Olympus VG-120 vs Pentax MX-1

Below, we will be matching up the Olympus VG-120 and Pentax MX-1, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Pentax. The image resolution of the VG-120 (14MP) and the MX-1 (12MP) is pretty comparable but the VG-120 (1/2.3") and MX-1 (1/1.7") enjoy different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The VG-120 was revealed 3 years earlier than the MX-1 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Olympus VG-120 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax MX-1 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a in-depth comparison, below is a quick summation of how the VG-120 grades against the MX-1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus VG-120 and Pentax MX-1. The full galleries are available at Olympus VG-120 Gallery and Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry around your camera frequently, you have to consider its weight and proportions. The Olympus VG-120 offers physical dimensions of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 120 grams (0.26 lbs) and the Pentax MX-1 has measurements of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") having a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs).

Look at the Olympus VG-120 and Pentax MX-1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are employing at that time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the VG-120 and the MX-1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the VG-120 and MX-1 is 96 and 84 respectively.

In many cases, it can be tough to picture the difference in sensor sizes simply by going through specifications. The picture underneath might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the VG-120 and MX-1.

To sum up, both the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The VG-120 using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field more difficult and the Olympus VG-120 will produce more detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more aged VG-120 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.