Panasonic FH20 vs Pentax MX-1

Its time to take a closer look at the Panasonic FH20 vs Pentax MX-1, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the FH20 (14MP) and the MX-1 (12MP) is fairly comparable but the FH20 (1/2.3") and MX-1 (1/1.7") offer different sensor size.

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The FH20 was revealed 4 years earlier than the MX-1 and that is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before we go into a thorough comparison, here is a short summation of how the FH20 scores vs the MX-1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 & Pentax MX-1. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FH20 Gallery & Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

If you're looking to carry your camera, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic FH20 offers outer dimensions of 100mm x 56mm x 28mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") having a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs) and the Pentax MX-1 has sizing of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") along with a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FH20 vs Pentax MX-1 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Underneath is a front view dimensions comparison of the FH20 versus the MX-1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the FH20 and MX-1 is 93 and 84 respectively.

In many cases, its tough to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing only by going through a spec sheet. The graphic underneath should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH20 and MX-1.

Clearly, the 2 cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FH20 having a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more challenging and the Panasonic FH20 will produce extra detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images a bit more aggressively. The older FH20 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.