Panasonic GF3 vs Pentax MX-1

On this page, we will be reviewing the Panasonic GF3 and Pentax MX-1, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the GF3 (12MP) and the MX-1 (12MP) is pretty similar but the GF3 (Four Thirds) and MX-1 (1/1.7") posses totally different sensor sizing.

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The GF3 was brought out 23 months before the MX-1 which makes them a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GF3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax MX-1 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a detailed comparison, here is a simple overview of how the GF3 grades versus the MX-1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 and Pentax MX-1. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic GF3 Gallery and Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

When you are looking to lug around your camera often, you have to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic GF3 enjoys physical dimensions of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") with a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs) while the Pentax MX-1 has sizing of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") with a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic GF3 and Pentax MX-1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you choose at that moment. Here is a front view measurement comparison of the GF3 and the MX-1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GF3 and MX-1 is 90 and 84 respectively.

More often than not, it is very hard to visualise the gap between sensor measurements purely by reviewing specs. The photograph here will help give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the GF3 and MX-1.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras have the same megapixel count albeit not the same sensor measurements. The GF3 features the bigger sensor which is going to make obtaining bokeh less difficult. The older GF3 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.