Panasonic SZ3 vs Pentax MX-1

In this article, we are reviewing the Panasonic SZ3 and Pentax MX-1, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a noticeable gap among the sensor resolutions of the SZ3 (16MP) and MX-1 (12MP) and the SZ3 (1/2.3") and MX-1 (1/1.7") use different sensor sizing.

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The SZ3 was brought out 5 months before the MX-1 which means that they are of a similar age. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go through a complete comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the SZ3 scores against the MX-1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 & Pentax MX-1. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic SZ3 Gallery & Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry around your camera regularly, you're going to have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic SZ3 offers exterior dimensions of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs) and the Pentax MX-1 has dimensions of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") along with a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic SZ3 and Pentax MX-1 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the SZ3 versus the MX-1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SZ3 and MX-1 is 96 and 84 respectively.

Typically, it can be hard to picture the difference in sensor sizes purely by looking through technical specs. The picture here might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the SZ3 and MX-1.

As you can tell, both of those cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The SZ3 because of its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Panasonic SZ3 will result in more detail having its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos far more aggressively.