Olympus E-P3 vs Pentax MX-1

Here is a in depth overview of the Olympus E-P3 and Pentax MX-1, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the E-P3 (12MP) and the MX-1 (12MP) is very close but the E-P3 (Four Thirds) and MX-1 (1/1.7") come with totally different sensor size.

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The E-P3 was manufactured 22 months earlier than the MX-1 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus E-P3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax MX-1 being a Compact camera.

Before going through a full comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the E-P3 matches up vs the MX-1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus PEN E-P3 and Pentax MX-1. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus E-P3 Gallery and Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera often, you should factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-P3 has external dimensions of 122mm x 69mm x 34mm (4.8" x 2.7" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 369 grams (0.81 lbs) whilst the Pentax MX-1 has proportions of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") and a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs).

Check out the Olympus E-P3 and Pentax MX-1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you choose at that time. The following is the front view proportions comparison of the E-P3 versus the MX-1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-P3 and MX-1 is 86 and 84 respectively.

Often, its difficult to see the contrast in sensor sizing simply by researching specifications. The visual here might give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-P3 and MX-1.

To sum up, each of these cameras enjoy the same exact MP but not the same sensor sizing. The E-P3 has the larger sensor which should make achieving shallower DOF simpler. The older E-P3 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.