Nikon S8100 vs Pentax MX-1

Lets look more closely at the Nikon S8100 and Pentax MX-1, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by competitors Nikon and Pentax. The image resolution of the S8100 (12MP) and the MX-1 (12MP) is very close but the S8100 (1/2.3") and MX-1 (1/1.7") offer different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The S8100 was announced 3 years prior to the MX-1 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before delving into a in depth comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the S8100 grades vs the MX-1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon Coolpix S8100 & Pentax MX-1. The whole galleries are available at Nikon S8100 Gallery & Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

In case you're planning to lug around your camera frequently, you will need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Nikon S8100 enjoys outside measurements of 104mm x 60mm x 30mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 180 grams (0.40 lbs) while the Pentax MX-1 has dimensions of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") and a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs).

See the Nikon S8100 and Pentax MX-1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have attached at that time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the S8100 and the MX-1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the S8100 and MX-1 is 93 and 84 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very hard to visualize the gap in sensor measurements only by researching a spec sheet. The photograph here should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the S8100 and MX-1.

As you can see, both cameras provide the same megapixel count but different sensor measurements. The S8100 has the smaller sensor which should make obtaining shallower DOF trickier. The older S8100 will be behind in sensor tech.