Olympus SH-2 vs Pentax MX-1

On this page, we are evaluating the Olympus SH-2 and Pentax MX-1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Olympus and Pentax. There exists a significant gap between the sensor resolutions of the SH-2 (16MP) and MX-1 (12MP) and the SH-2 (1/2.3") and MX-1 (1/1.7") boast different sensor sizing.

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The SH-2 was manufactured 21 months after the MX-1 making them a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before delving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the SH-2 grades against the MX-1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus Stylus SH-2 and Pentax MX-1. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus SH-2 Gallery and Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry around your camera, you need to consider its weight and volume. The Olympus SH-2 offers physical measurements of 109mm x 63mm x 42mm (4.3" x 2.5" x 1.7") and a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) while the Pentax MX-1 has sizing of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") accompanied by a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SH-2 and Pentax MX-1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using at that moment. Underneath is a front view proportions comparison of the SH-2 compared to the MX-1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SH-2 and MX-1 is 88 and 84 respectively.

Quite often, it's tough to visualize the contrast between sensor sizes just by reading through specifications. The picture here should provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the SH-2 and MX-1.

To sum up, both cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The SH-2 due to its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Olympus SH-2 will give extra detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The more modern SH-2 should have a benefit in sensor innovation.