Olympus VG-145 vs Pentax MX-1

The following is a comprehensive review of the Olympus VG-145 and Pentax MX-1, former is a Ultracompact while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the VG-145 (14MP) and the MX-1 (12MP) is pretty comparable but the VG-145 (1/2.3") and MX-1 (1/1.7") use different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The VG-145 was launched 23 months prior to the MX-1 which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Olympus VG-145 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax MX-1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a full comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the VG-145 scores vs the MX-1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Olympus VG-145 & Pentax MX-1. The complete galleries are provided at Olympus VG-145 Gallery & Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

In case you're intending to travel with your camera regularly, you should factor its weight and size. The Olympus VG-145 features outer measurements of 96mm x 57mm x 19mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.7") with a weight of 120 grams (0.26 lbs) and the Pentax MX-1 has specifications 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 VG-145 and Pentax MX-1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are utilising at that time. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the VG-145 and the MX-1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the VG-145 and MX-1 is 96 and 84 respectively.

Generally, it's tough to visualize the difference in sensor dimensions only by going through a spec sheet. The picture underneath may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the VG-145 and MX-1.

Clearly, both of those cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The VG-145 because of its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Olympus VG-145 will produce extra detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged VG-145 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.