Olympus 9000 vs Pentax MX-1

Lets examine more closely at the Olympus 9000 and Pentax MX-1, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by brands Olympus and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the 9000 (12MP) and the MX-1 (12MP) is very well matched but the 9000 (1/2.3") and MX-1 (1/1.7") feature totally different sensor sizing.

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The 9000 was released 5 years before the MX-1 and that is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving through a detailed comparison, below is a short highlight of how the 9000 matches up vs the MX-1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus 9000 and Pentax MX-1. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus 9000 Gallery and Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

When you are aiming to carry your camera, you're going to have to think about its weight and measurements. The Olympus 9000 enjoys external dimensions of 96mm x 60mm x 31mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 1.2") accompanied by a weight of 225 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Pentax MX-1 has proportions of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") with a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs).

Check the Olympus 9000 and Pentax MX-1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have at that moment. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the 9000 and the MX-1.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the 9000 and MX-1 is 92 and 84 respectively.

Quite often, it is difficult to see the gap between sensor sizing just by looking at technical specs. The visual here will give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the 9000 and MX-1.

As you can tell, both the cameras offer the same exact megapixels but not the same sensor sizing. The 9000 uses the tinier sensor which is going to make obtaining bokeh more challenging. The older 9000 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.