Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Pentax MX-1

On this page, we are evaluating the Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Pentax MX-1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the SP-590 UZ (12MP) and the MX-1 (12MP) is fairly comparable but the SP-590 UZ (1/2.3") and MX-1 (1/1.7") offer totally different sensor sizing.

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The SP-590 UZ was announced 5 years earlier than the MX-1 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Olympus SP-590 UZ being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax MX-1 being a Compact camera.

Before diving into a thorough comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the SP-590 UZ matches up vs the MX-1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SP-590 UZ and Pentax MX-1. The whole galleries are provided at Olympus SP-590 UZ Gallery and Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to travel with your camera often, you'll need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SP-590 UZ enjoys physical dimensions of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") having a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs) whilst the Pentax MX-1 has dimensions of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") along with a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs).

Compare the Olympus SP-590 UZ vs Pentax MX-1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the SP-590 UZ and the MX-1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SP-590 UZ and MX-1 is 72 and 84 respectively.

Sometimes, it is tough to see the gap in sensor dimensions purely by checking out a spec sheet. The image below will help give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the SP-590 UZ and MX-1.

As you can see, the two cameras provide the same megapixels but not the same sensor dimensions. The SP-590 UZ provides the smaller sensor which will make achieving bokeh tougher. The more aged SP-590 UZ will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.