Canon SX120 IS vs Pentax MX-1

Following is a comprehensive overview of the Canon SX120 IS versus Pentax MX-1, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by rivals Canon and Pentax. The image resolution of the SX120 IS (10MP) and the MX-1 (12MP) is very comparable but the SX120 IS (1/2.5") and MX-1 (1/1.7") use different sensor sizing.

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The SX120 IS was revealed 4 years prior to the MX-1 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a thorough comparison, below is a concise summation of how the SX120 IS scores against the MX-1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX120 IS and Pentax MX-1. The full galleries are available at Canon SX120 IS Gallery and Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry around your camera frequently, you are going to need to think about its weight and measurements. The Canon SX120 IS features outer measurements of 111mm x 71mm x 45mm (4.4" x 2.8" x 1.8") having a weight of 285 grams (0.63 lbs) whilst the Pentax MX-1 has proportions of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") along with a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs).

Contrast the Canon SX120 IS versus Pentax MX-1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you select during that time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the SX120 IS against the MX-1.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the SX120 IS and MX-1 is 87 and 84 respectively.

Usually, it can be tough to imagine the difference in sensor sizes simply by checking out specs. The pic below will give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the SX120 IS and MX-1.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SX120 IS using its smaller sensor is going to make getting bokeh tougher and the Pentax MX-1 will produce greater detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will let you crop pics much more aggressively. The more aged SX120 IS will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.