Olympus XZ-1 vs Pentax MX-1

The following is a complete analysis of the Olympus XZ-1 and Pentax MX-1, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by brands Olympus and Pentax. The resolution of the XZ-1 (10MP) and the MX-1 (12MP) is relatively well matched but the XZ-1 (1/1.63") and MX-1 (1/1.7") offer different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The XZ-1 was launched 3 years prior to the MX-1 which is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before we go right into a detailed comparison, here is a concise summation of how the XZ-1 scores vs the MX-1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus XZ-1 & Pentax MX-1. The complete galleries are available at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery & Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

If you're going to travel with your camera often, you'll have to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus XZ-1 enjoys external dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) whilst 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).

Check out the Olympus XZ-1 and Pentax MX-1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilising at the time. Below is a front view sizing comparison of the XZ-1 versus the MX-1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the XZ-1 and MX-1 is 88 and 84 respectively.

Normally, it can be tough to picture the contrast between sensor dimensions just by reading through specifications. The picture underneath may give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-1 and MX-1.

To sum up, both the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The XZ-1 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Pentax MX-1 will give you more detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The more aged XZ-1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.