Olympus TG-870 vs Pentax MX-1

Here is a detailed assessment of the Olympus TG-870 vs Pentax MX-1, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference among the resolutions of the TG-870 (16MP) and MX-1 (12MP) and the TG-870 (1/2.3") and MX-1 (1/1.7") use different sensor measurements.

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The TG-870 was unveiled 2 years later than the MX-1 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus TG-870 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax MX-1 being a Compact camera.

Before going through a thorough comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the TG-870 matches up versus the MX-1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus Stylus Tough TG-870 and Pentax MX-1. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus TG-870 Gallery and Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera regularly, you'll need to factor its weight and volume. The Olympus TG-870 features exterior dimensions of 113mm x 64mm x 28mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.1") having a weight of 221 grams (0.49 lbs) whilst 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).

Compare the Olympus TG-870 vs Pentax MX-1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the TG-870 vs the MX-1.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the TG-870 and MX-1 is 91 and 84 respectively.

In many cases, its hard to picture the contrast in sensor sizing merely by seeing specs. The graphic underneath might offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the TG-870 and MX-1.

All in all, each of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The TG-870 having a smaller sensor is going to make achieving bokeh tougher and the Olympus TG-870 will provide extra detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more recent TG-870 provides a benefit in sensor tech.