Olympus E-420 vs Pentax MX-1

Here, we are contrasting the Olympus E-420 and Pentax MX-1, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the E-420 (10MP) and the MX-1 (12MP) is fairly well matched but the E-420 (Four Thirds) and MX-1 (1/1.7") posses different sensor sizing.

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The E-420 was released 6 years before the MX-1 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-420 being a Compact SLR camera and the Pentax MX-1 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight to a complete comparison, here is a short introduction of how the E-420 grades versus the MX-1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-420 and Pentax MX-1. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus E-420 Gallery and Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry your camera frequently, you are going to need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus E-420 offers external measurements of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") and a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs) while the Pentax MX-1 has dimensions of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") having a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-420 and Pentax MX-1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you select at that time. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the E-420 vs the MX-1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the E-420 and MX-1 is 77 and 84 respectively.

In many cases, it's hard to imagine the contrast between sensor sizing purely by looking at technical specs. The graphic underneath will give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the E-420 and MX-1.

As you have seen, both cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-420 due to its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Pentax MX-1 will give you greater detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop images way more aggressively. The older E-420 is going to be behind in sensor tech.