Olympus 550WP vs Pentax MX-1

Here, we are matching up the Olympus 550WP and Pentax MX-1, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by manufacturers Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the 550WP (10MP) and the MX-1 (12MP) is fairly well matched but the 550WP (1/2.3") and MX-1 (1/1.7") boast totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The 550WP was revealed 5 years before the MX-1 which is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before delving into a full comparison, here is a concise summation of how the 550WP scores against the MX-1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus 550WP & Pentax MX-1. The full galleries are available at Olympus 550WP Gallery & Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

If you are aiming to travel with your camera often, you'll have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Olympus 550WP comes with outer measurements of 94mm x 62mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.4" x 0.9") along with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) while the Pentax MX-1 has dimensions of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") and a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs).

Analyze the Olympus 550WP and Pentax MX-1 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you choose at that time. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the 550WP and the MX-1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the 550WP and MX-1 is 94 and 84 respectively.

Usually, its hard to envision the difference between sensor dimensions simply by checking a spec sheet. The picture below will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the 550WP and MX-1.

Clearly, the 2 cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The 550WP having a tinier sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Pentax MX-1 will give extra detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images way more aggressively. The more aged 550WP is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.