Olympus SZ-11 vs Pentax MX-1

Lets take a deeper look at the Olympus SZ-11 versus Pentax MX-1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the SZ-11 (14MP) and the MX-1 (12MP) is pretty close but the SZ-11 (1/2.3") and MX-1 (1/1.7") have totally different sensor size.

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The SZ-11 was released 23 months before the MX-1 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before going right into a full comparison, here is a concise view of how the SZ-11 matches up vs the MX-1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus SZ-11 and Pentax MX-1. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-11 Gallery and Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera regularly, you will have to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-11 comes with exterior dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") and a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Pentax MX-1 has sizing of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") along with a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-11 versus Pentax MX-1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you select during that time. Below is a front view measurement comparison of the SZ-11 and the MX-1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-11 and MX-1 is 89 and 84 respectively.

Typically, it is difficult to envision the difference in sensor sizing only by viewing specs. The visual below might provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ-11 and MX-1.

All in all, the two cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SZ-11 because of its smaller sensor will make getting bokeh more difficult and the Olympus SZ-11 will render more detail as a result of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs way more aggressively. The older SZ-11 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.