Olympus E-3 vs Pentax MX-1

On this page, we will be evaluating the Olympus E-3 versus Pentax MX-1, former being a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-3 (10MP) and the MX-1 (12MP) is relatively close but the E-3 (Four Thirds) and MX-1 (1/1.7") offer different sensor sizes.

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The E-3 was launched 6 years before the MX-1 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Olympus E-3 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax MX-1 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the E-3 grades against the MX-1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-3 & Pentax MX-1. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-3 Gallery & Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera frequently, you should take into account its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-3 enjoys outside measurements of 142mm x 116mm x 75mm (5.6" x 4.6" x 3.0") with a weight of 890 grams (1.96 lbs) and the Pentax MX-1 has proportions of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") with a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus E-3 versus Pentax MX-1 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are utilising during that time. Underneath is a front view measurement comparison of the E-3 against the MX-1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the E-3 and MX-1 is 56 and 84 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to visualize the difference in sensor sizing simply by viewing specifications. The visual underneath will give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the E-3 and MX-1.

To sum up, both of the cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The E-3 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field easier and the Pentax MX-1 will result in more detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs more aggressively. The older E-3 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.