Olympus SP-610UZ vs Pentax MX-1

Below, we will be looking at the Olympus SP-610UZ and Pentax MX-1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the SP-610UZ (14MP) and the MX-1 (12MP) is pretty similar but the SP-610UZ (1/2.3") and MX-1 (1/1.7") possess different sensor sizing.

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The SP-610UZ was unveiled 3 years before the MX-1 which is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go in to a in-depth comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the SP-610UZ matches up versus the MX-1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SP-610UZ and Pentax MX-1. The full galleries are provided at Olympus SP-610UZ Gallery and Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

For those who are looking to travel with your camera frequently, you are going to need to think about its weight and size. The Olympus SP-610UZ has physical measurements of 107mm x 73mm x 73mm (4.2" x 2.9" x 2.9") along with a weight of 405 grams (0.89 lbs) and the Pentax MX-1 has specifications of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") with a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SP-610UZ and Pentax MX-1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have at that moment. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the SP-610UZ compared to the MX-1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SP-610UZ and MX-1 is 79 and 84 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to visualize the gap between sensor dimensions merely by reading a spec sheet. The picture below will provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the SP-610UZ and MX-1.

As you can see, the 2 cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The SP-610UZ using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF more difficult and the Olympus SP-610UZ will deliver greater detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more aged SP-610UZ is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.