Panasonic FH2 vs Pentax MX-1

Here is a detailed overview of the Panasonic FH2 vs Pentax MX-1, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the FH2 (14MP) and the MX-1 (12MP) is pretty similar but the FH2 (1/2.3") and MX-1 (1/1.7") provide different sensor sizing.

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The FH2 was launched 3 years prior to the MX-1 and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go into a complete comparison, here is a simple view of how the FH2 grades versus the MX-1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH2 & Pentax MX-1. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH2 Gallery & Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera regularly, you have to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FH2 offers outer dimensions of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") with a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) while the Pentax MX-1 has proportions of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") with a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FH2 vs Pentax MX-1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you select at the time. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the FH2 versus the MX-1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the FH2 and MX-1 is 96 and 84 respectively.

In many cases, its difficult to picture the difference between sensor sizing purely by reviewing a spec sheet. The visual below might give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the FH2 and MX-1.

Clearly, both of these cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FH2 because of its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Panasonic FH2 will offer more detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures more aggressively. The older FH2 is going to be behind in sensor tech.