Olympus SZ-12 vs Pentax MX-1

Lets examine more closely at the Olympus SZ-12 vs 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 SZ-12 (14MP) and the MX-1 (12MP) is relatively well matched but the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and MX-1 (1/1.7") come with different sensor size.

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The SZ-12 was revealed 17 months prior to the MX-1 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. The two cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a quick summation of how the SZ-12 grades vs the MX-1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SZ-12 and Pentax MX-1. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery and Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry around your camera, you're going to have to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus SZ-12 features external dimensions of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Pentax MX-1 has sizing of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") with a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SZ-12 vs Pentax MX-1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing during that time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the SZ-12 versus the MX-1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ-12 and MX-1 is 89 and 84 respectively.

Quite often, it is very hard to picture the difference between sensor sizes just by looking at technical specs. The picture below might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ-12 and MX-1.

As you can tell, both of the cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SZ-12 with its tinier sensor is going to make getting bokeh trickier and the Olympus SZ-12 will give you extra detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop pictures much more aggressively. The more aged SZ-12 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.