 has measurements of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") along with a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon SD3500 IS and Pentax MX-1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. The following is a front view physical size comparison of the SD3500 IS against the MX-1.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the SD3500 IS and MX-1 is 95 and 84 respectively.

Usually, its tough to visualize the gap in sensor measurements only by going through a spec sheet. The photograph underneath might give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the SD3500 IS and MX-1.

Clearly, each of these cameras have different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SD3500 IS because of its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF more challenging and the Canon SD3500 IS will produce greater detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will help you crop photos a bit more aggressively. The older SD3500 IS will be behind in sensor technology.