Olympus SP-100 vs Pentax MX-1

In this write-up, we will be matching up the Olympus SP-100 and Pentax MX-1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Pentax. There exists a huge gap between the image resolutions of the SP-100 (16MP) and MX-1 (12MP) and the SP-100 (1/2.3") and MX-1 (1/1.7") enjoy different sensor measurements.

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The SP-100 was unveiled 8 months after the MX-1 and they are of a similar generation. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SP-100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Pentax MX-1 being a Compact camera.

Before going through a in depth comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the SP-100 grades against the MX-1 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus SP-100 and Pentax MX-1. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus SP-100 Gallery and Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SP-100 comes with exterior measurements of 122mm x 91mm x 133mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 5.2") and a weight of 594 grams (1.31 lbs) and 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).

Check out the Olympus SP-100 and Pentax MX-1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you use at the time. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the SP-100 vs the MX-1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SP-100 and MX-1 is 63 and 84 respectively.

Typically, it is very tough to imagine the gap between sensor sizes merely by reading through technical specs. The picture below might provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the SP-100 and MX-1.

As you have seen, each of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SP-100 with its tinier sensor is going to make shooting bokeh more challenging and the Olympus SP-100 will give greater detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The younger SP-100 should have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.